Myles’ Take: In a lot of ways, I don’t know where the hell to even begin with this album. There are so many layers to the songwriting, the production, the lyrics, and the instrumentation that I won’t be able to mention all of them here. But just… wow, what an incredible debut record. It has been a very long time that we’ve seen such an incredible resurgence of post-punk in such a short amount of time, but 2021 has certainly delivered with records like this and others in the genre quickly becoming stand-outs in January’s release lineup. But even among that excellent batch of records, For the First Time is my album of the year at the time of writing. There has not yet been an album to draw me in as much as this one. The only negatives I can truly think of result from comparisons to other versions of the songs on this album. I definitely prefer the single version of Sunglasses, despite excellent additions in certain areas of the re-recorded version. But if I had never heard that version of the song, I would not think twice to call it the best track on the record. There is a lot to like about this band’s first batch of tracks, to put it mildly. Starting with the hypnotic and thunderous instrumentation on the opening instrumental track, the songs on this record gradually build to cathartic, wacky, and hard hitting climaxes without fail. It’s like listening to the grooviest panic attack ever put to tape, especially when the klezmer breakdown of the closing track “Opus” hits. It’s so unexpected, and yet it suits the record in such a way that I couldn’t imagine it without it. The risk-taking, trailblazing nature of these songs is one that I haven’t recognized in a band since hearing Black Midi’s debut record last year. It’s no surprise that the bands often perform together. Their music crosses at such a unique intersection of experimental rock and post-punk that it would be unthinkable for them to not be inspired by each other. The excellent musicianship of the band is also accentuated by some excellent lyricism from frontman Isaac Wood, who drawls out every word with off-kilter and emphatic passion as he comments on his insecurities, traumas, and manic ego inflations. This hits an incredible fever pitch on the second half of Sunglasses, where Isaac likens himself to the Fonz and Scott Walker, contrasted with unhinged pleas to “leave Kanye out of this!” That’s just one of many stand-out moments on this record, and it’s hard to think of a track that I consider my least favorite. They are all show-stopping expressions of a band that is just starting off with what I hope is a long, successful career. And as much as I enjoy this record, I already can’t wait to hear something new from the band and see where they go next. After such an inspired debut as this, it’s hard not to feel excited to see more music from Black Country, New Road in the future. Until then, you can catch me wearing out my copy of this album on vinyl.
Favorite tracks: “Instrumental,” “Science Fair,” and “Opus.”
Overall Score: 9.4/10