Black Country, New Road – Albert Hall, Manchester: Live Review

By Harry Hodgson on 15th September 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

Black Country, New Road are back in Manchester for the first of two nights at the magnificent Albert Hall.

A LONG TIME COMING…

Tonight’s sold-out show has been a long time coming for BCNR. Way back in 2022, a tour was scheduled with the band set to play this very venue. However, with the departure of front man Isaac Wood just before the album was put out, plans were scrapped. Having tickets to see them, I felt disappointed to have missed the show as the beauty of Manchester’s Albert Hall seemed like the perfect place to catch the band live. That’s why I’m so excited for tonight.

The band walk on stage to the sounds of Petula Clark’s Downtown which is quickly drowned out by the screams and cheers of the sold-out Manchester audience. Opening the set is For The Cold Country, the third single and absolute highlight of their latest full-length release, Forever Howlong. Instantly captivated by the stunning vocal performance from May Kershaw, the crowd settles down. Her voice is controlled yet full of emotion. As the track progresses and the instrumental ramps up, other members get chance to shine with a spotlight shining on them. It is a truly breath-taking opener that sets the standard high for what the rest of the night has to offer.

STRIKING SONGS

Vocalist and bassist Tyler Hyde addresses the audience, saying the band are so happy to be here, and that tonight will be an emotional one. It’s clear it’s not just us fans who are excited to be at the show. They then rattle through various songs from their newest album, each of which are striking in the live environment. Highlights for me include the dramatic second half of Two Horses, the euphoric saxophone on The Big Spin and the three vocalists coming together on Mary. The latter being one of the most impressive and enchanting moments I’ve seen on stage all year.

Lead single Besties hits around the middle section of the night. The track gets the biggest instant reaction from its opening and prompts the first real sing-along. Georgia Ellery’s dazzling vocals are truly delightful, making it clear that the bands’ three vocalists are all unique in their own way, but are also all fantastic. It’s hard to imagine it won’t be a main stay in their set for years to come.

TENSE & DRAMATIC

We get a taste of the band’s 2023 release Live At Bush Hall, with an intimate reimagining of Dancers. Centred around Tyler’s vocals and keyboard, the track feels more vulnerable and fits alongside the Forever Howlong songs extremely well. Nancy Tries to Takes The Night brings the energy back towards the end of the evening. The tense and dramatic structure of the song is captivating throughout. Its place in the set is perfect, grabbing the audience just before it’s time to say goodbye.

The night ends with a heartfelt thank you and as a message of Palestinian solidarity, before going into Happy Birthday. It’s a perfect way to close out the evening. As the song ends, the crowd erupt into a standing ovation. As the band look around the stunning venue, they seem in awe at the overwhelmingly positive reception. Black Country, New Road have put on an amazing show that has only elevated the power of their material. This definitely won’t be the last time I catch them live.