With 2005′s Howl, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club showed a polished, daring sound not heard on their two previous records. Howl was a mellower collection of songs, focusing on harmonies, tinged with a perfect blend of folk and gospel. They departed briefly from the heavier garage-rock and focused on a skin-deep rendition of Americana at its best. On Baby 81, their second release with RCA (Echo in the UK), they return to the sound that first implanted them into the new rock revolution, with the likes of the Strokes, The Vines, and Kings of Leon.

The new record is musically concise, politically-charged, and an overall good rock record. There is plenty of solid guitar work from Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been, and the overall vocal quality (shared by both Hayes and Been) solidify their place as two of the better vocalists in “the scene.” Some tracks that stick out include “Weapon of Choice,” “Need Some Air,” and “Lien on Your Dreams;” all of which have a driving rhythm, tasteful guitar work, and catchy, raw lyrics.

I’ll continue to argue that Howl is by far one of the best releases of its year, and one of the better records in its genre. If you don’t have it pick it up NOW! Nevertheless, BRMC prove their consistency with Baby 81. I like it more with each listen and I’m not getting tired of it. I think the band will continue to put out great records and hopefully test their limits, and expand their sound in future records.

Check the band’s upcoming tour dates here
Preorder the album (released May 1, 2007) here

Listen to:
“Lien on Your Dreams” (4.2/5)
“Need Some Air” (4/5)
“Weapon of Choice” (4/5)