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10.0
128217
10.0 |
musicOMH
For The First Time suggested that BC,NR were wilfully oblique arty types, smirking behind their sunglasses, but this is a more heart-on-sleeve album. Let’s not get too sentimental about it though – that heart is carved into a suit of armour, not tattooed on warm skin
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10.0
128246
10.0 |
Gigwise
Sonic experimentation at its finest
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10.0
128261
10.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Contrary to For The First Time, this new offering is a truer parading of Black Country, New Road's vision: ornate, chamber pop with occasional midwest emo flairs dovetailing into devastating post-rock abysses that invert into domineering mountains of cathartic climaxes
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10.0
128272
10.0 |
NME
This future cult classic, released amid the departure of singer Isaac Wood, packs accessible sounds without sacrificing the band's musical wizardry
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10.0
128294
10.0 |
The Independent
A huge leap forward, headfirst into the unknown
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10.0
128340
10.0 |
The Observer
With now departed frontman Isaac Wood its playful driving force, the London band’s inspired second album is best heard in a single sitting
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9.0
128329
9.0 |
God Is In The TV
An absolutely fantastic record, streets ahead from what was a very impressive debut and hopefully not the final chapter in one of the UK’s most interesting bands
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9.0
128406
9.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Ants from Up There feels like the end result of a band that have gotten fully comfortable creating music with each other, to the degree where it’s unsurprising that they were able to make something this dense less than a year after an already-dense debut
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9.0
128257
9.0 |
PopMatters
One of the richest and most emotionally-honest albums released by a young British band for quite some time. In a world that seems content to reanimate the past perpetually, Black Country, New Road are daring to dream up something different
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9.0
128214
9.0 |
Uncut
Its relentless emotional pummelling is quite an experience, a rollercoaster ride for the soul that is likely to leave you feeling distinctly and permanently rearranged
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9.0
128198
9.0 |
Clash
More melodic and anthemic than ever, 'Ants From Up There' captures Black Country, New Road at a critically transformative juncture, creative juices well and truly pumping; post-punk landfill an impossibility
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8.8
128210
8.8 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
This newfound willingness, even ability, to just be nakedly emotional and let the melodies lead is the best weapon this new Black Country, New Road have at their disposal
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8.7
128351
8.7 |
Beats Per Minute
A gripping, heartbreaking and life-affirming listen
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8.5
128264
8.5 |
Under The Radar
Taken from an aerial view, it’s hard to be anything but impressed with what a cohesive, intentioned work they’ve created as a result. Taken on their terms, this is easily one of the most richly rewarding projects of 2022 so far
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8.5
128199
8.5 |
Northern Transmissions
Black Country, New Road manage to sound even more self-assured on Ants From Up There than on For the First Time. With a wider sense of what they’re capable of, their future is as exciting as it has ever been, if not more
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8.4
128358
8.4 |
Pitchfork
The exceptional second album from the London group plays like a slow burn to a triumphant finale. Softer and more melodic, the band remains just as challenging and delightfully confounding as ever
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8.0
128449
8.0 |
The FT
Though released days after the resignation of the band’s lead vocalist, ‘Ants From Up There’ displays an ambitious state of equilibrium
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8.0
128357
8.0 |
Crack
As the band emerged, they were known for being hyperaware and winkingly knowing, but here the album’s title hints at a change in perspective. A zooming out over the world, and the smallness of everyday life. It makes for a record bathed in warmth and sincerity
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8.0
128285
8.0 |
Dork
A phenomenal record, and excitingly, not just one for the already converted. ‘Ants From Up There’ will make everyone soar
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8.0
128205
8.0 |
The Skinny
Black Country, New Road's second album Ants From Up There is a galloping, murmuring and exciting barrage of sounds and ideas
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8.0
128215
8.0 |
Mojo
Represents a substantial step forward for them. Print edition only
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8.0
128313
8.0 |
All Music
Black Country made a strong impression on their debut, but things become much more interesting with Ants from Up There. Given the drama surrounding its release, the question now becomes: can the group survive it?
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8.0
128277
8.0 |
DIY
There’s a warmth that pervades the whole collection
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7.8
128280
7.8 |
Paste Magazine
This is a record that sees Black Country, New Road reestablishing themselves. Having been lauded by nearly every outlet following their debut, you get the sense the band are trying to reset expectations: Buried beneath their own laurels, they’re not afraid to shake them off
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7.0
128248
7.0 |
Exclaim
Ants from Up There serves both as a clearing house for leftover ideas from the debut and a tentative next step in Black Country's evolution. Serving both purposes results in an album that doesn't necessarily have the same electrical charge as what came before and would benefit from a little trimming here and there
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6.0
128206
6.0 |
Loud And Quiet
Ants From Up There is not simply a repeat, but neither is it wholly new. However, there’s enough here to give BC,NR the benefit of the doubt. Few albums strike with the force of For The First Time; maybe Ants From Up There will just take some time to leave a mark
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