If Netflix’s new medical drama got your heart pumping, you’re not alone. Pulse quickly climbed in streaming rankings around the world, proving that watching sexy doctors save lives and deal with messy personal issues never goes out of style.
And while reviews have been mixed, the series definitely isn’t dead on arrival. In fact, it has the potential to go on for years to come. Whether it will be picked out for more episodes, however – that remains to be seen.
Pulse Season 2 Release Date
Pulse premiered on April 3, 2025, with all episodes available at once. It steadily climbed in Netflix’s top 10, so it’s safe to assume that viewers are still interested in intense medical dramas.
The hospital setting has a knack for keeping the audience on their toes, with high stakes from the get-go.
At the time of writing, Pulse hasn’t yet been renewed for more episodes. Even so, the buzz has been relentless and viewership numbers seem solid. We wouldn’t be surprised to get Pulse season 2. If that happens, it will likely arrive sometime in 2026.
Pulse Cast
Willa Fitzgerald as Danielle “Danny” Simms
Colin Woodell as Xander Phillips
Jessie T. Usher as Sam Elijah
Justina Machado as Natalia Cruz
Jack Bannon as Tom Cole
Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez
What Will Happen in Pulse Season 2?
Pulse is set in a Miami hospital and follows the doctors as they deal with relationship tensions and the pressure of working in an emergency room. There’s also a hurricane threat, which means more trauma cases.
At the centre of the action is Danny, a third-year medical resident who is unexpectedly promoted. Not only does she have to deal with more responsibility, but her personal life unravels as a past romance with fellow doctor Phillips might not be quite as past after all.
The first season of Pulse took viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions and ended with the subtle hint that there would be more to come. The people behind the series certainly hope so. They promise to ramp up the character drama in Pulse season 2.
“Hopefully we’re going to get a Season 2. Not only will we get more of Danny and Phillips, but we’re also going to get the opportunity in Season 2 to dig into these other characters [with] a lot more depth,” executive producer Carlton Cuse told TV Guide.
One of the downsides of the first season is that, while the action is entertaining, the secondary characters are a bit generic. Giving them more interesting things to do would make Pulse season 2 even more addictive.
Are There Other Shows Like Pulse?
If you love Pulse due to its hospital setting and medical cases, there’s plenty of choice for your next binge.
Similar shows you might enjoy include Grey’s Anatomy, The Pitt, Scrubs, House M.D., New Amsterdam, The Resident, E.R., and The Good Doctor.
Gaming, once considered a pastime, has evolved into a multi-faceted activity that offers more than just entertainment. Video games, casual games, and even online casino gaming are not only about immersion in virtual worlds but also provide opportunities to develop and refine important life skills. These skills transcend the screen and have the potential to improve how players approach challenges, communicate, make decisions, and manage their time in the real world.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
One of the most significant skills honed through gaming is critical thinking. Many video games, particularly strategy games and role-playing games (RPGs), require players to assess situations, plan actions, and think several steps ahead. Whether solving complex puzzles in a game like The Legend of Zelda or navigating through intricate storylines in an RPG, gamers often face challenges that demand thoughtful problem-solving. These scenarios teach players to break down problems into smaller, manageable tasks and devise solutions based on available resources.
This type of thinking translates well into real-world situations. In the workplace, for example, employees who play video games may find themselves better at breaking down large projects into achievable goals, improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Similarly, online casino games often require strategic thinking, especially in card games like poker, where players must consider probabilities, anticipate others’ actions, and adjust their strategies based on evolving conditions. Bettors are increasingly using strategic thinking while playing casino games online from home. Many bettors these days opt to wager at a casino not on GamStop to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience that these international sites offer. By selecting an offshore site that bypasses the UK’s strict rules, bettors can gain access to large game libraries filled with titles where they can practice strategic thinking and boost their brain power.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Gaming also enhances decision-making abilities, particularly when players are required to act quickly. Whether it’s a high-stakes shootout in a fast-paced action game or a strategic move in an online poker game, gamers regularly face moments where they must make decisions with limited information. This can teach individuals how to assess situations rapidly and trust their instincts while making high-pressure decisions.
In real life, this skill is beneficial in many contexts, from professional environments to personal situations. Gamers are often better equipped to make quick decisions, which is invaluable in fast-paced industries like finance, healthcare, or emergency services. In online casino games, the fast-paced nature of certain games, such as blackjack or roulette, challenges players to think on their feet, fostering a sense of urgency and adaptability in decision-making that can translate into better time management in daily life.
Collaboration and Communication
Online gaming, especially multiplayer games, requires collaboration and effective communication. Players must work together to achieve a common goal, often in team-based games like Fortnite or Call of Duty, where success depends on strategic planning, quick coordination, and clear communication. These games encourage players to give and receive instructions, collaborate on objectives, and support each other under pressure.
The communication skills acquired in these environments can be directly applied in the real world, particularly in team-based professional settings. Effective communication and the ability to collaborate with colleagues, even in high-stress situations, are essential in almost every career. Likewise, online casino games, particularly multiplayer table games like poker, offer players the chance to engage with others in a social yet competitive setting, learning the art of reading social cues and communicating with a diverse range of people. Whether bluffing in poker or negotiating in business, these interpersonal skills are valuable in both social and professional settings.
Time Management and Self-Discipline
Gaming also teaches important lessons in time management and self-discipline. Many games, especially mobile or online casino games, encourage players to set goals, progress through levels, and manage resources wisely. In RPGs, players often need to complete quests within certain time limits, balancing various tasks and prioritising actions to achieve success. Similarly, in casino games, players must monitor their bankroll and manage their bets to ensure longevity in the game.
This ability to manage time and resources translates directly into real-world productivity. Players are accustomed to setting goals, tracking progress, and balancing multiple priorities, skills that are useful for managing workloads, meeting deadlines, and achieving personal goals. Whether working on a project or preparing for a major life event, gamers who develop these skills in the gaming world often find it easier to stay organised and focused in real life.
Resilience and Adaptability
Another key life skill that gaming nurtures is resilience. In many games, players face challenges, failure, and obstacles. For instance, in competitive online games or casino games, losing is inevitable at times. However, these setbacks teach players to bounce back, analyse what went wrong, and try again. Overcoming repeated failure can build mental toughness, patience, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
This resilience is invaluable in real-world situations. Whether dealing with setbacks at work, personal challenges, or financial difficulties, the ability to remain calm, stay focused, and continue pushing forward is essential for long-term success. Online casino games, in particular, help players develop resilience, as many games involve a cycle of wins and losses, teaching players to handle disappointment and to keep a balanced approach to both success and failure.
Technological Literacy
Lastly, gaming can improve technological literacy, a skill increasingly important in today’s digital world. From setting up a gaming console to navigating virtual environments or understanding the mechanics of online casino games, players learn to become more comfortable with technology. As gaming continues to evolve, particularly with innovations like virtual reality (VR), players develop a deeper understanding of advanced technology, including hardware and software.
In the real world, this understanding of technology can provide a competitive advantage. In the workplace, individuals who are tech-savvy tend to adapt quicker to new software, tools, or systems. Understanding online platforms is particularly useful in industries like marketing, e-commerce, and IT. Furthermore, the ability to adapt to new technologies can improve efficiency and enhance innovation in professional settings.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Stereolab – ‘Aerial Troubles’
Stereolab are back with their first new music in 15 years. The groovy, enchanting ‘Aerial Troubles leads their new album Instant Holograms on Metal Film, which comes out May 23 via Duophonic UHF Disks/Warp Records, and is accompanied by a Laurent Askienazy-directed video.
Turnstile – ‘Never Enough’
Turnstile are still a band, they’re from Baltimore, but should we still call them hardcore? That will be the question running through many fans’ heads as they release ‘Never Enough’, the first preview and title track of their Glow On follow-up. You’ll like it if you’re a fan of a Turnstile song like ‘Mystery’, though it purposefully leaves you wanting more.
Hotline TNT – ‘Julia’s War’
Hotline TNT nod to their shoegaze contemporaries They Are Gutting a Body of Water’s label in the title of their new song, which leads their forthcoming album Raspberry Moon. It’s possibly their tightest and most infectious song to date – how many of Will Anderson’s peers could pull off a na-na-na chorus?
Lifeguard – ‘It Will Get Worse’
Chicago indie rock trio Lifeguard have announced their their debut album, Ripped and Torn, which they recorded last year with producer Randy Randall (No Age). It’s out June 6, and the pummeling, rambunctious lead single ‘It Will Get Worse’ is out now.
Ben Kweller and The Flaming Lips – ‘Killer Bee’
‘Killer Bee’, Ben Kweller’s new collaboration with the Flaming Lips, is dedicated to Nell Smith, the prodigious Canadian musician who died last year at the age of 17. The Flaming Lips were Smith’s favorite band, and they eventually backed her on 2021’s Where the Viaduct Looms. Smith’s debut album will posthumously be released this Friday, which explains the timing of the latest single from Cover the Mirrors, Kweller’s first new music since the sudden passing of his 16-year-old son Dorian Zev in 2023. The facts speak for themselves here, and the music speaks even louder.
“Nell was a gifted artist who marched to the beat of her own drum,” Kweller said. Like my son Dorian, she was taken from us out of nowhere, driving alone, freak car accident, 17 years old. Amidst the chaos, Wayne [Coyne] connected me and Liz with Nell’s parents in hopes that we might be able to shed some light on their journey ahead. Since then, Liz and I have spent hours with Jude and Rachel getting to know each other and trying to make sense of it all. Though neither of us knew each other’s child, we’ve discovered how similar these two angels were during their time here on earth. Community is one of the only reasons Liz and I are still standing today. Grief makes us feel isolated and the weight seems too heavy to carry alone. Community reunites and lifts us up. Love on your people today and every day.”
Hayden Pedigo – ‘Long Pond Lily’
Fingerstyle guitarist Hayden Pedigo has announced a new record, I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away – out June 6 – to follow up 2023’s The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored. It’s led by the luscious and expansive ‘Long Pond Lily’, of which Pedigo said: “It’s very heavy and huge. The low end is rattling on it — it sounds bonkers, and feels like it’s on the verge of going off the rails. It’s so maximalist, so much more energetic than anything I’ve ever written.”
Porches – ‘Shirt’ and ‘Lunch’
Porches has released an expanded edition of last year’s Shirt called Shirt Expansion Pack, which features two new songs. The title track boasts a soul-shattering scream, while ‘Lunch’ is exuberant in Porches’ typically warped fashion.
yeule – ‘Evangelic Girl Is a Gun’
yeule has unveiled title track off their forthcoming LP Evangelic Girl Is A Gun, which is a fractured yet danceable slice of, as the artist calls it, trip club. “An angelic blade of a dance beat with dual bpm switch ups, nostalgic synth patches Kin [Leonn, producer] and I alchemised together reminiscent of early 2010s electronica,” yeule explained. “In the light of love and obsession lies the silhouette of a shadow diluted with the playful flirting of synths and drum patterns, but this time with a sexy silhouette of a shadow. Going back to experimental dark techno, but aligning it with modern inclinations of what I want to label as ‘trip club.’ Eternal light, eternal love, depth of the heart with a shallow facade. Diluting the vanta black blood that boils on rotting flesh.”
Home Is Where – ‘Migration Patterns’
“This is about grappling with a mundane destiny,” Bea MacDonald remarked. “You will work until the day you die.” Home Is Where, of course, make an anthemic singalong out of ‘Migration Patterns’, as if to insert a we before grappling.
Willi Carlisle – ‘Work Is Work’
Interesting tie-in with the Home Is Where track, huh? ‘Work Is Work’ is the lead single from Willi Carlisle’s new album Winged Victory, arriving on June 27. “With ‘Work is Work’, I wanted to write a bluegrass tune, and I wanted to try to make a direct address of my own [à la the album’s opening cover of ‘We Have Fed You All For 1000 Years’ written by an anonymous Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) worker]. I believe that after a certain point of creature comfort and stability, money doesn’t make you happier. So what are we doing with our precious time? I wrote it in a motel room along the Mississippi River. The room was full of bedbugs, and I’d just left New Orleans, a city that seems to be thriving even as it falls into the ocean. I finished the song in about an hour. I want people to know that they aren’t free from the terrible things that work does to people, from the awful transmutation of labor into money, but that the sacrifice isn’t meaningless.”
Softie – ‘Kiss Kiss Kiss’
Softie have shared the hazily invigorating and jagged ‘Kiss Kiss Kiss’, which will appear on their just-announced Somersault EP, due May 9. The collection features the previously unveiled cuts ‘Gauzy’ and ‘Don’t Look Down’.
Lido Pimienta – ‘Mango’
Lido Pimienta has returned with the announcement of a new album, La Belleza, which is led by the stunningly transportive ‘Mango’. The song “took me back to my territory, to nature, to my people, to my village, where I watched love unfold all around me,” Pimienta reflected. “I’ve always had an aversion to writing love songs — especially if they’re about a man (insert barfing sound). But at the time, my love life was in a nebulous state: unrequited love, love from the past, love in the present — it was all I could think about. I resolved the hetero issue by keeping my love songs genderless. The sensuality is in the innuendo, in the nuance. I’m very proud of this song.”
Charmer – ‘Blue Jay’
Charmer have dropped ‘Blue Jay’, a poignant new single from their third album Downpour. “It’s about a specific day that completely shifted my life’s direction,” vocalist and guitarist David Daignault explained. “If that day never happened, I’d be living a different reality. I still don’t know if it was a good thing or not, but maybe I’ll figure it out in the next 60 years.”
Jessica Winter – ‘All I Ever Really Wanted’
My First Album is the title of Jessica Winter’s All I Ever Really Wanted, and it’s led by the cheekily, hauntingly euphoric ”All I Ever Really Wanted”. “When fantastical expectations are set so high, reality will always feel like a disappointment,” Winter explained. “As an artist, fantasising is part of the process but it can have a negative impact when you’re forever fantasising and lose appreciation for the real stuff. It’s a sound of life imploding whilst in delusional euphoria.”
Spacey Jane – ‘Through My Teeth’
Australian band Spacey Jane have previewed their upcoming LP ‘If That Makes Sense’ with a glistening new track called ‘Through My Teeth’. “We’re really happy to have this song out in the world,” the group commented. “It’s one of our favourites off the record and we can’t wait for you to hear it. It has a longing and nostalgia that made us all fall in love with the song – it goes and goes until the very last fill and we felt it was the perfect way to start the record.”
University – ‘Curwen’
UK punk outfit have announced their debut full-length, McCartney, It’ll Be OK, which arrives June 20 on Transgressive. Of the place that gives its raucous, ecstatic lead single its title, the band said: “Pale sunlight bounds over timid concrete, time jumps like a broken typewriter, the future is past and the past is irrelevant, faces falling in the animal soup of time.”
BC Camplight – ‘Two Legged Dog’ [feat. Abigail Morris]
BC Camplight has announced his new album, A Sober Conversation, with ‘Two Legged Dog’, a duet with The Last Dinner Party’s Abigail Morris. “I was so thrilled when Brian reached out and asked if I would feature on this track,” Morris commented. “I will never forget the first time I heard BC Camplight – my band was driving from London to Brighton, I was astonishingly hungover and sunken eyed in the back seat when ‘I Only Drink When I’m Drunk’ came on my Discover Weekly. I had it on repeat for the rest of the journey and spent the next week exclusively listening to the rest of his discography. This track was a joy to sing, and I felt so honoured to be involved in such a powerful and personal song. Thank you, Brian – you are the GOAT.”
Arcade Fire have announced a new album, their first since frontman Win Butler was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women in 2022. The WE follow-up is called Pink Elephant, and it’s out May 9 via Columbia. Butler produced it with Régine Chassagne and Daniel Lanois. It’s led by the single ‘Year of the Snake’, which comes with a music video made in collaboration with David Wilson and Mark Prendergas. “It’s the season of change, and if you you feel strange/ It’s probably good,” goes the chorus, and I really hope people buying into it are at least aware of the context. That’s it below, and you can scroll down to see the album cover and tracklist.
Pink Elephant Cover Artwork:
Pink Elephant Tracklist:
1. Open Your Heart or Die Trying
2. Pink Elephant
3. Year of the Snake
4. Circle of Trust
5. Alien Nation
6. Beyond Salvation
8. Ride or Die
9. I Love Her Shadow
10. She Cries Diamond Rain
11. Stuck In My Head
Luxury and comfort don’t have to be separate when it comes to fashion. Flowing silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, and stylish designs make versatile wardrobe pieces that suit any setting. Whether worn at home, on vacation, or for a special event, the right outfit blends ease with sophistication. Choosing timeless styles ensures both beauty and practicality without sacrificing comfort. A well-selected piece adds effortless charm to any look, making it a go-to option for a variety of occasions. Keep reading to explore the versatility and appeal of breezy, elegant fashion choices.
A Staple for Warm Weather
Lightweight fabrics and airy designs make a perfect combination for staying cool in warm climates. Breathable materials allow for natural airflow, preventing discomfort in high temperatures. Whether lounging at a beachside resort or strolling through a tropical destination, the right outfit enhances relaxation. Loose-fitting garments also allow for ease of movement, making them ideal for travel and outdoor events. Choosing natural fibres keeps outfits fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
The beauty of effortless fashion lies in its ability to adapt to different environments. A simple outfit can be elevated with the right accessories, making it suitable for both casual and elegant occasions. Whether paired with sandals for a day out or statement jewellery for an evening gathering, versatile pieces offer endless styling possibilities. With minimal effort, a well-chosen ensemble becomes a wardrobe essential for any season.
Relaxed Luxury for Home and Leisure
Comfortable fashion isn’t limited to public outings—some styles are perfect for home as well. Flowing garments made from soft, smooth fabrics provide an instant feeling of relaxation. Whether enjoying a quiet evening indoors or hosting a gathering, feeling good in what you wear enhances overall well-being. Elevated loungewear strikes a balance between ease and elegance, making everyday moments feel special. Investing in high-quality fabrics ensures long-lasting comfort and durability.
Beyond relaxation, stylish at-home outfits boost confidence and self-expression. Choosing designs with intricate patterns or delicate embellishments transforms a simple piece into a statement. A wardrobe filled with refined yet comfortable options makes dressing up enjoyable, even for casual moments. By prioritizing both style and ease, fashion becomes an extension of personal comfort and elegance.
A Perfect Choice for Special Occasions
Versatile wardrobe staples can seamlessly transition from casual wear to formal attire. Elegant designs featuring rich colours, detailed embroidery, or subtle embellishments make stunning event outfits. Whether attending a summer wedding, a dinner party, or a cultural celebration, an effortlessly chic ensemble stands out in any setting. The right fit and fabric choice creates an air of sophistication without feeling restrictive.
When selecting an outfit for a special event, versatility is key. A simple yet refined piece can be enhanced with accessories such as belts, statement necklaces, or elegant footwear. Layering with a tailored jacket or a delicate shawl further elevates the look. Investing in a high-quality wardrobe staple ensures that it remains a favourite choice for future occasions.
Travel-Friendly Wardrobe Essentials
Packing for a trip becomes easier with lightweight, wrinkle-resistant clothing. Versatile outfits that can be dressed up or down reduce the need for excessive packing. Breathable fabrics ensure comfort during long flights, sightseeing, or evenings out. A well-curated travel wardrobe includes pieces that offer style without requiring much effort to maintain.
In addition to practicality, travel-friendly outfits should also reflect personal style. A flowing garment in a bold print or a soft pastel shade creates an effortlessly chic look. Pairing it with comfortable flats or stylish heels allows for adaptability in different settings, whether exploring a new city or enjoying a seaside retreat, and a carefully chosen outfit provides both ease and elegance.
A Timeless Wardrobe Investment
Quality fabrics and classic designs never go out of style. Investing in timeless pieces ensures a wardrobe that remains relevant season after season. Soft, luxurious materials offer both comfort and durability, making them a worthwhile addition to any collection. Thoughtful craftsmanship enhances longevity, allowing well-loved pieces to be worn repeatedly without losing their appeal.
Versatility is what makes a wardrobe investment worthwhile. A single garment that transitions effortlessly from day to night, casual to formal, and warm to cool weather proves its value over time. Thoughtfully designed pieces maintain their elegance through changing trends, making them an enduring fashion choice.
For those seeking a balance of comfort and sophistication,silk kaftan options offer timeless styles with effortless charm.
There’s something special about stories revolving around parents who go to great lengths for the sake of their children. They deeply resonate. When those stories are inspired by true events, even more so.
British series Toxic Town, available to stream on Netflix, dramatises the events surrounding the Corby poisonings. With strong Erin Brockovich vibes, an excellent cast, and a moving narrative, it became a hit with fans and critics alike. Will there be more?
Toxic Town Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, Toxic Town is advertised as a limited series. Given that the show is inspired by true events, a second season is unlikely, and Netflix hasn’t revealed any plans to bring it back.
Additionally, the story pretty much concludes by the end of the show’s fourth episode. Viewers find out whether the women driving the narrative get justice. During the end title credits, you also learn more about what happened in real life.
It follows three mothers who embark on a quest for justice after their children are born with severe birth defects due to the mishandling of toxic waste during the cleanup of a former steelworks in Corby, Northamptonshire.
The series takes place from 1995 to 2009. Over the course of four episodes, viewers get to witness the women’s transformation from grieving parents to dedicated activists. They become determined to expose the negligence that led to widespread environmental contamination. They’re also trying to prove there’s a link between pollution and congenital disabilities.
Gripping and impeccably acted, Toxic Town is sad yet hopeful. Even if you’re familiar with the details of the case, there’s a good chance you’ll still find this version of the story moving. And if you’re not, a little research is definitely in order.
While a second season probably won’t happen, it might cover the aftermath of the trial and catch up with the women in the present day. Or, perhaps tackle another environmental case entirely?
Is Toxic Town Based on True Events?
Yes. Between the 1980s and early 2000s, waste from a steel plant was transported through residential areas without proper safety measures. Families in the Corby region began to notice unusually high rates of limb deformities and other health issues in their children.
As a result, a group of affected parents, particularly mothers, launched a legal battle against the Corby Borough Council that made history. A riveting watch, Toxic Town acts as a reminder of this inspiring story.
Turnstile are back. Today, the Baltimore band has announced a new album, Never Enough, to follow up 2023’s Glow On. It’s June 6 via Roadrunner. The leading title track, which is equal parts hypnotic and melodic, comes paired with a video directed by singer Brendan Yates and guitarist Pat McCrory. Check it out below.
Never Enough, which marks the band’s first LP since the departure of founding guitarist Brady Ebert, was produced by Yates. The singer was joined by guitarist Meg Mills, McCrory, bassist Franz Lyons, and drummer Daniel Fang to record the album in Los Angeles and Baltimore.
Stereolab have announced their first new music in 15 years. The new album, Instant Holograms on Metal Film, will be out May 23 via Duophonic UHF Disks/Warp Records. It features contributions from Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, Ben LaMar Gay, Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf, Marie Merlet, and Molly Read Today, the band has previewed the Not Music follow-up with a groovy, hypnotic new song called ‘Aerial Troubles’, which is accompanied by a Laurent Askienazy-directed video.
Instant Holograms on Metal Film Cover Artwork:
Instant Holograms on Metal Film Tracklist:
1. Mystical Plosives
2. Aerial Troubles
3. Melodie Is A Wound
4. Immortal Hands
5. Vermona F Transistor
6. Le Coeur Et La Force
7. Electrified Teenybop!
8. Transmuted Matter
9. Esemplastic Creeping Eruption
10. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.1
11. Flashes From Everywhere
12. Colour Television
13. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.2
Hotline TNT, the Brooklyn-based band led by Will Anderson, has announced a new album. Raspberry Moon, the follow-up to 2023’s Cartwheel, lands on June 20 via Third Man Records. It’s led by the soaring, infectious new song ‘Julia’s War’, which tips its head to the label of the same name run by the band’s shoegaze contemporaries in They Are Gutting a Body of Water. It comes paired with a music video directed by Johnny Frohman and featuring Jury Duty star Edy Modica and experimental theater actor Peter Mills Weiss. Check it out below.
Raspberry Moon marks the first Hotline TNT LP created as a full band. While Anderson had previously built songs with a producer piece by piece, this time he welcomed guitarist Lucky Hunter, bassist Haylen Trammel, and drummer Mike Ralston into the studio – or, as a press release puts it, they “wanted in.”
“In a world of half-hearted hooks and buried-in-the-mix vocals, we had to muster the courage to do what the rest of the shoegaze community could not…” Anderson said of ‘Julia’s War’. “We looked out to the stadium and reassured the audience: Our voices, together, will be heard. You’ve never heard a TNT chorus this straightforward — when we stress-tested it during the writing process, the ‘try not to sing along challenge’ came back with a 100% fail rate.”
“When it came time to cook up the music video, Johnny Frohman created a Full Metal JacketF-style shoegaze bootcamp… It’s not the Marine Corps, it’s Slow Corps,” he added. “Edy Monica, Dan Licata, and an ensemble cast of NYC comedy underworld alts rounded out the platoon and drafted us into a world where we could enlist in a strict regimen of pedalboard assembly and underwater vocal lessons.”
1. Was I Wrong?
2. Transition Lens
3. The Scene
4. Julia’s War
5. Letter to Heaven
6. Break Right
7. If Time Flies
8. Candle
9. Dance the Night Away
10. Lawnmower
11. Where U Been?
Dismayed as some fans may be by the disparity between Black Country, New Road’s last two studio albums, Ants From Up There and Forever Howlong, the London-based six-piece offered both plenty of time and a record’s worth of new material to ease the transition. 2023’s Live at Bush Hall remains the rare live collection of songs with no studio equivalents, one that saw existing members take on lead vocals and helped spearhead, under the banner of unity, the group’s evolution following the departure of frontman Isaac Wood. With some of its songs coinciding with the Bush Hall era, Forever Howlong leverages the band’s fluidity with a heightened level of precision and strikes a subtler balance between sonic lightness and emotional intensity. With vocals, and largely songwriting, now split between Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw, Forever Howlong serendipitously, yet potently, coalesces around a female perspective, yet the experiences they relay reach far beyond these three women. It’s in the loneliest moments that you hear them band together, all playing out time.
1. Besties
Some fans were quick to describe this lead single as painfully (rather than playfully) twee, but with Mary Kershaw’s harpsichord intro and Lewis Evans’ burst of saxophone, ‘Besties’ quickly makes a sweeping case for this new era of BC,NR. Then it settles to reveal the charm of Georgia Ellery’s songwriting, already evident in her work with Jockstrap but stepping into the forefront for the first time in a BC,NR studio recording. As queer longing becomes less of an undercurrent and more like the point of the song, the cheeriness of ‘Besties’ comes off not just tongue-in-cheek but bittersweet. If only friendship and unrequited love could be reconciled like baroque instrumentation and TikTok references.
2. The Big Spin
Though Kershaw brought this one in, it seems to spin out of the same groove as ‘Besties’, differentiated mostly by her personally idiosyncratic lyrics. “I think that the lemons might make a comeback this year” is the song’s big prediction, leaving no clue as to what Kershaw might make of the declaration. It’s what we don’t know about the humans who tend to them that makes us curious about these plants’ fate.
3. Socks
The band’s shapeshifting fluidity shines through on ‘Socks’, the album’s first six-minute song. Tyler Hyde’s arrangement throws off the record’s up-to-this-point straightforward groove, but drummer Charlie Wayne is up to the challenge. “How many things can one read ’til they feel they’re not afraid of it all?” Hyde ponders, before reveling in the fearlessness of the whole group operating as one. “No word or phrase/ Has the power to say what the tie is we share/ It’s far greater than rare, oh yeah/ In dark, there comes the light/ And we must try with all our might/ To keep this thing alive.” ‘Socks’ makes it sound technically daunting but ultimately worth the effort.
4. Salem Sisters
Originally a song by Lewis Evans about a barbecue in summertime, ‘Salem Sisters’ arrives transformed – and fascinatingly ambiguous – from Tyler Hyde’s perspective. It’s breezy insofar as a breeze can make you feel trapped in an ice cave, and summery in the way that a barbecue can make you feel like you’re being burnt at the stake. Call it social anxiety.
5. Two Horses
Georgia Ellery’s equestrian tale is completely fictional and refreshingly complete. From beginning to end, the narrator’s journey is straightforward – almost predictable – yet followed by Ellery’s bandmates with such attention that they all seem to contribute their own subtle interpretation. The lighthearted tone of ‘Two Horses’ only makes the brutal fate of its titular animals more pronounced, though you’re left wondering what they really stood for.
6. Mary
Who said there’s no space for teen angst in this iteration of Black Country, New Road? The surprise is that it makes the group pull back instrumentally, with no drums, a mix of acoustic guitar, banjo, and accordion as its anchor, and a flute solo to guide it home. A song about bullying at an all-girls school, ‘Mary’ is suitably understated, unable to externalize the narrator’s turmoil: “She screams in the shower/ Lost all of her power/ Keep face/ She’ll leave no trace, not even in her home.” But the group female vocals, inspired by the Roches, trade perspectives as much as they frame her inner monologue as shared.
7. Happy Birthday
Given how the Tyler Hyde-led song feeds off the energy of ‘Besties’, it’s interesting how they’ve been placed this far apart in the tracklist. But ‘Happy Birthday’, which was initially called ‘Kids’, seems to tear at the childhood innocence much of Forever Howlong is built upon, without exactly embracing cynicism: “She sat and sang the tale of youth/ ‘Cause children don’t know the meaning of truth.” For this group, the questions alone are scintillating.
8. For the Cold Country
Lewis Evans has described this arrangement as “unwieldy and enormous,” but the two years they spent fleshing it out has turned it into the album’s most magnificent song – a testament to the band still willing to claw their teeth into a song to make the most difficult ones work. It starts a little guarded, cracking for the first time when Kershaw sings, “Oh, where’s the way.” Yet the pay-off is expansive: while many songs on Forever Howlong are about caving in – recoiling from fear or disappointment or shame – ‘For the Cold Country’ allows its protagonist, a knight who decides to shed off his armor, to proclaim, “I caved out.” The reason is one that seems to appeal to the group itself: “I think I’d like to be a little lighter.”
9. Nancy Tries to Take the Night
Keeping their most ambitious and challenging songs for last, the band follows up ‘For the Cold Country’ with an equally impressive song that’s far more gut-wrenching and disoriented. Led by Hyde, ‘Nancy Tries to Take the Night’ plunges us into the world of Oliver Twist to combine experiences both generalized and specific to women in her own life. It’s a moral battle and a test of imagination, a plea echoed by more people than could possibly respond to it.
10. Forever Howlong
A sense of playfulness peeks back out on the title track, which is sparser yet complex as it challenges the band’s members to combine their individual parts on the same instrument: the recorder. You may find yourselves wondering: Would Joanna Newsom come up with a line like, “The last video I watched told me the pH of my gut microbiome was certainly causing my blues”? Maybe not, but it certainly sounds like she might have sung it.
11. Goodbye (Don’t Tell Me)
The closing track retains the album’s winsome spirit, but finally articulates the desperate feeling at its interpersonal core: “I’ve fallen in love with a fear I believe in,” Ellery sings, “I sink in my nails till I feel it inside.” Forever Howlong manages to paint the deepest conflicts over a lovely, delightful musical canvas – major chords where you’d least expect them – yet one can hardly trace a hint of irony throughout, just a resilient group weaving it to completion. Singing, and raising their voices, and humming but one syllable when no series of words can do the final feeling – not acceptance so much as dissolution – justice.
