Black Country, New Road’s new single “Happy Birthday” is a very light and playful song, reminiscent of a bygone era. An era when bands had a bigger budget to sit in the studio with an idea until they’ve flipped it on it’s head and have made it “weird,” while still making it feel like a pop moment. “Happy Birthday” follows the leading single, “Besties,” from the upcoming new album, which was the first look at Black Country, New Road’s evolved sound since their 2022 LP, Ants From Up There.
BCNR guides you into the song via a cinematic introduction and wastes no time punching straight into the very first line sung by Tyler Hyde: “cheer up child.” From the very first note, you are brought into somewhat of an optimistic atmosphere. However, as the song develops, and as you claw beneath the surface, you begin to understand that there’s a multifaceted story sharing some bleak realizations. Through the foundation of a quirky pop sound, we’re led into a psyche disillusioned by the complexities of privilege, the hollowness of material pursuits, and the difficulty of navigating a chaotic world.
In “Happy Birthday,” BCNR address the harsh reality that the world will continue to operate without owing you anything. The song also brings to light the absurdity of social status and the emptiness of life when it’s driven by superficial pursuits. The song does not disappoint by the very end, as a choir is introduced to deliver the finishing touches of an exciting and new direction from a band about to release their third album.
“Happy Birthday” is released ahead of Black Country, New Road’s third album Forever Howlong, out April 4th on Ninja Tune. Pre-order available here.
The video below, directed by puppeteer Lesley-Anne Rose, features two bird-esque creatures in the woods being stalked by a couple of robber-henchmen looking guys who follow the “fat and skinny” character duo trope.
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