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January 30th, 2006 by Chris Browne (Permalink)
Label: RCA Year: 2005 Add Comments |
Down some dark paths engines roar with the bravado of lawlessness and riders sling six strings over their shoulder, eyes to the sun. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club embodies the second generation of the American West, the cowboys who strode the strips on Harleys and kept pistols tucked in belts. Howl is lawless, desperate and paints the grim picture of a distant but familiar piece of Americana. The greatest irony is BRMC’s virtual lack of exposure within North America, finding greater popularity overseas. Maybe Americans are far too overexposed to Americana and find it cheesy to buy into the dreams that used to taint every motion picture produced through the 50s and 60s. Have we merged the very idea of outlaws with criminals? Can we not separate the great heroes of the wild and untamed lands from the petty murderers and robbers? BRMC brings back that sense of being a renegade of the edge of humanity, drifting from life to life. Fans of 60s guitar and surf rock and fans of those who recreate it so well (Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Black Angels) will find solace in BRMC. While Howl may not be the best offering, there is a maturity not present in other recordings and a focus on the end of the world and punishment for our sins. Howl could signal a redemption from BRMC and like biblical figures they may rise and see the fruits of their labor.
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