Sound: They favor the hazy, psychedelic blues rock of their first two albums, but with touches of the rootsy, acoustic flavor on 2005’s Howl. It’s a clearer, more impactful and less narcotic hybrid of everything they’ve tried in the past: dirty riffs, sexy grooves, oozing falsetto, dark melodies and plenty of space to spread out and get lost for awhile.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Killing the Light”; “Berlin”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Need Some Air”; “Weapon of Choice”; “Window”
Recommended: The stripped-down sound of 2005’s Howl was a jarring and polarizing twist in BRMC’s career. Baby 81 feels like a far more natural and comfortable progression for them. When they’re on, the band truly sounds invigorated and focused. Unfortunately, the album runs a little long. They should have cut out three tracks.
Grade: B

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