This is an overdue review of one of the finest and most surprising albums released in recent years. It crept under the wire and depending on your point of view, it either delighted or disappointed. For this album, Black Rebel Motorcyle Club shed its rocky style and, I believe, went for the type of music the guys love best. My conclusion is based on the compelling quality of the album as it treads a dark path through alternative country. It’s utterly beautiful, with performances and songs that are nothing short of astounding. In one major leap, the band has touched greatness – nothing more, nothing less.

Shuffle Your Feet opens with the repeated refrain “Time will not save our souls…” and continues in foot-stomping style to the most gigantic melody, egged on by rebel yells, stunning instrumentation, claps and more. It’s a stunner! Next is title track Howl which is a glacially-paced song with mournful Hammond and bass-line setting the dark tone of the song. Eventually ringing guitar riffs and the most expressive vocal take pride of place, while providing the most moving vibe you can imagine. It’s another fabulous track, and by now you must be getting the picture… And there’s more, oh yes! Contemplative guitar chords introduce the alt country beauty of Devil’s Waitin’, and an anti-war, anti-strife song of memorable depth and meaning. Special moments are many here, not least the stunning vocal that will stay in your memory for ever, I promise you…

The next song Ain’t No Easy Way will have even have the likes of Ryan Adams shakin’ in his boots. With so many fabulous tracks here to choose from, highlights are a nightmare to pick. But this has to be one of them with its astounding mix of blue grass, rock and God knows what else. It’s an earth shaker that’s set in concrete in my music-cluttered memory. It’s standout, no fucking question! Every track here represents the very best of the genre and I curse the PR company that failed to get it to us on release.

I could go on and on about this album as it has floored me, together with everyone else I know who’se heard it. Put simply, if you’re a BRMC or alt-country fan, you NEED this record. As far as we at Shakenstir are concerned, had we received it earlier it could well have topped our list of best albums of 2005. Ultimately, we snuck it into our list after the event. It deserved nothing less. HOWL is an essential musical masterpiece, and takes alt-country to a much higher plain.