Black Country, New Road – Never Again Part 2

This is available from Rough Trade again, at least in the US

Pretty cool that this is BCNR's first release since Isaac's departure. You can't glean too much since these are just covers, but the band sounds great. I actually like this more than the first Never Again release, too.

Little to no surface noise, just a bit on B1, barely distracting. I personally like the simplicity of the packaging, it was safely stored and it arrived without any damage.

No complaints on how it sounds, as well. I feel it's supposed to sound raw as it is on some of the tracks.

★★★★☆

Pro-Ject X2
with Audio-Technica AT-VM740ML
VTF @ 2.1 grams
Cambridge Alva Duo
Edifier S2000 Pro

as for sound quality, i think besides the last track they all sound great...happier than ever was recorded with a lot of mud and distortion, whether by choice or circumstance, and it shows on the record.

here's a rip: https://decaytodeath.neocities.org/rips/never-again-pt-2.html

The record sounds great, no pops or clicks after a nice clean. One thing I was curious about was the vocals on the first section of Happier than Ever, they sounded a little muddy, but it was just Tyler's part so I guess it was a choice. I also wish they would've shipped this in some sort of protective outer sleeve or bubble wrap. Just came in the packaging with a piece of cardboard and a bare sleeve. I knew it was going to come as just the single sleeve, but I was expecting at least a little bit of care. Luckily it got to me without any damage.

Awesome pressing! Vinyl is dead flat, silent and really dynamic. “Us” is a treat. Highly recommended!