Howl  by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

The 2005 album Howl by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) represents one of the boldest "turns" in the history of alternative rock. After the noisy, fuzz-drenched sound of their early records, the band "turned down the volume," replacing electric guitars with acoustics, harmonicas, and trombones (!)

The recording was shared between Sandbox Studios (Los Angeles) and Cobb Studio (Philadelphia), during a period of internal turmoil, with drummer Nick Jago participating minimally due to rehabilitation. Despite initial fan reservations about the "acoustic" sound, Howl achieved great critical success and is now considered their magnum opus, recently celebrated with a 20th-anniversary tour. The album's musical style delves into Americana, gospel, Delta blues, and folk. The group's aim was an artistic rebirth and a tribute to the generation of the Beat Poets (hence the title from Allen Ginsberg's poem).

Although initially many were puzzled, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's album turned out to be a masterpiece. They demonstrated that they are not just "noisy" rockers but great composers. Today, Howl is considered the most mature and beloved moment of their career. The album reached No.90 in the U.S. and No.14 in the U.K.