In the midst of the Hudson Valley, the Storm King Art Center invited one of the UK’s most prolific bands to their Summer Stage. Black Country, New Road (often stylized as BC,NR) has been active since 2019 with the release of singles like “Athens, France” and “Sunglasses,” giving Slint style post-rock a clean makeover.

But throughout the years the group reinvented themselves, curating a chamber rock sonic palette that the band continues with to this day. This bright, joyous sound is what scored the sunset of the solstice in the Hudson Valley. But before the UK six-piece took the stage, a Chicago indie rock trio called Horsegirl set the mood.

If one were to reshape the sound of Sonic Youth and strip them to their bare essentials then you would get Horsegirl. The group shares a respectful love for twee aesthetics and post punk riffs as they rambled on about life far from home. Their songs are endearing and incredibly catchy with ear worms like “Where Did You Go?” sticking around long after the performance.

As the sky began to blush more intensely, BC,NR took the stage and opened with their track for War Child Records, “Strangers.” The song’s anthemic chorus communicates the show’s inherent theme of community. Although the loss of their initial frontman, Isaac Wood, definitely muddied a singular vision of the project; their comradery is what continues to make them a musical powerhouse. Their pace and musical tone is closer now to Kate Bush especially with their new sense of whimsy.

Their second track, “The Big Spinm” carries a tempo that feels like you could link hands and ring around the rosie with all these strangers that came together for this show. The tone continues even into songs with more solemn song topics like the slow burner thriller, “Two Horses.” A song about a girl whose misguided trust in a man gets both her horses killed. But the band’s chemistry keeps this track exciting and fantastical. If one could take anything from this show, it’s that BC,NR should soundtrack films.

The highlight of the night for me though was when the band performed their 6 1/2 minute single from their latest album, “For the Cold Country.” May Kershaw guides the band in an a Capella intro that flows into intense surges of emotion with the whole band exploding. The song feels larger than life, much like the band’s most memorable work from their early days. If this was not in the middle of the setlist, I would assume this was their massive closer.

The band continued on as the sun passed the horizon. A very fun moment happened with the band performing the title track for their album “Forever Howlong.” Another track where Kershaw takes on conducting duties; she guides a storytelling track, narrating a dull, overcast day like a David Attenborough documentary. The song is gorgeous with a very funny moment in the track resulting in the band laughing a little bit.

The night ends with the band’s second single from their 2025 album, Happy Birthday. The most straight forward ballad of the night, it ends with a great bang that sends the crowd off with much to reflect on. While walking back to the parking lot, the fields were filled with lightning bugs who kept the tone of whimsy alive even if it was just for a few extra minutes.

Black Country, New Road is one of the most exciting bands to look out for this decade. Their sound is instantly recognizable and their live show is nothing to scoff at. The band will be coming to NYC on June 24 for the Capital One Summer Stage so be sure to check that out.