Black Rebel Motorcycle Club releases a 20th anniversary deluxe box set of their seminal album ‘Howl’ on January 30 via [PIAS]. The Bay Area and LA rock band originally dropped their third studio album in 2005, delivering an unexpected shift from previous releases. The electric guitar-driven reverb and white noise that characterized their sound gave way to folk, blues, and gospel inspired songs that revealed a different side of the band.
SPIN wrote at the time, “Bruce Springsteen stripped down his songs to reflect his pessimistic journey through the badlands; BRMC’s scaled-back sound is reflective of a group that’s come out on the other side of that trip and doesn’t want to hide behind feedback any longer.” The evolution marked a turning point in the band’s artistic journey, showcasing their versatility and willingness to explore new sonic territory.
The deluxe box set includes a 3LP white vinyl collection containing the original ‘Howl’ studio album, ‘Howl Sessions’, and five previously unheard demos plus alternate mixes of songs from the record. A photobook features over a hundred previously unseen photos from the era, including images from the original photoshoot and handwritten lyrics for each studio album track. The set also contains a poster with photos from the period.
Fans can choose from multiple formats including the deluxe box set, a 2LP version of the original studio album with a BRMC etching on side four, or the CD edition. Pre-orders are available now for the January 30 release, offering collectors and longtime fans a comprehensive look at one of the band’s most pivotal albums.