Spin (p.84) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] recent attraction to Britpop yields expertly crafted songs like the angry, political 'Weapon of Choice' and the brooding crooner 'Window.'"
Alternative Press (p.156) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "The bulk of BABY 81 draws from the dark underbelly of the Woodstock generation..."
Magnet (p.90) - "BABY 81 finds BRMC back in control of the street corner, cigarette squints and rock 'n' roll swagger intact."
No Depression (p.97) - "BABY 81 finds BRMC further refining their distinctive, invigorating blend of swirling, fuzzed-out guitar squall and stripped-down bluesy soul."
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been, Nick Jago.
Recording information: The Sandbox, Los Angeles, California (2007).
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's third album, HOWL, was a near-total reinvention of the Los Angeles-based trio's sound, introducing previously unknown folk and country influences. Although the experiment was artistically successful, the band completely abandoned it on their fourth album, BABY 81, in favor of a return to their original, far more aggressive sound as heard on their self-titled debut and second album (TAKE THEM ON, ON YOUR OWN). BABY 81 reiterates all of BRMC's original influences, primarily the Jesus and Mary Chain's mix of ear-piercing feedback and pop hooks and My Bloody Valentine's love of massed guitar drones for their own sake. These combine with co-leaders Peter Hayes and Robert Turner's familiar vocal style on songs as diverse as the poppy first single, "Weapon of Choice," and the Sonic Youth style nine-minute noise-rock epic, "American X." Other highlights include the strutting opening track, "Took Out a Loan," and the Stooges-like sleaze of "Berlin."
