Oct 22

Oct 22 Review: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Orange Peel

You know you’ve gotten old when the albums that defined your 20s start getting the anniversary tour treatment. Not every record from two decades ago deserves to be played front to back, but Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s third album, Howl, is an ideal choice. It’s a remarkably consistent collection of songs, and the Los Angeles trio hasn’t performed many of them live in years. On Oct. 14 at The Orange Peel, Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been, and longtime drummer Leah Shapiro proved just how timeless Howl still sounds.

The night opened with a soaring set from Humanist. On record, the cinematic British project led by former Exit Calm guitarist Rob Marshall features an impressive lineup of guest vocalists, including Mark Lanegan, Dave Gahan, Isobel Campbell, and B.R.M.C.’s own Hayes. Since it’s impossible to tour with that roster, Jimmy Gnecco of Ours handled all vocals — and few singers have the range to pull that off. The quartet sounded massive, channeling the gothic grandeur of Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Echo & The Bunnymen.

After a short break, the B.R.M.C. portion of the night began with Pete Seeger’s recording of “Which Side Are You On?” — a fitting introduction given the band’s recent clash with the Department of Homeland Security over its use of their “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” cover. In near darkness, a hooded Hayes stepped out alone to open with the haunting acoustic “Devil’s Waiting” before Been and Shapiro joined him for the rousing “Shuffle Your Feet,” Howl’s jubilant opener.

From there, the trio mostly followed the album’s order. With Been taking his first turn on lead vocals, the title track stood out early, blending his fuzz-drenched bass with Hayes’ swirling synths and jangled guitar. The bluesy stomp of “Ain’t No Easy Way” injected a burst of energy following the set’s moody start.

Midway through, Been moved to piano for a stunning rendition of “Promise,” with Hayes accompanying on trombone — a moment that underscored the range and soulfulness that make Howl so special.

Around midway through this portion of the set, there was an unexpected interlude when Been invited a couple onto the stage. From his awkward introduction, it was pretty clear what was to follow as a man in a black “DRUM & BASS” shirt dropped to his knee to propose to his girlfriend. Overwhelmed, and likely a bit tipsy, she said “yes.”

The band pressed on through the latter half of the album, peaking with the twangy, psychedelic gem “Sympathetic Noose,” perhaps the night’s finest moment.

Rather than wrap things up once the Howl well was dry, the trio tore deeper into its catalog, revisiting early favorites from its self-titled 2001 debut. “Red Eyes & Tears” and “White Palms” were an instant reminder of the fuzzed-out sonic bombast that first put B.R.M.C. on the map. Skipping the usual encore theatrics, they powered straight through a barrage of fan favorites before sending attendees off with Howl’s gorgeous hidden closing track, “Open Invitation.”

When Howl was released, it was seen as a curveball — a soulful, Americana detour from the band’s heavier beginnings. Two decades later, it feels like the band’s definitive statement, and I’m grateful that the trio decided that it was worth revisiting.

(Photos by Jonny Leather)