In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to revisit Howl — the band’s third album and a bold creative left turn that reshaped their sound and identity.
Originally released in 2005, Howl arrived as an unexpected curveball. The reverb-drenched guitars and white noise that defined the band’s early records were stripped back, replaced with folk, blues and gospel-inspired arrangements built around space, restraint and raw emotion. It was a risk — one that confused some at the time, but has since come to feel essential within the band’s catalogue.
In this conversation, Robert Levon Been reflects on the creative decisions that shaped the album, the deliberate use of silence and atmosphere, and how stepping away from distortion opened up a deeper emotional register in the songwriting. He discusses the impact of critical reception, the perspective that comes with revisiting the record years later, and what it feels like to bring that material back to life on tour.
Robert also shares insights into the band’s current creative landscape, highlights key entry points for new listeners, and speaks about protecting the spirit of music in an era driven by speed and algorithms.
A thoughtful and reflective conversation about evolution, instinct, and trusting your creative compass — even when it takes you somewhere unexpected.
Listen the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below.
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Originally released in 2005, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s 3rd album, Howl, was an unexpected curveball from the band’s previous releases. Gone was the guitar-driven, reverb-and-white-noise that characterised their sound, and they embraced folk, blues, and gospel-inspired songs.
It is available as a Deluxe Box set, a 2x vinyl LP set, and a single CD. At the time, it reached No. 7 in Q Magazine’s ‘Highest Rated Albums Of 2005, as well as receiving positive reviews from the world’s press.
Howl 20th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set
3LP (white vinyl) containing:
Original Howl studio album
Howl Sessions
5 previously unheard demos & alternate mixes of Howl songs
Photobook containing:
Over a hundred previously unseen photos from the Howl era, from the original Howl photoshoot
The original handwritten lyrics for each of the Howl studio album songs
Poster featuring Howl era photos
Howl 2LP
The original Howl studio album
Black Vinyl
Howl CD
Original studio album
About The XS Noize Podcast
With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories.
Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, and Michael Head — among many more.
Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.
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