Metronomy release their third album, ‘The English Riviera’ on April 11th through Because Music, preceded on April 4th by new single, ‘The Look’.
The follow up to 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘Nights Out’, ‘The English Riviera’ is a sonic progression of epic proportions and affirms Metronomy front man and producer, Joseph Mount, as a rare British talent.
Since ‘Nights Out’, the band have swollen to a four piece with new members Anna Prior on drums, Gbenga Adelekan on bass, original member Oscar Cash on keys/sax, and Joe himself on vocals, keys and guitar. This expansion of personnel is reflective of a new record that is mapped by vast soundscapes, incredible depth and warmth, and big pop hooks
Part love letter to the area of Devon coast Mount grew up in and part concept album about his own semi-fictionalised vision of “The English Riviera”, the tone for the album is set by the opening sounds of seagulls, distant waves and a Music Hall string quartet. However, any notion of whimsy is swiftly dispelled, as the seismic bass line of album opener ‘We Broke Free’ shudders and ushers in waves of layered guitars and synths.
Having produced, co-written and remixed everyone from Gorrilaz and Roots Manuva through Lykke Li to Diplo (and recently written songs with Nicola Roberts for her debut album), this is the first Metronomy album that Mount has taken out of his bedroom and recorded in a proper studio. The results are telling.
Characterised throughout with a sense of warmth and richness, ‘The English Riviera’ is in parts reminiscent of seminal 1970s West Coast studio albums from the likes of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, but due to Mount’s studio wizardry, the record sounds vibrant and entirely of its time.
April UK dates:
14/04 Nottingham – Rescue Rooms 15/04 Norwich – Waterfront 16/04 London – Shepherd’s Bush Empire 17/04 Portsmouth – Wedgewood Rooms 19/04 Brighton – Digital 20/04 Oxford – Academy 2 21/04 Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach
22/04 Wakefield – The Hop 24/04 Newcastle – Academy 2 25/04 Edinburgh – Cabaret Voltaire 26/04 Aberdeen – Tunnels 27/04 York – The Duchess
Tickets available now from link
Metronomy are //
Joseph Mount, Guitar, Keys, Vox
Oscar Cash, Keys, Saxophone, Vox
Anna Prior Drums, Vox
Gbenga Adelekan, Bass Guitar, Vox
www.metronomy.co.uk