Description
Turning the page on his days as frontman of chart-conquering Camdenfour-piece Tribes, Johnny Lloyd has spent the years since their disbandmentstarting afresh, rebuilding, taking career risks and forging a new path of hisown definition. On the long road to his debut solo album Johnny initiallybegan forging close bonds with like-minds including Jamie T, Mike Crossey(The 1975, Hozier) and Hugo White (The Maccabees), all of whom wouldhelp him to release two solo EPs in close succession: 2016’s ‘Dreamland’and 2017’s ‘Eden’.
With the EPs warmly received and the reaction fervent at the 200+ live showsacross the globe in support of the releases, public appetite was clearly ripe forJohnny’s debut album. However, with a surge in demand for Johnny to score avariety of film and TV projects (from the Rolling Stones’ ‘The Quiet One’ Film to2019 feature film ‘RareBeasts’ and more), it would not be for another two yearsuntil the songs would come into fruition. And yet, accruing songs all the whilethrough this busy period, with a vision for his solo debut Johnny finally felt the timeand music was right for it to finally materialise.
Very much indicative of his newfound direction and a bold departure from hisindie-rock roots,’Next Episode…’ sees Johnny’s sound metamorphosing to findkindred spirits with the likes of Nick Drake or Sparklehorse, channeling thathushed, alternative-folk sound that is so eternally enchanting.
Checking into a 10ft square bunker in north London in late 2018 with producerNathan Coen, the pair began to flesh out the bones of the record, operating with ahard-and-fast rule for each recorded track to be completed in “nomore than threetakes”. Though often a challenging process, the results as such were remarkable.With its rawest, purest and most endearing qualities perfectly preserved, thecollection of tracks began to glisten like diamonds in the rough. Dusted withfinishing touches from Frank Turner, Hugo White and Adam Prendergast (fromHarry Styles’s band), these esteemed guest appearances finessed the album witha touch of magic and drew the album into crystalline focus. Adding a last touch ofclass, the album was mastered at the infamous Abbey Road Studios by FrankArkwright in late 2018.
Rich with personal renovations and revelations inspired by a whirlwind of changesin Johnny’s life over the past few years, the intimate and mature songs of the albumtackle growth, getting sober and becoming a father, in a record that earnestlywitnesses this songwriter enter back into the spotlight and truly come of age.For fans of: Tribes, Frank Turner, Maccabees, Cigarettes After Sex, ManchesterOrchestra
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