Former Shed Seven drummer Alan Leach has announced details of his debut solo album, titled ‘I Wish I Knew Now What I Thought I Knew Then’, and shared the first single ‘Clouds Behind The Moon’.
The album is due for release on November 4th, spearheaded by the wistfully anthemic lead single ‘Clouds Behind The Moon’, which is available to listen to here: https://youtu.be/CrgYCqdYLIk
Written and recorded by Leach over the last 12 months, the nine-track album showcases his first solo material since he decided to take an indefinite break from indie rock stalwarts and Britpop alumni, Shed Seven, last year.
Engineered and mixed by Mickey Dale, keyboardist for the alternative rock band Embrace, the album’s sound and lyrical style are heavily influenced by Leach’s appreciation of the classic melodic 60s and 70s song writers from around the world, as well as the UK’s 90s indie scene.
It features a number of collaborators and guest contributions. Alan’s former bandmate, Joe Johnson, plays guitar on three songs, including the Americana-infused ‘Erica’ which they co-wrote together. While elsewhere Leach turns even closer to home, with his son, Sonny Leach – himself a member of the hotly tipped rock band Serotones – playing guitar on a handful of tracks.
Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Haley Hutchinson makes an appearance on the album, duetting with Alan on the uplifting indie ballad ‘If This Comes Off’, which also includes backing vocals from former Seahorses frontman Chris Helme.
Speaking about the record, Leach said:
“Until I wasn’t in Shed Seven any more, I didn’t realise just how much I was ready for a break and up for trying something different. I’ve had a lot of these songs buzzing around my head for years, but band life can tie up a lot of your energies, so until now, I never got around to doing anything with them.
“As this is my debut album, I felt like I had a completely blank canvas, so I just threw stuff at it and hoped for the best. Romantic storytelling seems to be where I’m at my most comfortable writing lyrics, but that hasn’t stopped me from attempting to put the world to rights on a couple of songs.
“Singing has been the big challenge. I went into the studio aiming for the lush northern tones of Jarvis Cocker, Alex Turner, Ian Brown and Richard Hawley, conceding that if the finished product didn’t sound like Frank Sidebottom, then I’d have done ok.”
‘I Wish I Knew Now What I Thought I Knew Then’ is available to pre-order at alanleachmusic.com, providing fans with instant access to two tracks from the album, as well as its lead single, ‘Clouds Behind The Moon’. The album will be released as a digital download, with a limited run of individually numbered black vinyl records. Also available is a 12” gatefold album art print, to purchase as a tactile companion to any digital download. Both the art prints and vinyl records will be available signed and unsigned.
Leach has also announced two live dates (2nd and 3rd December) at The Crescent Club in his home city of York, where, backed by a full band, he will be performing songs from the album, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. You can get tickets here: https://www.seetickets.com/search?q=Alan+Leach.
