Australian country megastar Casey Barnes has today released his energetic new single Come Turn Me On, a track that reminds us that there’s nothing better than coming home to the one you love. Casey has also announced a dynamic, thrilling, neon-soaked video to accompany the track. To celebrate Come Turn Me On, he’ll be hitting the road, kicking off in Adelaide for the Fringe Festival on March 7, then moving through Prince Bandroom Melbourne, Mathinna (Tas), Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Gippsland Country Music Festival, Toowoomba, the Gympie Music Muster on August 26 and 27 and wrapping up at Savannah In The Round (Mareeba, QLD) on October 1.

With a bunch of chart-topping singles (and albums) already under his belt, Casey Barnes is headed straight to the top again with Come Turn Me On. Evocative of country/pop crossover masters Dan + Shay and Keith Urban, Come Turn Me On is a firecracker of a single, comfortably at home on both country and pop radio and playlists. Written by Casey and Nashville-based songwriting duo Brown + Gray (who also co-wrote Casey’s number one singles Sparks Fly and We’re Good Together) and produced by production duo MSquared in Australia, a pounding beat and hooky guitars characterise this enticing track. Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, Casey explains, “I’d like to think that we’re trying to shape our own unique sound at the moment. I don’t really want to sound like anyone else…. With this single, it has that blend of modern country meets commercial pop which I’ve really connected with over the last few years. The song is about a guy who’s basically travelled around the world, seen his fair share of girls but nothing compares to coming home to the one he loves.”

The video for Come Turn Me On is a full-on production – shot as though all in one take, the clip takes the viewer through a nighttime hotspot filled with neon lights and dark, alluring bars, with clever choreography and fun piece-to-camera moments. Reflecting on the process of making the video, Casey says “We’ve gone all out with this video and I think it’s easily the most expensive clip I’ve shot to date – but we wanted to make sure this one was pretty special. My wife Michelle is a creative genius and the whole concept for this video has been her baby. Colin Jeffs from Ten of Swords Media has brought it to life. We found this incredible venue in Brisbane called Smoked Garage which is a multi-level event space where each floor has a completely different look to it, so it was the perfect place to shoot. The concept is that it’s one big party and everything has been made to look like it was shot in one take within the venue, culminating in a big high energy finale out in the side street at the end.”

Despite the global pandemic setback, 2020 was an epic year for Casey Barnes, seeing him nominated for ARIA’s Country Album Of The Year with his ARIA #1 Australian Country Album, Town Of A Million Dreams. And 2021 is set to be even bigger with Casey already lapping up four Golden Guitar nominations (2021 Toyota Album of the Year, Contemporary Country Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Vocal Collaboration of the Year), as he prepares to take his high octane live show around Australia to celebrate Come Turn Me On. Fans can expect to see the country luminary’s consistently impressive vitality and killer performance chops on full display, with a massive set including all of his chart-topping hits. Casey says, “I can’t wait to add Come Turn Me On into the set for all our upcoming shows! We’ve actually created a brand new live show for 2021, and it’s great to finally see some major festivals and events coming back after the pandemic, which we’re thrilled to be playing at in the weeks and months to come.”

Come Turn Me On is out now. Watch: COME TURN ME ON Smartlink: COME TURN ME ON

CASEY BARNES AUSTRALIAN SHOW DATES 2021

SUN 7 MAR | ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL, ADELAIDE SA | ALL AGES Tickets available from https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix

THU 25 MAR | PRINCE BANDROOM, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ Tickets available from www.caseybarnes.com.au

SAT 27 MAR | MATHINNA COUNTRY CLUB, MATHINNA TAS | 18+

Call 6377 1164 for tickets

SAT 10 APR | WINTON’S WAY OUT WEST FEST, WINTON QLD | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au

SAT 24 APR | GIPPSLAND COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL , MOSSVALE PARK VIC | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au

FRI 30 APR | HIGHFIELDS TAVERN, TOOWOOMBA QLD | 18+ Tickets available from www.caseybarnes.com.au

THU 26 AUG | GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER, GYMPIE QLD | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.muster.com.au

FRI 27 AUG | GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER, GYMPIE QLD | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.muster.com.au

FRI 1 OCT | SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND, MAREEBA QLD | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.savannahintheround.com.au/

CROOKED COLOURS RETURN WITH ‘NO SLEEP’

+ AUSTRALIAN ELECTRONIC TRIO RELEASE LATEST INDIE-DANCE HIT
+ THE BAND’S THIRD FULL LENGTH ALBUM SET TO ARRIVE LATER THIS YEAR

Acclaimed Australian indie-dance trio Crooked Colours have released their latest irresistible single ‘No Sleep‘ – available now HERE. The electric new track combines elements of indie, house, and pop highlighted by lead singer Phil Slabber’s signature vocals alongside the trio’s iconic seductive indietronica production.

“We’ve always tried to meld emotional lyric content with dance production ideas and ‘No Sleep’ is a perfect example of that,” lead singer Phil Slabber shares. “At the heart of it, the song is about someone who treated a relationship with a sort of arrogant nonchalance and didn’t truly appreciate it until it’s too late. It serves as a reminder to hold on to the good things we have and to not take them for granted.”

Crooked Colours have quickly earned applause as one of Australia’s hottest new electronic acts, scoring over 200 million worldwide streams thus far with a series of increasingly popular tracks – including the recent singles “Falling” and “Love Language” as well as their breakthrough single, “Flow” – and show-stealing festival performances around the globe.

Their incredible tracks and remixes have received widespread praise with FLAUNT labelling ‘Love Language’ as “the summer romantic ballad we’ve been waiting for all year” and This Song Is Sick raving, “this uplifting new track carries you through a euphoric reminiscence of summer love, the overall groovy and boppy vibe that ‘Love Language’ emulates is the perfect way to close out these final summer nights.” Crooked Colours recently tapped acclaimed deep house DJ SNBRN for an incredible remix of ‘Love Language’ which received praise across the board with Billboard stating “the edit adds thickness, depth and serious vibe to the formerly indie leaning track” and Out Now saying the remix “takes the fans into a magical adventure with some hot dance vibes.” As if that weren’t enough, the remix reached #1 on Hype Machine’s popular chart days after its release.

The band has played massive sold-out shows around the world as well as delivered breakout performances at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Firefly, Electric Forest, Life Is Beautiful, CRSSD and more. The band is looking forward to touring again and playing rescheduled dates at Brooklyn Mirage in New York, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver and festivals such as Outside Lands and Lightning In A Bottle.

 ‘No Sleep’ is out now via Sweat It Out and Atlantic Records.

MYLES KENNEDY
Releases Title Track & Video from Upcoming Second Solo Album,
The Ides Of March
Album Due May 14

Building upon the excitement from the announcement of his sophomore album The Ides Of March last month, MYLES KENNEDY is releasing its title track to the masses. “The Ides Of March” is the longest song on the album clocking in at 7:39 and showcases the musicianship of Kennedy and cohorts – longtime friend and drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier. The band stretch out musically as Kennedy sings an ominous warning “beware the ides of March.”

MYLES KENNEDY says about “The Ides Of March”:
“Written quickly one night after having a few drinks, it was an attempt to sum up what so many of us felt during the beginning of the pandemic. We were bored, frustrated and self-medicating to avoid going stir crazy,” explains Kennedy.  “What I like about the narrative, is it pushes the idea that if everything is going to hell, at least try and do it in a celebratory fashion.”

Watch the official video for “The Ides Of March”

Never a musician to waste any precious time, Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators vocalist MYLES KENNEDY used the recent pandemic to finalize his sophomore solo album. During his time at home due to all touring being canceled, Myles created the framework for the song ideas that would make up The Ides Of March. From the slide guitar riffs of the album opener “Get Along” to the pensive blues style of closer “Worried Mind,” it is clear that Myles has crafted a formidable follow up to his debut solo album. While Year Of The Tiger was more of an acoustic exploration through Myles’ mind, The Ides Of March finds him strapping on his electric guitar and pushing himself as a guitarist/songwriter. Tracks like “A Thousand Words,” “Wake Me When It’s Over” and “Moonshot” showcase the diverse music arrangements that has garnered Myles fans globally across all of his projects. The Ides Of March was produced by longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette and is slated for release on May 14^th via Napalm Records.

The first single, “In Stride”, opens with Myles showcasing his slide playing before delivering a lyrical message to “take it all in stride.” The song is currently seeing heavy rotation at rock radio stations around the world, leading to a Top 15 placement in the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts and rising in the Top 30 at US Active Rock, and has received massive response from fans alike. The video for “In Stride” marks a return by Stefano Bertelli (who created the “Native Son” video for Alter Bridge) and shows an animated Myles as he takes the end of the world in stride.

The video for the song can be seen HERE.

The Ides Of March is now available for pre-order in various configurations. These include a Digital Album, Jewelcase CD (available worldwide), and CD Digipack (Napalm mailorder, limited to 500 worldwide). It will also be available in various vinyl configurations including 2 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl (available worldwide), 2 LP Gatefold Gray Vinyl (available worldwide), and 2 LP Gatefold Bottle Green Transparent Vinyl (Napalm mailorder, limited to 400 worldwide) and lastly a Deluxe Box: Glow In The Dark Vinyl + Cover Artprint + 7” Glow In The Dark “A Thousand Words” Vinyl Demo Single + Pendant + Slipmat (Napalm mailorder, limited to 700 worldwide).  Fans that pre-order The Ides Of March digitally will receive instant downloads of “The Ides Of March” and the current single “In Stride.”

ELLA FENCE

ANNOUNCES NEW EP, NO THANK YOU
OUT MARCH 26
PRE-ORDER SAVE NOW

Ella Fence is set to release her new 5 Track EP, NO THANK YOU, on Friday, 26 March, available for pre-order/save now on digital.

Released through Golden Robot Records, this wonderful collection of new music is, as always, sublime and inspirational. Ella continues to work outside the bullshit pre-existing order of the music industry and has recorded, without fear or favour, an EP that is elegant and experimental, a mix of pop electro beats and soaring cinematic vocals. Ella has tendency to do things differently and this engaging EP is no different.

“Known Better” was the single lifted from the EP, a brooding clash of drums and atmospheric synth. “More to Life”, another gem, combines Avantgarde with pure pop sensibilities and a tip of the hat to Minnie Ripperton. Also noteworthy is “Hurricane”, embracing the spirit of high-octane dance/electro grooves mixed with inspired electronica.

NO THANK YOU is beautiful example of sweet and succulent vocals blended with popish energy and soul all bundled in an unapologetically explorative, emotional and intense listening experience, from an artiste who would rather make own trail than follow a pre-ordained path.

TRACK LISTING
Hurricane
More to Life
This Was Supposed to be my Freedom
Move to Slow
Known Better

A THIRD MELBOURNE SHOW FOR KISS!

Promoters One World Entertainment and TEG Live are thrilled to announce a third Melbourne show for rock n roll legends KISS, who will bring their spectacular ‘End Of The Road’ tour to Australia later this year.  This is stellar news for the premier rock city of Australia!  Ardent KISS fans have snapped up tickets for the two Melbourne shows in record time, seeing the first now sold out, and with only a handful of tickets available for the second.

The tour was announced several weeks ago to incredible excitement and has elated their legions of Aussie fans.  Their final lap of Australia will commence in Perth on 14th November before playing Adelaide, three Melbourne shows, two Sydney shows, Brisbane, with the last and final performance being a huge outdoor event in Townsville.

Tickets for the third Melbourne show, on Tuesday 23rd November, go on sale at 12noon (local time) tomorrow.

The ‘End Of The Road’ tour, which began in January 2019, is undoubtedly the biggest and best KISS show ever (and that’s saying something), receiving incredible reviews from both diehard KISS fans and the media at sell-out shows across the globe.

Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer are now ready to rock’n’roll all nite with the KISS Army across Australia one last time.

Gene Simmons said: “To our devoted Melbourne fans, we are so ready to spend three nights with you in your rock n roll city.  We have always loved playing there and we’re going to make a triumphant and massively celebrated return to you all on our final tour ever. SO get ready for us, because we are ready for you!”

Paul Stanley said: “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s BLINDING! We are finally coming back. The tour is now official and we will deliver nights that will go beyond all expectations. We are fired up and will count the days.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers first visited our shores in 1980 during ‘KISSteria’, kick- starting a deep connection between the band and Aussie fans that has continued to thrive for more than four decades.

With countless timeless hits like ‘I Was Made For Loving You’, ‘Detroit Rock City’, ‘Love Gun’, ‘Shout It Out Loud’, ‘Lick It Up’, ‘God Gave Rock’n’Roll To You’ and the knock -em dead anthem that closes every KISS show Rock’n’Roll All Nite’, the KISS legacy has continued to grow, generation after generation.

Along the way, the band has sold more than 100 million albums and through relentless touring has proven again and again why they are the most iconic live show in rock n roll.

So, Australia…. this is it.   Come and celebrate the extraordinary career and music of KISS.

“All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and the last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable,” said KISS.

“Even if you’ve seen a KISS show before, you’ve never seen a show quite like this one.”  Omaha.com.au

“…. a two-hour orgy of sights and sounds and a relentless barrage of classic-rock hits. Spectacular.”  inkansascity.com.au

“Kiss spare no cost when it comes to putting on one of the greatest rock shows on the planet.  It’s flashy, it’s rockin’ and it has the energy and showmanship that made KISS a household name.”  OnMilwaukee

“An explosive thrill-ride.” The Oklahoman

“Unrelenting sound and fury — 20 hits and fan-favourites”.  Los Angeles Times

“The spectacle KISS brings to the live show has never failed. It was an explosive, unapologetic, bombastic KISS concert that shows exactly why the band has lasted this long.”  Dress Reviews

“Whether it’s timeless, hard-hitting rock and roll, an unforgettable visual presentation or that relentless merchandising, KISS breathes fire in every aspect of its being, and, of course, very often literally.” iHeartRadio

Third Melbourne show Fan Club on-sale

Tuesday 16th March, 11am – Wednesday 17th March, 11am

Third Melbourne show General Public on-sale

Wednesday 17th March, 12noon (local time)

KISS VIP Packages, which may include access to the KISS acoustic set and Q&A, an invitation to the KISS Army Captain’s lounge, exclusive merchandise and premium seat locations will be available at all shows. Visit  www.kissonline.com for details.

 Event-goers can take advantage of Ticketek’s world-leading partnership with Afterpay. Available via the Ticketek app or website, Afterpay is the world’s largest buy-now-pay-later service, offering fans greater flexibility to pay for tickets in four equal instalments and secure seats with the first payment.

AUSTRALIAN CONCERT DATES 2021

Sunday November 14        RAC ARENA, PERTH WA

                                            www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                            Support:  Legs Electric

Wednesday November 17  ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, SA

                                            www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                            Support:  The Superjesus

Saturday November 20      ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  Dead City Ruin

Sunday November 21        ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  Dallas Crane

Tuesday November 23      ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  Rival Fire

                                           ***NEW SHOW JUST ANNOUNCED***

Friday November 26          QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY NSW

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  The Poor

Saturday November 27      QUDOS BAND ARENA, SYDNEY NSW

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  The Poor

Tuesday November 30      BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, QLD

                                           www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                           Support:  Wolfmother

Saturday December 4      QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM                                                                         (outdoors)

                                         TOWNSVILLE, QLD

                                         www.ticketek.com.au & 132 849

                                         Supports:  Wolfmother, Tumbleweed & local act TBA

RUE MORGUE RECORDS
Celebrates Second Birthday with
All New Australian Artist Compilation
Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol II

Australia’s very own Rue Morgue Records started off as a dream for acclaimed music photographer John Raptis. That dream started off as wanting to set up an online record store that would eventually become a bricks and mortar store… along the way it evolved into a record label that has just celebrated its second birthday. Over those two years, Rue Morgue has released eleven 7” singles for artists including Palace Of The King, Espionage, Nothing Sacred, Riff Raiders and The Vendettas. The singles have all become instant collectables for vinyl collectors and music lovers right around the world and have given an alternative voice to a number of talented Australian artists. 2020 saw Rue Morgue Records release their critically acclaimed compilation – Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol 1. The compilation, which featured artists including Palace Of The King, Espionage and Fierce Deity was made available in a number of different styles, including the elusive picture discs, and sold out in record time as they were snapped up by music lovers and vinyl collectors alike. Watch Jimmy Van Zeno of Sonic Circus ‘Unbox’ Vol 1 here https://youtu.be/Z_KwZnYPL2E Not only was the compilation well received by the public but it also made the Top Ten Albums lists of 2020 for both Melbourne based blog and radio show Subculture and also Australia’s premiere heavy music magazine – HEAVY Magazine. The aim of the compilation was to give a voice to local artists but in turn the release managed to rejuvenate the public’s interest in the compilation concept, not bad considering production of it was held up when the Covid-19 pandemic twice shut down the record manufacturing plant. Now Rue Morgue Records are looking into the crystal ball of 2021 and are proud to announce that orders are being taken for Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol II. This time the compilation will include tracks by artists including Fight The Sun, Dive Into Ruin, Low Gods, Cicadastone, Karly Jewell, Warbirds, 74 Kings, Riff Raiders, Sonic Circus, Filth Wizard, and two bonus artists on the CD – Wolfpack and 29 Bones. It will have an open CD release but will have restricted releases including black vinyl (only 50 produced), splatter vinyl (666 produced) and hand numbered picture discs (100 produced). Those that pre-order the compilation also receive an exclusive Rue Morgue Records Vol II sticker, exclusive Rue Morgue Records guitar pick, a Japanese style OBI and entry into the exclusive Facebook Group The 300 Club – which entitles members to discounts on all Rue Morgue Records stock, early access to special pre-release vinyl releases, early access to rare and signed collectable vinyl and their name emblazoned on the inner sleeve of Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol II. TRACKLIST Fight The Sun: Goodbye Gravity Dive Into Ruin: Moronic Fatigue Low Gods: King Of The Sun Cicadastone: Dime A Dozen Karly Jewell: Dancing With The Devil Warbirds: My Symphony 74 Kings: Green Desert Jesus Riff Raiders: Walk Of Shame Sonic Circus: Over The Line Filth Wizard: Snowflake Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol II will be available on CD, LP Picture Disc, Black Vinyl and Splatter Vinyl Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol II will be available by the Australian winter. Pre orders are available now! www.ruemorguerecords.com   Murders In The Rue Morgue Vol I – Unboxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_KwZnYPL2E

JUNO MAMBA
RELEASES MESMERISING NEW TRACK ‘SIARGAO DREAMS’

It is with great excitement that Soothsayer share ‘Siargao Dreams’, the latest track from rising Melbourne-based musician, Juno Mamba (aka Vinci Javier) and the hypnotic follow up to his acclaimed debut EP Light Echoes which was released early last year.

Premiered as the Chillest Record feature on Sian Eleri’s BBC Radio 1 show on Sunday, Eleri described ‘Siargao Dreams’ as “Truly stunning…Not exaggerating when I say that might be the best track I’ve heard in 2021…”

amed after the Phillippine’s Island and Vinci’s ancestral hometown, the emotive electronic burner is a reflective piece inspired by the land connected to his heritage.

“Siargao holds a significant part of my family history but it only ever existed in stories passed down to me from my older siblings. I had the chance to visit the island for the first time in 2019 and it was an intense experience. I had an instant emotional and spiritual connection to the land; it was incredible. I wanted to capture that moment in time and provide a sense of belonging with the music.” – Juno Mamba

This track is the first sample of new music from Juno Mamba since his debut EP Light Echoes was released to critical acclaim. The EP – which featured key tracks ‘Flicker’ and ‘Blossom’ – saw praise from Complex UK, The Ransom Note, ADSR Collective, Our Culture Mag, Stereofox and KALTBLUT, plus airtime on triple j, FBi, Triple R and BBC Radio 1. While COVID, put a halt to the following national tour and a trip to Europe, Juno Mamba turned to his studio creating the next release.

Rooted in a primal sense of belonging to a physical space, ‘Siargao Dreams’ is a dreamy slice of electronica that carries you to sanctuary, wherever that may be. Fans of Bicep, TSHA, Logic1000 and RUFUS DU SOL will no doubt resonate with this brilliant cut of emotional dance music.

TEENAGE FANCLUB
Share New Single, The Sun Won’t Shine On Me
New Album Endless Arcade To Be Released April 30 via PeMa.

With their new album Endless Arcade due for release April 30, and having previously shared videos for the tracks ‘Home’ and ‘I’m More Inclined’, Teenage Fanclub have shared another new track, “The Sun Won’t Shine On Me”, from this much-anticipated LP. A wistful gem written by Norman Blake,

The song comes with a visualiser created by long-time collaborator Donald Milne.

Check it out here

Of the track Norman Blake says: “This is something of a rarity for Teenage Fanclub – a song in waltz time!”

Endless Arcade is the long-awaited follow-up to the band’s album “Here”, released in 2016 to universal acclaim and notably their first UK Top 10 album since 1997, a mark of how much they’re treasured. The new record is quintessential TFC: melodies are equal parts heart-warming and heart-aching, guitars chime and distort, keyboard lines mesh and spiral, harmony-coated choruses burst out like sun on a stormy day.

Even if we weren’t living through extraordinarily troubling times, there is nothing quite like a Teenage Fanclub album to assuage the mind, body and soul, and to reaffirm that all is not lost in this world.

In the 1990s, the band crafted a magnetically heavy yet harmony-rich sound on classic albums such as “Bandwagonesque” and “Grand Prix”. This century, albums such as “Shadows” and “Here” have documented a more relaxed, less ‘teenage’ Fanclub, reflecting the band’s stage in life and state of mind, which Endless Arcade slots perfectly alongside. The album walks a beautifully poised line between melancholic and uplifting, infused with simple truths. The importance of home, community and hope is entwined with more bittersweet, sometimes darker thoughts – insecurity, anxiety, loss.

“I think of an endless arcade as a city that you can wander through, with a sense of mystery, an imaginary one that goes on forever…” says Raymond McGinley, one half of the band’s songwriters for this album alongside Norman Blake. “When it came to choosing an album title, it seemed to have something for this collection of songs.”

Track listing:
1. Home
2. Endless Arcade
3. Warm Embrace
4. Everything Is Falling Apart
5. The Sun Won’t Shine On Me
6. Come With Me
7. In Our Dreams
8. I’m More Inclined
9. Back In The Day
10. The Future
11. Living With You
12. Silent Song

‘Endless Arcade’ by Teenage Fanclub will be released on April 30, 2021

Pre Order now!
Available on translucent green pink or clear vinyl, CD and limited cassette
smarturl.it/ENDLESS-ARCADE

**********

So how did the band set out to explore this Endless Arcade? Raymond: “The process is much the same as it always has been. In 1989 we went into a studio in Glasgow to make our first LP. Francis starts setting up his drums, the rest of us find our spots around him and off we go. Thirty years later Francis is setting up his drums in Clouds Hill Recordings in Hamburg. A few hours later we’re recording the first song. We don’t conceptualise, we don’t talk about it, we just do it. Each of us are thinking our own thoughts, but we don’t do much externalising. We just feel our way into it.”

Dave McGowan has been feeling his way into the band’s sound since 2004, mainly on keyboards and guitar, but the past two years have seen him take over on bass, his primary instrument. Francis Macdonald on drums was there at the outset. Although he has played and sung on record with the band previously, this is the first time Euros Childs has featured on keyboards across a whole Teenage Fanclub album.

“We were very comfortable with each other in the studio,” says Norman. “I think some of the playing is a bit freer and looser than on recent albums. Dave and Euros’ playing is amazing, and Francis on drums is really swinging. The whole process of making this album was very invigorating. Everyone in the band contributed a lot and the song arrangements came together really quickly. Everything felt fresh.”

Something else they all feel good about is the artwork. Euros suggested they use his friend Huw Evans, aka musician H. Hawkline, to design the sleeve. “It’s amazing,” Raymond says, “we absolutely love it!”

A preview from the album came in February 2019 with Raymond’s ‘Everything Is Falling Apart’, an online single released at the outset of a six-month tour and a highlight of Endless Arcade.

Everything is falling apart? Well, yes, but the song was written long before COVID-19 arrived. Neither was Raymond’s inspiration political or social, but more, “the entropy in the universe, the knowledge that everything eventually decays,” he explains. But Raymond says relax. Or rather, “Relax, find love, hold on to the hand of a friend”.

Fortunately, Endless Arcade was virtually finished by the time lockdown was announced, bar the odd tinker under the engine hood. It seems timely, given how everyone had to initially stay home under lockdown, that the album starts with Norman’s ‘Home’, though it was chosen in part because of its opening line: “Every morning, I open my eyes…” The album’s longest track (at seven minutes) typifies TFC’s relaxed groove, culminating in Raymond’s peach of a guitar solo.

Norman’s search for ‘home’ could be literal: after all, he’s been living in Canada for the last 10 years. But it’s also figurative. Like Norman’s other Endless Arcade songs – The Sun Won’t Shine On Me’, ‘Warm Embrace’, ‘I’m More Inclined’, ‘Back In The Day’ and ‘Living With You’ – his words on ‘Home’ are etched by loss and yearning. “Without going into too much detail, the last eighteen months have been challenging for me on an emotional level,” he admits. “But it’s been cathartic channeling some of these feelings and emotions into song.”

In contrast, Raymond’s songs – he’s also responsible for ‘Come With Me’, ‘In Our Dreams’, ‘The Future’ and ‘Silent Song’ – are philosophical and questing. As he sings in ‘The Future’: “It’s hard to walk into the future when your shoes are made of lead”, but he’s still going to try, “and see sights we’ve never seen.”

Follow Teenage Fanclub