LIFEBOATS will be a welcome sight in a Reading pub this autumn thanks to a special gig.
To celebrate the release of their new album Soul of Albion, salty seafarers Man The Lifeboats will be stopping off at The Castle Tap as part of a national tour.
First, they will release The Fires of England as a single on October 14. It’s one of the collective’s tracks from the album.
They say the single “blazes bright with its incendiary violins, glowing accordions and profound lyricism that will warm even the coldest of souls”.
Piratical by sound, political in its nature, The Fires of England aims to take the listener back to a time of great turmoil across our four nations; the repercussions of which are still being felt today…
Frontman Rich Quarterman says: “Not sure if it’s wise to mention the B-word but The Fires of England came about shortly after the Brexit referendum, although it’s taken a while for the lyrics to settle, and strangely they seem more and more apt as the years of political and climatic upheaval go by.
“Reflecting on the repercussion our decisions have on the next generation, while paying homage to the Greta Thunberg-led school protests that burned so bright with the promise of the new; it’s a song ultimately about choices and change and the fact that our children often teach us more than we know, as long as our eyes and ears are open.
“There’s a nod to the Oysterband in there too.”
Like much of the album it is taken from, the song was recorded completely live at the iconic Rockfield Studios in Wales, with the exception of its whistle orchestra break, which “came about after we left producer Jamie Evans with our only whistle player Dan Gilroy and a few bottles of whisky for company,” Rich says.
The Soul of Albion attempts to reflect on what Albion means today, and is inspired by the band’s travels across the country.
Each song aims to provide a snapshot of life on these islands, from Somerstown to Stourbridge, from the hills of Caledonia to the gates of Soho Square.
The tour starts with an album party in The Golden Hinde in London on Friday, October 14, before heading out across arts centres and venues in November.
Their Reading date will be at The Castle Tap in Castle Street on Thursday, November 24.
For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: https://www.manthelifeboats.com
