Following on from 2011’s If, Bill Ryder-Jones announced the release of his second solo studio album, A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart. It’s a clear indication from the former Coral guitarist that the end of the band isn’t the end of his musical output, which he’s taken in new directions since the beginning of his solo debut.
A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart was released by Domino Records on the 8th April 2013 on CD, limited edition vinyl and digital download. The announcement of the second album was accompanied by the release of preview track from the record, He Took You In His Arms. It’s a piano led lament to the woes of lost love with sharp lyrics and an inspired melody, which you can take a listen to in the stream below.
One of the coolest things about the album is its recording origins. Like parts of If, A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart was recorded at Ryder-Jones’ old bedroom at his mum’s house in Liverpool, taking the phrase “never forget where you came from” to the next level. However, this time around it was the sole destination for laying down the tracks, which adds a throwback to the old garage band days when records were a lot less of a military operation than they have become these days.
Two of Bill Ryder-Jones’ mates from local band By The Sea were pulled together for the backing band on the recordings, which were subsequently produced and mixed by Ryder Jones and James Ford, making it even more of a DIY indie effort
However, the ramshackle recording concept doesn’t seem to have impacted the quality of the tracks though if He Took You In His Arms is anything to go by. It’s uncluttered simplicity makes it easy listening with some great guitar tones underlying the piano melodies. The chorus is addictive without being obvious, creating comparisons with Euros Childs and The Velvet Underground. The closing slide guitar is worth re-spinning the track from the top all over again for, making it stand out with style.
Jones also confirmed a number of gigs to showcase the new material in 2013, giving fans an opportunity to see the band live and listen again to the music from his debut album, If. See details below for his 2013 gigs.
Bill Ryder-Jones, He Took You In His Arms stream:
Bill Ryder-Jones 2013 gigs:
March 21st 2013 – Liverpool, Camp & Furnace
May 8th 2013 – London, The Lexington
Aug 16th to 18th 2013 – Beacons Festival
Sept 13th – 15th 2013 – Festival Number 6
