Merrymouth, a trio fronted by Ocean Colour Scene songwriter and vocalist Simon Fowler (guitar/vocals) alongside Dan Sealey (guitar/vocals) & Adam Barry (piano/organ/vocals) release the follow-up to their 2012 debut on May 5, 2014 with ‘Wenlock Hill.’ Simon has called the new release an English album and added that in comparison to their debut Wenlock Hill is a truer reflection of the band.
The album’s title track is inspired by the work of English poet Alfred Edward Housman who published a collection of 63 poems in 1896 called A Shropshire Lad which included the poem “On Wenlock Edge the Wood’s in Trouble.” Although Adam questions the existence of Wenlock Hill (according to the Press Release), Wenlock Edge does exist and although not called Wenlock Hill there is a nearby hill. It’s a beautiful area, especially when the bluebells are out in the famous wooded limestone escarpment. The area inspired the work On Wenlock Edge by 20th-century English composer Vaughan Williams and was captured by artist L. S. Lowry. The nearest hill is the Wrekin which is mentioned in Housman’s poem:
“On Wenlock Edge the wood’s in trouble;
His forest fleece the Wrekin heaves;
The gale, it plies the saplings double,
And thick on Severn snow the leaves.”
Since their last release the band have signed to Navigator Records and guest musicians will feature again on this release including John McCusker and Chas Hodges. A series of UK dates have already been announced (more to follow) to support the release (see below). Here’s a taster from their album trailer:
Tour Dates (more to follow)
Thursday 8th May, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Friday 9th May, Rothes Hall, Glenrothes
Saturday 10th May, Tolbooth, Stirling
Friday 16th May 2014, The Met, Bury
Saturday 17th May, The Mac, Birmingham
Sunday 18th May 2014, The Glee Club, Nottingham
Sunday 01 June 2014, The Glee Club, Cardiff
official album launch on June 2nd at Kings Place
Pre-Order via: ProperMusic (Autographed Ltd. Ed.) | Amazon