June 20, 2024
Deep Sea Camels new album, This Is Where We Are Now, to be released June 28th, 2024
The album marks a confident and ambitious evolution from the group’s indie rock roots, delivering pointed lyrical observations set to exuberant, eclectic and always unapologetically hook-driven music
Deep Sea Camels have announced their second studio album entitled, “This Is Where We Are Now”. The album features the two singles, “That’s What I’m Told” and “How To Be Happy”, along with six new original tracks.
This Is Where We Are Now picks up where “Cheapside and Kings” left off, with hooky well-constructed songs, a big punchy sound, and cutting narrative lyrics. At times defiant, mournful, irreverent and incredulous, the album’s commentary on modern life runs the gamut of emotions while, musically, the incorporation of brass and keyboards adds a new dimension to the group’s guitar-centered core. "We’ve poured our hearts into these tracks, and we’re excited to share them.” said front man Mike Dobson. The album will be released on June 28th 2024.
Deep Sea Camels are known for their ballsy, punchy, and big sound, and this album is no exception. Lead-off single “How To Be Happy” sets an exuberant and defiant tone propelled by catchy bluesy melodies, a vibrant horns section and an infectious ear wormy chorus. “That’s What I’m Told” delivers an irreverent critique of modern sensibilities - “... in a rules-based system soup stays in the kitchen…”- set to driving indie rock guitars and piano. In “Memory Wall”, the band up the emotional ante with this stripped down ballad of a failed love affair, Mike’s melancholy vocals underscoring the rawness of loss and exposure to love’s folly. “Day at the Beach” closes side one (yes, there will be a vinyl release!) with a festival-primed powerhouse culminating in a climactic appeal for greater humanity in the world. Side two kicks off with “Birds of a Feather”, a quirky dance tune with Madchester vibes featuring co-collaborator Fiona Carter on lead vocals. “At the risk of showing our age, that’s our love song to the Hacienda!” said guitarist Steve Hurst. “Help is on its Way” and “The Wolf Returns” see the group channeling their most bluesy classic rock instincts with driving riffs and some barnstorming vocals from Mike and Fiona. “Exiles” closes the album in eclectic style with a Logans Run-inspired challenge to conformity and social malaise.
Each track is meticulously crafted, reflecting the band’s commitment to delivering quality music that stands the test of time. The incorporation of brass and selected keyboards marks a confident evolution from their guitar-centric debut album, enhancing the band’s already dynamic style, delivering a rich and layered listening experience while remaining true to their indie rock roots. "Our goal was to create an album that feels both familiar and yet fresh and relevant today," said guitarist Iain Howe. "We wanted to channel the essence and energy of classic and indie rock while infusing it with our own unique sound and modern influences."
“This Is Where We Are How” sees the group's core members - Mike Dobson (bass, vocals. keyboards), Iain Howe (rhythm guitar) and Steve Hurst (lead guitar) - continue their creative collaboration with solo recording artist Fiona Carter (lead and support vocals) and session drummer Justin Meyers. For engineering and production - and general sonic wizardry - the band turned to Gareth Metcalf at Studio Nyne (Notts, UK) and John Naclerio at Nada Studios (Montgomery, New York). “We’re thrilled to work with such a talented group of people!”, said Steve.
This new album marks a significant milestone for the band, particularly for the three core members—Mike, Steve, and Iain—who are old school friends and bandmates reuniting to reignite the passion they once had for crafting hooky, well-constructed songs with strong narrative lyrics. "This album is a celebration of our musical journey and the timeless bond we share," said Mike. "We’ve challenged ourselves and pushed the boundaries a little more on this album. We think our fans, old and new, are going to really enjoy it!."