POSTS TAGGED : Howie Payne

Howie Payne Announces New Album; Shares ‘High Times’

Howie Payne PRESS SHOT 2 lo res (Credit Jacqueline Passmore)

Howie Payne, frontman of cult Liverpool favourites The Stands, has announced details of his long-awaited follow-up to his solo debut album Bright Light Ballads.

Recorded in London and mixed and mastered in Los Angeles, the new record, Mountain, will be released on October 27th on Full Stack Records. Ahead of the album’s release next month and to give us a flavour of what to expect, Payne has shared ‘High Times’. A bright, positive blend of ’60s inspired sounds (Dylan, Young, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield et al) with irresistible easy-on-the-ear and timeless melodies and Payne’s lilting scouse vocal bring a real warmth and a nice rough edge, every rustling rhythm and jangly chord leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Howie Payne’s work to date – solo endeavours and with The Stands – has been brilliant and on this evidence, Mountain looks like it will follow suit.

Mountain is on October 27th but for now, you can listen to ‘High Times’ and fellow single ‘The Brightest Star’ below.

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Passmore

Howie Payne – ‘The Brightest Star’

Liverpool’s lineage and musical heritage is, well, bloody impressive. Although flying under the radar since the demise of The Stands, Howie Payne is a deserving addition to, and exponent of this proud tradition. 

While Payne has been relatively quiet since releasing his debut solo album, Bright Light Ballads in 2009, he’s back in the studio of late and working on new material. He has also been sharing the fruits of his labour with us by posting some demos online. The latest , ‘The Brightest Star’, is a wonderful exposition of his talent, superb songs which straddle folk, blues and country.

It is a style often broached but rarely mastered, something gladly Payne has achieved. Payne’s talent is deserving of so much more notoriety, here’s hoping we get a new release from him very soon and it does just that. 

Check out The Brightest Star’ & some choice cuts from Payne’s past work below.