After packing out their local venue Dulcimer for their first ever headline as a proof-of-concept, indie-emo-folk darlings That Old Quiet Lighthouse are back for seconds. This time they’re celebrating the release of their debut album ‘Learning To Live With Less’, a love letter to life, loss and existential lucidity. Infectious choruses, luscious string parts, eyebrow-raising bass lines – it is as entertaining as it is eclectic. Each song is a sound-world unto itself, with most featuring at least one guest artist – including but not limited to vocalists, cellists and tenor horn players. As a band they’ve always loved collaboration and connection, so it felt only natural to incorporate this into their music.
Having crafted a sound that balances bitter-sweet nostalgia and the intriguingly unique, That Old Quiet Lighthouse decided they needed a genre all their own. Indie-emo-folk was the end result, and it’s clearly catching on. Their debut album ‘Learning To Live With Less’ (out the 12th of May) is already connecting with people – with the first single ‘Decade’ being featured in V13 and described as a ‘stunning record’ after a spin by Amazing Radio’s Charlie Ashcroft, and their follow-up ‘Laughter’ was described as ‘an infectious tune’ by Fame Magazine, playlisted by Ones to Watch and played by Adam Brady on Louder Than War among others. On top of this, in their relatively short lifespan, they’ve supported previous Echo and the Bunnymen member Kelley Stoltz, Lab Records signee’s Quiet Houses and played Rochdale Folk Festival.
Influenced by the likes of Alex G, Big Thief, They Might Be Giants, Metronomy and The Wombats, each band member has a distinct voice – from violinst/synth player Pip’s emo/queer electronica/contemporary classical background to drummer Gabe’s love of prog, guitarist James’ love of classic rock , guitarist Maria’s jazzier style and bassist/singer Ashley’s britpop-infused funk basslines. As all members are either Royal Northern College of Music Alumni or current students, they all possess a level of virtuosity that just serves to lift the music further.
Fresh on the scene, That Old Quiet Lighthouse have hit the ground running and it’s only a matter of time before these handsome go-getters find a home in your playlists. Why wait? Be part of an exciting new movement centred around emotional transparency and musical community – with tongue-in-cheek lyrical wit, catchy choruses and ridiculous solos to boot.
Support acts are the ineffable singer-songwriters Sanja Cin and fabulous Sam Steele. Sam Steele is feel-good incarnate; upbeat tunes with an undeniable charm that elicits pure joy from those listening, given its own character all the more by guitarist Phil Johnson’s angular and groovy 12 string guitar secondary melodies. Sanja Cin’s take on singer-songwriter meanwhile is wondrous, wide-eyed and spine-tingling. Her personal story telling is complemented excellently by her suitably quirky guitar playing.
So come join them at The Castle Hotel on the 11th of May! Doors are at 7:00 with support from two of That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s favourite artists on the Manchester music scene; Sanja Cin and Sam Steele. Tickets are 8.00 (including fees) in advance – come and be a part of something truly special, a night of music so wholesome it will build a pillow fort in your soul.
