Posted by Doves’ Jez Williams will release his debut solo album next year, marking a significant new chapter for the Manchester musician. Following a period of subtle anticipation, during which an ultra-limited seven-inch record was distributed to independent shops over the summer, the project is finally stepping into the light.
The initial mystery surrounding the release—which featured instrumental versions of Magnificent Morning and Walk Alone—saw the limited pressings sell out within 24 hours, driven entirely by word of mouth. Now, the full scope of the project has been revealed: the debut solo album, titled ‘Life Of Me And You’, is officially slated for release on February 26th.
Ahead of the album’s arrival, Williams has shared the new single ‘Hollow Man’. The track serves as a fuzzed-out, crunching piece of songwriting that draws inspiration from early 70s groups such as Free or Taste, ultimately resolving into an urgent critique of our modern, digital-heavy dystopia.
“Without resorting to clichés, ‘Hollow Man’ is about our modern life,” he explains. “It can just so easily take the soul out of you. Too much information, too many opinions, too much change coming from all angles. Tsunamis of information coming at you. It can be overwhelming. It makes you less present and makes you more in your head. I thought to put all of that to a sort of AC/DC-style riff, breaking out into a wider chorus. It all just came out in one go.”
The songwriter is set to support his old friends elbow at the O2 Ritz in Manchester next month, providing a live platform to showcase his new material. Fans can get a taste of the record via the official visualiser below.
‘Life Of Me And You’ Tracklisting:
- 1. Hollow Man
- 2. Hurt Proof
- 3. J.U.M.P
- 4. Misses Jones
- 5. Walk Alone
- 6. Remember Where You Came From
- 7. All My Life
- 8. Magnificent Morning
- 9. Through It All
- 10. On The Horizon