ALBION – ARE YOU WENDY JAMES? – SINGLE RELEASE

“This track really showcases their ability to cover all avenues of music, taking on a deeper and more emotional feel than some of their other tracks, but it’s still resolutely and uniquely Albion.”

4/5

Camden based indie rockers Albion have released their new single in the run up to their debut album, ‘Testament’.

‘Are You Wendy James?’ showcases a different string in their bow, as keyboard player Sophie Bishop takes centre stage with a flowing piano score.

The piano acts as the melodic spine of the song, guiding the listener through the introduction and onwards throughout the rest of the track.

This comes around a month after their first release for the new album, ‘Magnifique’. The exciting band consists of Ben Traini (Vocals), Jake Wilson (Guitar and vocals), Luke “Bids” Box (Guitar and vocals), Sophie Bishop (Piano, Keyboard and Vocals), Hunter Jones (Bass) and Jack Collins (Drums).

‘Are You Wendy James?’ details the relationship of Wendy and Jimmy James, the grandparents of pianist, Sophie Bishop. The lyrical content allows the audience to take a peep under the covers at their relationship, and how it blossomed.

It highlights their first date at the Royal Albert Hall, and then their adventures of travelling the world by sea, as Jimmy was a naval captain. It also divulges into their love and laughter and as well as in later years, Wendy’s dementia.

This emotional roller coaster begs listeners to strap in for a love story of the ages, taking you through how the couples enveloping years have done nothing to dull their love for one another, quite the opposite in fact. Their love shines brighter than ever.

Recorded at the Albion Rooms, Margate, home of The Libertines, the London-based band are on the verge of releasing their debut album ‘Testament’. They recently held a listening party at the studios for their fans, which also included a live performance and performances from local talents like Morag Butler and Wez King of Tres Kings.

The track opens with Bishop’s meandering piano melody before the drums and bass bounce off one another. This time, Jake Wilson opens the singing with a deep baritone that’s answered by Traini’s tone as the pair eventually harmonise with one another.

Wilson asks the question “Are you Wendy James?” throughout and is met by responses from Triani such as “Playing parlour games”. As they build to the first chorus, the pair chime together “Waiting in this famous place, where the regal music plays”.

The piano once again takes precedent over a softer drumbeat and the occasional eloquent guitar riff.

The vocal duo continues to sing together rounding off the song with their familiar bounces of poetic lyricism “They’re on the royal steps, we made time. Forget it’s passing. One way or another, find me my lover again.” rounding off with “Are you Wendy James? We’re all at sea. All we see”.

If you’re not familiar with Albion, you can expect poetry accompanied by bone-rattling bass, fiery fretwork and persistent percussion, all rounded off with crisp keys. Their genre-blurring is prevalent in the two releases ahead of ‘Testament’. The indie anthem ‘Magnifique’ showcased their love of classic rock nostalgia. It’s a foot- stomping anthem, compared to the cool and calming nature of ‘Are You Wendy James?’.

The six-piece have really showcased their ability to cover all avenues of music, taking on a deeper and emotional feel than some of their other tracks, but it’s still uniquely Albion in sound.

Details surrounding ‘Testament’ to follow.

Listen to and watch the offical music video to ‘Are You Wendy James’ here now