Between May and July 2022 we recorded the track, which later became Tainted. This time a little closer to home at Whitewood Studio in the heart of the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool. Under the watchful eyes of in-house producer Daniel Woodward (BC Camplight, The Shipbuilders), he’s brought about yet another unimagined string to our bow.

The session was a lightening-fast affair, with the bulk of the track recorded in a day. Unlike sessions for the album, this time round we were all in working together as a band. Making music with everyone contributing to the process, at the same time really does bring a team element to the end result. A first for us, certainly hoping not the last.

Tainted, lyrically deals with the Contaminated Blood Scandal, widely reported as 'the worst disaster in the history of the NHS.'

It's a raw subject. We hope the track will help shed some light onto the world-wide tragedy, one that after many decades still remains relatively unknown to the wider public - a first for popular music.

The scandal has drawn many supporters over the years, with Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester) one of the most passionate. The track contains a sample of Burnham's conclusions that a 'criminal cover-up of an industrial scale' has taken place.

A line that is hugely significant to those infected and affected by the scandal.

Tainted

After a decade seemingly in the artistic wilderness, Southport songsmith Bobhowla (aka Howard Doupe) is back with his first release since his last album, It’s All In The Letter That Broke You Down. 

Recorded and produced by Rod Jones of Idlewild and featuring both Jones and Mikey Reid (Man of Moon), this marks a very strong return for Bobhowla.

Sail Down The Water is a beautifully produced number that is arguably Bobhowla‘s most personal song to date. There are flourishes reminiscent of Idlewild’s sprawling reverb which provide a lush backdrop for Doupe‘s melodic harmonies during the track’s four and a half minutes.

A strong return.

Steven Doherty, Getintothis

Sail Down The Water/Music Keeps Calling

Sail Down The Water

Bobhowla presents second teaser single MILLION $ MAN out 22 JANUARY 2021.

MILLION $ MAN is a firm live favourite that's gutsy, anthemic with yet another infectious hook.

Taken from forthcoming debut album EVERYTHING'S WRONG, BUT IT'S ALRIGHT out 5 February 2021.

Pre order Limited Edition vinyl here: https://www.9x9records.co.uk/product-page/bobhowla-everything-s-wrong-but-it-s-alright

Follow Bobhowla on: 

facebook - http://facebook.com/bobhowla
bandcamp - http://bobhowla.bandcamp.com
twitter - http://twitter.com/bobhowla
instagram - http://instagram.com/bobhowla
spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q1Zt0m7XSeqe0TD0pj7VW

Sign up to Bobhowla's mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/16b8e48f7153/bobhowla_signup

Recorded and Produced by Rod Jones at Post Electric Studio.

© Bobhowla

Million $ Man

During an unprecedented yet poignant global situation, Bobhowla’s debut album EVERYTHING’S WRONG, BUT IT’S ALRIGHT serves to soundtrack our daily challenges we all face since the start of the pandemic.

Recorded and produced by Rod Jones at Post Electric Studio, this 11 track strong collection of songs bring together a wider scope of influences than usually found in any particular group’s output.

Years of solo acoustic performances around the north west have honed an acoustic base into more gritted tones, alongside folk, electronica and dream-pop influences.

Of the album, singer/songwriter Howard Doupe says: “This collection of songs have been a lifetime in creation. Working with broad group of musicians has meant the final product is a multi-coloured trip through pop sensibilities tinged with elements of folk and sonic ambiance.

With themes of yearning, presence, purpose, fears and the celebration of achievement, there’s an element of heart-felt honesty. Maybe the like not seen since the writings of Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison.

For the first time in years, the time is right to present these tracks as they are. The current worldwide situation has directly affected both the recording and determination to support the emergence of new artists. Particularly during the uncertainty of live performances.”

Whether it’s heartache or joyous celebration the listener is looking for, the album delivers a glimpse into a world welcoming in its acceptance.

Everything's Wrong, But It's Alright

Fear Of The Same

Midnight Fears

Music Keeps Calling

Own Ghost

Bobhowla’s debut album ‘Everything’s Wrong, But It’s Alright’ comes on the back of a clutch of intriguing singles. After years of solo performances within the north-west of England, singer Howard Doupe’s emotionally aligned songs take on a whole different meaning when presented under the Bobhowla moniker.  

Taking off from the classic indie starting blocks, the band interweaves folk and experimental elements with studio soundscapes to present a contemporary Anglo-American songbook – an empowering melee of introspective contemplation. Drawing comparisons along the way from an eclectic mix including Depeche Mode, Roddy Frame and Tears For Fears.

For a band in their infancy, critical acclaim is steadily cementing. Latest single ‘Midnight Fears’ has drawn the observation that ‘there is a dignity and favour to which understanding of the needs of the listener to which they have come to enhance and serve.’

Bobhowla

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