The Maccabees‘ former frontman Orlando Weeks has announced new solo material, Weeks released four albums with the London indie outfit before they parted ways back in 2015. Announcing their split at the time, the band assured fans that they would “continue making music” in other forms. Now, the group’s singer has confirmed his first solo LP, In a statement, the musician revealed that he’s been at work on the record for the past 18 months, while promising that it’s “very nearly done”.
“For me, holding my nerve has been a large part of finishing a record,” Weeks said, “and there’s a certain confidence that comes from discovering a song can survive in a room full of strangers.
The collection, titled A Quickening, is about not knowing what to expect when you’re expecting. “There are all these feelings and insecurities. Where is my place in this? Am I ready? Am I being usurped?” On Safe in Sound he sings about being “caught between launch and landing”. St Thomas’ is about the blurred glimmers of early life witnessed in an ultrasound scan. On Milk Breath, the only song written after the baby was born, he finds common ground with his boy: “I’m a beginner/You’re a beginner.”
The former Maccabee has pulled off a totally enveloping feat of atmospheric song-writing. eschewing his indie rock heritage in lieu of sprawling multi-instrumental sound craft, he’s strode into the art rock territory of Talk Talk & Radiohead & hung up his hat like it’s where he’s always belonged. stirring floating synths together with warm brass & tender piano, his meditations on becoming a father create a gorgeous, detoxifying environment to bathe our little ears in. we’re just as smitten with the limited deluxe clear album with signed & hand finished print in special pvc sleeve!.
The Fat Angel Sings 