Your new favourite hard rock band
London-based Albany Down are a contemporary rock band with influences ranging from classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Thunder to modern bands such as The Black Keys and Clutch. They combine a diapason of original songs with contemporary high energy rock.
Albany Down are Paul Muir on vocals, guitarist Paul Turley, drummer Donna Petersand bassist Billy Dedman and they have already recorded two albums with award-winning producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, INME, Super Furry Animals).
Blues Rock Review offered a fair assessment of both the band and their 2011 debut album: “South of the City” is a solid debut album from Albany Down and they will be an interesting band to watch develop in the coming years”. The album clearly showcased what the band are capable of – ranging from the superbly arranged “Mercy” to the low-down dirty, slide-led blues rock epic of the title track.
Their formidable second album, Not Over Yet (2013), is packed with quality songs, lingering melodies and great musicianship. And where vocalist Paul Muir could previously have been compared to the likes of Paul Rodgers, he stamps his own personality on this album, while guitarist Paul Turley produces a virtuoso impassioned performance. Traditionally a band’s second album is regarded as being problematical but Albany Down turned that notion on its head.
It is no surprise therefore that for their highly anticipated third album they turned once again to Greg Haver to produce their new opus The Outer Reach.
“The band have really stepped up in both their song writing and performance” says Greg, “The Outer Reach is their best album yet, and I’m really pleased with the result.” The album was recorded at Modern World Studios and features 11 original songs.
To coincide with the album release, the band have also recorded a new music video produced and directed by Andrew Merlino. The video features the first track on the album, the new single Feeding the Flame and reflects the theme of the album.
“The overall concept of the album is that the songs have a “trying and failing theme” and overcoming adversity” says singer Paul Muir. “The video portrays this concept vividly set in the near future where the band find themselves drawn to each other by fate, and embarking on a journey to freedom.”
“I really enjoyed working with the band on their first video I Won’t Wait (2011). However for this new video we wanted to do more than just a traditional music video of the band playing a song” says Andrew. “Feeding the Flame is a powerful track. It evokes passion, inspiration and rebelliousness. The sound is huge and cinematic, driving and hot blooded with a sense of continuously striving forward.”
With over 10,000 fans on Facebook, fans of Albany Down agree that their live show never disappoints. The band run on pure adrenalin, unrelenting energy and raw emotion and soon have any crowd entranced. The music is based on thunderous guitar riffs and pounding drums juxtaposed with soulful, soaring, emotionally-charged ballads.
Rock blogger Neil Mach probably got it right, when he described the band; “As hot as volcanic ash and yet as cool as snow slippers.”
The Outer Reach reflects the band’s ambition and is a measure of a band on the up-escalator currently tearing up venues around the UK and Europe.
“The new album represents how far the band has come in terms of our song writing and live performances,” says lead singer Paul Muir. “Evolution happens slowly and you don’t always notice, then one day you look back and realise you’ve gone from swinging in trees to flying spaceships!”
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