May Days In Barcelona releases new album

May Days in Barcelona, the solo project of Sheffield-based musician Simon Clowes, unveils his sensational debut record, All The Spring Promised Us. Combining elements of indie rock, shoegaze and post-punk, Clowes crafts a sonic landscape that oscillates between grand cinematic strings and gothic atonal guitars, all while maintaining a strong foundation in pop-focused songwriting.

This deeply personal album delves into the universal themes of displacement in your twenties, navigating the complexities of love and loss, and the vivid fantasies of a reaching imagination. Scrupulously crafted over several years All The Spring Promised Us captivates listeners and takes them on a profound and rewarding journey that reveals more with each listen.

The album opens with the airy and atmospheric sound of “The North Sea (Part 1),” immediately immersing the audience in May Days in Barcelona’s expressive palette. As the album progresses, Clowes explores a range of musical styles, from reflective and nostalgic moments in tracks like “The North Sea (Part 2)” to the introspective introspection of “The Modern”. “A Letter Home From Germany” pays homage to family and generations past while “A Heart as Empty as the City” embraces a gothic tone.

One standout track, “Foxes,” showcases Clowes’ true songwriting prowess. With dreamy plucked guitars, ethereal synth touches and a laid-back marching drum beat, Clowes’ subtly smokey timbre takes centre stage, delivering the lyrics with rich emotion. Another highlight, “Last Flash Of Colour,” mesmerises with its elegant string arrangement and poignant lyricism, resulting in a beautiful soundscape brimming with heartfelt emotion.

Building upon the subtly experimental and serene beauty of his first EP, Kestrel Variations, Clowes enlists some of the finest musicians in the UK North East area, including members of Yellow Creatures and Shift Static, to imbue the album with additional sonic flair. Their powerful and complex performances elevate the record to new heights, solidifying Clowes as one of the most inventive and impressive voices to recently emerge in the UK music scene.

Released via Plastic Palace, All The Spring Promised Us made its debut with an intimate in-store performance at Tallbird Records. With a headline launch set scheduled at Shakespears in Sheffield on 10th June, May Days in Barcelona is poised to captivate audiences with his superb live shows, where Clowes utilises up to four loop pedals simultaneously, creating a melodic wall of sound. His skillful intertwining of violins over fuzzy shoegaze guitars and analogue synths, drawing on influences from post-rock, minimalism and baroque pop, results in an immersive and entirely unique live experience.

May Days in Barcelona’s debut full-length establishes Clowes as a remarkable talent in the indie music landscape. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and evoke a wide range of emotions showcases his artistic depth and vision. With this debut album, he’s proven to be an exciting and promising artist, leaving listeners eager to witness the continued evolution of this exciting and endlessly talented musician.

Listen to All The Spring Promised Us below