Lloyd Cole

Lloyd Cole will release a new album, ‘On Pain’, on 23rd June ’23 on the earMUSIC label. ‘On Pain’ is Lloyd’s twelfth album as a solo artist and features eight new Lloyd Cole songs, four of which are co-written by Commotions founding members Blair Cowan and Neil Clark, who also perform on the record. The album is produced by Chris Merrick Hughes and was recorded in Lloyd’s attic studio The Establishment.

Says Lloyd: “I’m excited to still be finding new methods, new perpectives, new sounds. The album may be nearing commercial death, but my career has been in that state for almost 30 years and here we are, still, and I still want to make albums. I still want to be heard. I’m very much looking forward to being on stage with Neil, and Blair in October. We have no intention of producing a retro show.”

“An Olympian effort of ingenious economical wordplay, Cole’s sometimes cryptic but always compelling latest is for empty-nesters mourning duty and purpose, for middle agers smote with ennui and uncertainty, and for couples battling over-familiarity.  Still, there is perfect pop here…. plus the all important smattering of Cole’s trademark archness.  A poised and expansive record… Guesswork opens up whole new worlds for Cole.” - MOJO

“Puttering drum machines and Blue Nile atmospherics offer a perfect backdrop for Lloyd’s elegant hi-spec misery.” - Uncut 

“An intellectual titan compared with his frivolous new romantic contemporaries… coming across like the Pet Shop Boys remixing Radio Gaga, albeit with more troubling lyrics..” - The Observer

“…eight graceful, elegant tracks, which set his suave songwriting and instantly recognisable voice to a predominantly electronic backdrop.  It is a best-of-both-worlds scenario….no matter what the musical style Cole wears it well.”  ‘Album Of The Week’' - iNews

“…articulate and economical lyrically and musically….a steely sense of poise and grace carries through superbly tailored adult scenarios….it’s hard to argue against Violins and Night Sweats being among his finest ever achievements.” - Daily Mirror

“Even given the witty, literate company – Paddy MacAloon, Edwyn Collins, Morrissey – Lloyd Cole stood out in the 80s.  And he’s still doing it, albeit using electronics and tempering the bons mots with the odd expletive….Lloyd Cole overestimates his coldness, he’s just cool.” - Record Collector