The Lilacs join fellow Wigan bands Lottery Winners and The Lathums in continuing to prove that the current north-west indie scene is blossoming.
The Lilacs today show that they have everything needed to the region’s next great hopes as they share the new EP ‘The 395 (To Forever)’. The EP is their biggest project to date and their first release for theManchester label Scruff of the Neck.
As demonstrated by the recent singles ‘You’re Not That Daft’, ‘Calling It A Night’ and ‘Where You’ve Been Hiding’, The Lilacs excel at capturing the vibe of what it means to be growing up in a small town: both the hope and hopes, but also the bittersweet moments too.
The band wrap these stories in songs rich with bright, boisterous melodies and soaring, anthemic hooks which are perfectly suited for fans to holler those hooks right back with life-affirming intensity at them during live shows. Ollie Angelsea’s lyrics capture the essence of young adult life, from big nights out to faltering relationships, through to those friendships which mean everything.
Ollie says, “Countless hours, late nights, and maybe even a few tears have gone into making this record. It’s our first proper release, a completely different experience from putting out standalone singles. While those tracks have helped shape our journey, this felt like the right time to take things to the next level.
Without a doubt, this is our best work yet. Some may still prefer ‘Vicarage Road’ or ‘Grace’, but as a band, we truly believe we’ve stepped things up. As the main lyricist, I’ve had so much fun writing this record and I think that can be heard with mentions to Johnny Marr and Manchester’s legendary Indian takeaway, Kabana. This EP is just the beginning of what’s to come. THINK BIG. We can’t wait for you to hear it, and we’ll see you on the road for ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ TOUR!”
The EP’s title song is also its new focus track. Referencing the now defunct local bus route which ran from Wigan centre to Skelmersdale, it charts the experience of running into someone shortly after being stood-up. Rather than expressing anger at the situation, it instead offers a second chance to put things right: “So get back on the dancefloor ‘cause we’ve got unfinished business… Tell the DJ in the corner to cue this song.”
‘The 395 (To Forever)’ is completed by a second new song in the shape of ‘One More For The Road’. Its blur of jangly indie-pop melody hones in on a character who will be familiar wherever you go – the kind of person who everyone just about tolerates rather than actual likes, and who might actually be nice if only they could modify their attention seeking behaviour.
Produced by Joe Cross (Courteneers), ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ ultimately sees The Lilacs exceed the potential that they introduced with early fan favourites such as ‘Vicarage Road’ and ‘Sticky Dancefloors’. With a growing fanbase, both in terms of stream and shows, The Lilacs’ next stop on the 395 must surely be their long-awaited debut album.
Fans can help support the band’s ambition of making their first Official Charts impact by buying the EP HERE. It is available on CD, black vinyl and a striking navy blue and white splatter vinyl.
The Lilacs celebrate the release of ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ with a record store tour featuring acoustic set and singing sessions, starting today with two events in Bury’s Wax & Beans. They then kick-off their full headline tour in Hull next week, most shows of which are either sold-out or have very limited tickets remaining HERE. They have also just announced details of their biggest headline show to date at the 2700-capacityManchester Academy on November 22nd.
The band’s touring plans go deep into the summer with a growing festival schedule which so far includes their fifth consecutive year at theIsle of Wight, Sheffield’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus which will be headlined by James,headlining the This Feeling stage at The Godney Gathering, Kendal Calling and the Hardwick Festival.
