23-year-old UK artist Oliver Spalding is releasing his debut album Novemberism on 11/15 via Monotreme Records. As with his debut EP Unfurl (2017), the album was written and recorded with producer Ed Tullett (Novo Amor). Built around Spalding’s staggeringly beautiful voice, the record is full of melodic, immediate songwriting and arresting electronic production.
Asked about his choice of title, Spalding explains, “To be melancholy all year round is to suffer from Novemberism.” And indeed, these 11 tracks are woven together with a common thread of heavyheartedness. Even the more upbeat songs, like title track “Novemberism” and “Bow Creek”, which drive and glisten with intoxicating pop hooks and 80s era synths, recall the darker undercurrents of classic New Order. “I’m a huge Roxy Music fan”, adds Spalding, “I love Brian Ferry’s work and take inspiration from the Prophet synth sounds on the 80s Bruce Springsteen records.”
“The album focuses on a certain period of time in my life and the things that happened around me,” says Spalding. “My honesty in songwriting is key. The aim of this album was to be raw and emotional. Emotions are scary and no one wants to face them, and that’s what I wanted the album to feel like – something that is uncomfortable but also beautifully revealing.”
Glide is thrilled to premiere “Xanax” a soulful chamber pop composition that reflects the progressive and layered purism of Bon Iver and Jakes Blake. “Xanax is about people using suppressive drugs or “downers” to escape emotional pain,” says Spalding. “And by doing so causing a backlog of demons that they will one day have to face!”
Photo by Charlotte Wetherell
