Taken at face value, “Thoughts and Observations” suggests reflections on experiences and deeply personal issues. As the provocative title of the forthcoming new studio album from The Coronas, however, the words THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS signal the impending arrival of perhaps the Irish band’s most dynamic, yet introspective, music to date. THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, the band’s 8th studio album, addresses relationships at their various stages and the resilience it takes to shoulder life’s ups and downs. The new album will be released on September 27 via the band’s So Far So Good imprint, distributed by Blix Street Records.
Fueled by heavy doses of both candor and emotion, the 12 original songs written by lead vocalist/guitarist Danny O’Reilly, bass guitarist Graham Knox, and drummer Conor Egan—along with a host of songwriting collaborators—are at times anthemic, at times delicate, at times cynical, but always authentic.
“Speak Up,” the album’s opener with its poignant cry for guidance, teased the direction of the new album when it was released as a single back in April. View the video for “Speak Up” here.
Rolling out this week is a moving duet, “That’s Exactly What Love Is,” featuring British singer Gabrielle Aplin, who appeared on a track from the band’s 2020 TRUE LOVE WAITS album. Aplin offers the perfect counterpoint to Coronas lead singer Danny O’Reilly’s plaintive vocals. Listen to it here and view the new music video for “That’s Exactly What Love Is” here.
The idyllic town of Dingle on Ireland’s Atlantic coast provided the perfect setting for bringing the new songs to life. “I spent a lot of time solo there, working on initial ideas and vibes,” Danny says. “It’s my safe haven, where I can lock myself away and work into the night. I often need to sift through 5 or 6 terrible ideas before I hit on something that I really like to bring to the band, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a stunningly beautiful place as well.”
Armed with the new material, The Coronas returned to London’s Eastcote Studios and Grammy™ award-winning producer and long-time collaborator George Murphy (Mumford and Sons, The Specials, Ellie Goulding). “George is so easy to work with,” explains Danny of the relationship that has now spanned three album projects. “He understands where The Coronas have come from and where we want to go. Recording with him is always such an enjoyable process.” The band embraced the talents of their touring supergroup to help shape the songs with Lar Kaye (All Tvvins) on guitar, Cian MacSweeny (True Tides) on saxophone, and Róisín O on backing vocals, each of whom contributed to the songwriting.
The accompanying cover art for THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS is immediately striking. Designer Luke Sean Murphy collaborated with the band and, inspired by renowned graphic designer and prop maker Annie Atkins, who works with filmmaker Wes Anderson, they decided to utilize a cut-and-paste layered aesthetic with a distinctly 1970s color palette. This design is carried through all artwork pertaining to the album, singles, and photos, giving it a cohesive and instantly recognizable look.
Track List:
Speak Up – 03:34
If You’re Going – 04:13
Confirmation (featuring Jamie Duffy) – 04:34
Still On Your Good Side – 03:56
That’s Exactly What Love Is (featuring Gabrielle Aplin) – 03:33
Ghosting – 03:12
Singing Just For You (On Occasion) – 03:59
Crowded Room – 03:47
Good Boy – 03:28
At Least She’s Laughing – 03:29
Unbelievable Scenes – 04:16
Hearts For Eyes – 03:19
To pre-order, visit: https://thecoronas.lnk.to/ThoughtsObservations.
U.S Dates:
Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boston (Supporting The Saw Doctors)
Wednesday, July 17 – SummerStage in Central Park, New York City (Supporting The Saw Doctors)
Saturday, July 20 – Aragon Ballroom, Chicago (Supporting The Saw Doctors)
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 12:
Wednesday, November 13 – Gramercy Theatre, New York City
Thursday, November 14 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
For more information, visit: https://thecoronas.net/
Additional dates:
Saturday, August 24 – Galway Summer Sessions, Galway, Ireland
Thursday, November 21 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, Australia
Friday, November 22 – Selina’s, Sydney, Australia
Saturday, November 23 – Magnet House, Perth, Australia
Saturday, December 28 – INEC, Killarney, Kerry, Ireland
Follow The Coronas:
Official Website: https://thecoronas.net/
