The Wild Swans are one of those bands whose legend is several times bigger than its discography.
In 1982 the Liverpudlian band, led by singer Paul Simpson, released “Revolutionary Spirit”, which has been called one of the best British indie singles ever. The lineup fragmented, and the band didn’t reappear until they released the wide-eyed cult favorite Bringing Home the Ashes in 1988.
Again, there were lineup changes, with Simpson teaming up with the Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie for the psychedelic pop of Space Flower in 1990.
Simpson resurrected the Wild Swans in 2009 with live dates and the well-received “English Electric Lightning” single. Now the Wild Swans are set to release their first new album since Space Flower. Titled The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years, the album will be out “in the next two weeks” according to the band.
Simpson is the only original band member to perform on the album, though original keyboardist Ged Quinn did the artwork. Nonetheless, the lineup is impressive, featuring ex-Echo & the Bunnymen bassist Les Pattinson, Ricky Maymi from Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Spiritualized associate Mike Mooney.
The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years is available for pre-order from the band’s label’s website, in digital and physical formats. The CD version also includes an exclusive three-song EP.
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