Bedford based Albany Down are a contemporary rock band with influences ranging from classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Thunder to modern bands such as The Black Keys and Clutch. They combine a diapason of original songs with contemporary high energy rock.
Albany Down are Paul Turley on vocals and Guitars, drummer and backing vocalist Pete Hancock, bassist and backing vocalist Ben Atkin and they have already recorded three albums with award-winning producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, INME, Super Furry Animals).
Blues Rock Review offered a fair assessment of both the band and their 2011 debut album: “South of the City” is a solid debut album from Albany Down and they will be an interesting band to watch develop in the coming years”. The album clearly showcased what the band are capable of – ranging from the superbly arranged “Mercy” to the low-down dirty, slide-led blues rock epic of the title track.
Their formidable second album, Not Over Yet (2013), is packed with quality songs, lingering melodies and great musicianship.Traditionally a band’s second album is regarded as being problematical but Albany Down turned that notion on its head.
It is no surprise therefore that for their highly anticipated third album they turned once again to Greg Haver to produce their third opus The Outer Reach.
“The band have really stepped up in both their song writing and performance” says Greg, “The Outer Reach is their best album yet, and I’m really pleased with the result.” The album was recorded at Modern World Studios and features 11 original songs.
To coincide with the album release, the band have also recorded a new music video produced and directed by Andrew Merlino. The video features the first track on the album, the new single Feeding the Flame and reflects the theme of the album.
“The overall concept of the album is that the songs have a “trying and failing theme” and overcoming adversity” says founder member Paul Turley. “The video portrays this concept vividly set in the near future where the band find themselves drawn to each other by fate, and embarking on a journey to freedom.”
“I really enjoyed working with the band on their first video I Won’t Wait in 2011. However for this new video we wanted to do more than just a traditional Music video of the band playing a song” says Andrew. “Feeding the Flame is a powerful track. It evokes passion, inspiration and rebelliousness. The sound is huge and cinematic, driving and hot blooded with a sense of continuously striving forward.”
With 12,000 fans on Facebook, fans of Albany Down agree that their live show never disappoints. The band run on pure adrenalin, unrelenting energy and raw emotion and soon have any crowd entranced. The music is based on thunderous guitar riffs and pounding drums juxtaposed with soulful, soaring, emotionally-charged ballads.
Rock blogger Neil Mach probably got it right, when he described the band; “As hot as volcanic ash and yet as cool as snow slippers.”
The Outer Reach reflects the band’s ambition and is a measure of a band on the up-escalator currently tearing up venues around the UK and Europe.
“Albany Down is the new voice of British Rock music. A blend of contemporary rock – with added brilliance on top.”