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Phonseca release highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Everything Lasts Forever’ and joyous new electro-pop single ‘English Night’!

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Five years after their debut album ‘Between A Dream’, Bristol synthpop duo Phonseca return with ‘Everything Lasts Forever’, an album that sparkles and shimmers.

‘Between A Dream’ was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. ‘Everything Lasts Forever’ is a joyous, upbeat record which picks up where ‘Between A Dream’ left off and unashamedly embraces more of a synth pop feel than its acclaimed predecessor.

Phonseca brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player Matthew O’Connor and radiant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard. Matthew’s classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1’s – The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording ‘Everything Lasts Forever’, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.

‘Everything Lasts Forever’ happily takes its inspiration from the likes of New Order, The Beloved, Chromatics, The xx, Robyn, Pet Shop Boys and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The range of Kristina’s voice perfectly captures the variety of feelings that the lyrics portray. Putting herself at the centre of songs which cover Love, Grief, Clubbing and Internationalism. Also included is their take, on timeless pop classic Downtown.

In addition to the vocal tracks, there are a number of ambient/soundtrack inspired instrumentals, completing a varied yet balanced album of effervescent, nocturnal and emotive pop music. The album ends with the poignant, solo piano track ‘Our Star’, allowing you to pause, and reflect on things.

On the album, O’Connor states, “I realised recently that almost all of these tunes have a nocturnal element to them in one form or another. There is definitely a thread of pure optimism too, even in their bleakest moments, running through them and they lend the album its title. Everything Lasts Forever, comes from the theory that when something dies, it doesn’t end there, it’s atoms and energy carry on, long after, until the stars go out.”

Alongisde the album release, Phonseca also release new single ‘English Night’ today with an accompanying video. ‘English Night’ is a joyous upbeat electro-pop track that is laced with positive synth moods and soaring uplifting vocals.

On ‘English Night’, O’Connor states, “English Night is the most optimistic song we’ve ever written. It is Bizarre Inc meets Sophie Ellis Bexter with a dash of St Etienne. I’ve always wanted to pay some kind of homage to clubland as it has inspired me so much over the years. The middle section is my favourite part of the entire album, a real hands in the air moment. I can still recall the exact moment Kristina came up with it, jaw dropping, it gets me every time.”

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Naud Takes Flight with ‘Un Gars Bian’: A Wild Ride of Music & Madness

Photo credit: Isis Mecheraf

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After ten years of musical mischief, Naud has finally dropped anchor, or rather taken flight, with Un Gars Bian, an album that feels like a hug from an old friend and an impromptu dance party all at once. This high-energy, genre-mashing adventure blends alternative pop, electro, funk, and whatever else Naud felt like throwing into the mix. Think Marseille’s “joyous chaos” bottled up into soundwaves, bursting with playful unpredictability.

Leading things off is “Déjà Vu,” a sweet-and-sour love song about a romance that spanned across Europe but never quite took off, kind of like booking a first-class ticket to heartbreak. It’s got just the right mix of experimental vibes and catchy pop magic to make you groove while overthinking your past relationships.

The album title, Un Gars Bian, is a cheeky play on words, merging Marseille (city in France) slang for “seagull” (gabian) with “un gars bien” (a nice guy). It’s basically Naud in a nutshell: a free-spirited, big-hearted artist who wants to spread good vibes, reckless creativity, and a touch of joyful madness. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also launched an Un Gars Bian t-shirt line, because what’s better than wearing your philosophy on your sleeve, literally? Grab yours here!

So, are you ready to embrace the joyful chaos? Un Gars Bian is the perfect excuse to dance like nobody’s watching and live life with a little more mischief. Let’s gooo!

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