ABOUT THIS ITEM

‘Trials’ is the second album by Shady Bard. Following a limited edition pressing last year, the album now receives a full scale release this August, complete with a set of orchestral variations and arrangements entitled ‘Retrials’.

The original low-key release wowed the folks at Drowned in Sound who proclaimed Shady Bard ‘one of the most singular bands of their generation’ whilst Artrocker called the album ‘gorgeous’. The songs have since caught the attention of Steve Lamacq who described them as ‘dramatic’ and ‘very engaging’, whilst an ever-increasing amount of praise, airplay and sessions have come from the likes of Chris Hawkins, Gideon Coe, Janice Long, Jo Good and Huw Stephens. Their latest single, 'Night Song' was performed live on Radio 4’sLoose Ends, leading to the remarkable milestone of being played on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 4 and 6music in the space of just one week.

Centering around the songwriting talents of singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Lawrence Becko, Shady Bard also features Jasmin Hollingum (violin, French horn, vocals), Aidan Murphy (guitars), Alex Housden (cello), Sophie Barnes (trumpet) and Nick Gosling (drums). The band’s music has drawn comparison to the likes of Nick Cave, Tindersticks and Mercury Rev, as well as the post-rock atmospherics of Sigur Ros and the evocative harmonies of Low. Founded in Birmingham six years ago and now based in London, the band built a cult fanbase through a series of limited edition, handcrafted releases and extensive touring across the UK.

Disc 1 - Trials:
01. Trials
02. Volcano!
03. Night Song
04. The Dream
05. Daphne
06. Bears
07. Trials (Part III)
08. Plan B
09. The Lava Waltz
10. Trials (Part II)
11. In Memoriam

Disc 2 - Retrials:
01. Theme From Trials
02. The Boy Who Cried Volcano!
03. Trial & Error
04. The Ocean
05. Lava Requiem
06. The Pyre
07. All The Maps Are Burnt (Parts I & II)