Meadow Meadow

You Are So Alive, the debut record by Meadow Meadow is out now via Practise Music in digital format and as a green splatter, transparent vinyl. Offering up a singular sound of delicate tones and rich textures, compositions of strings and brass rub shoulders with subtle electronics and sampled sounds.

Peter Darlington and James Green of Meadow Meadow spent the last half-decade or so touring extensively together in their old band Spring King, where a unique friendship was born. They went from “barely knowing each other, to living in each other's pockets for six years”, connecting deeply over the shared experience of growing up in towns surrounded by forests, lakes, reservoirs and canals.

Now following on from their two acclaimed EPs - 2020s self-titled offering and 2021s ‘Silhouettes’ - the band have released their highly anticipated debut album. Leaving the boisterous guitar thrash of their old band behind, but bringing their unquestionable knack for ear worm hooks and melodies, Peter and James - joined now by bassist Maya Bovill and drummer Holly Hardy - have crafted something truly special on You Are So Alive.

Released as the most recent single, the title track to You Are So Alive serves as the album’s opening number, a shimmering string and synth section radiating a warm welcome to the record. As the track progresses it opens up into a universe of tones and textures from pianos, acoustic guitars and percussion. Along with the hypnotic group vocals, the track ‘You Are So Alive’ sets the kaleidoscopic scene of what might be in store across the next 10 tracks to follow.

Also released as singles were ‘Rain’ and ‘Talulah’, dealing with themes of relationship breakdown and feelings of alienation but also hope for the future. The record meanders through difficult personal stories and tackles uncomfortable aspects of life, but ultimately celebrates beauty, kindness and human resilience.

Speaking on their debut album, Pete and James offer:

James: “It's difficult to put into words how proud I am of this record. Writing music with Pete is a privilege, we've been in bands together for the last decade and the records we've made are some of the most accomplished and exciting things I've ever been a part of. I've grown a lot as a musician, as a producer and as a person as a result of making this album, and I'm thrilled that we get to share it with everyone thanks to Practise.”

Pete:  “The songs came in short bursts. They capture little glimpses of insight received whilst walking by a river, sat with a guitar in a dim lit room or riding on public transport. Ordinary moments. James’ production elevated everything and tied it all together. This record is a testament to our friendship.”

Elsewhere on the album, track ‘Into The Sun’ fuses elements of worldbeat with more traditional arrangements, spliced in with subtle glitching electronics and chiming bells. Songs like ‘You Are The Light’ and album closer ‘A Narrow Road’ serve lashings of atmosphere and texture from acoustic guitars and pianos, placing the varied vocals of the different members front and centre. ‘To Be Or Serve’ and ‘Open Sea’ showcase the excellent synth work and more experimental tone to Meadow Meadow, whilst uptempo tracks like ‘In The Tall Room’ and ‘Lucille’ capture irresistible, kinetic grooves.