For those not in the know, Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the new studio album by the legendary band the Strawbs.

Settlement (out now) is the latest album recorded by the Strawbs, more than 50 years on from the band’s first major label release.

Indeed, the album comes at a time of political and social upheaval, which the lyrics and melodies of the songs reflect. Undeterred by the fact that business as usual was not possible because of the global COVID-19 pandemic – working remote from one another, from their own home studios – Settlement is a quite remarkable achievement.

David Cousins, leader of the Strawbs has said, "Settlement is something extraordinary. I can’t think of another band who can go from metal grunge to the lilt of an Irish ghost story – or from a song in 6/8 time to singing in 4/4 over a 5/4 backbeat – in half an hour!"

"The lyrics reflect the times we have been living through and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved.”

1. 'Settlement'
2. 'Strange Times'
3. 'Judgement Day'
4. 'Each Manner of Man'
5. 'The Visit'
6. 'Flying Free'
7. 'Quicksilver Days'
8. 'We Are Everyone'
9. 'Chorale'
10. 'Champion Jack'
11. 'Better Days' (Life Is Now A Game)'
12. 'Liberty'

Opening on the insightful storytelling of the rockin' title track 'Settlement,' that's backed by the quietly wistful 'Strange Times,' the more upbeat melodies of 'Judgement Day,' the foot-tappin' sing-along of 'Each Manner of Man' and then we get the '60s-esque reflections found on 'The Visit.'

The exuberant instrumental tones of 'Flying Free' and the achingly poignant reminiscing of 'Quicksilver Days' are then followed by the gossamer-like ambiance of 'We Are Everyone' and the free flowing melodic strains of 'Chorale.'

Added as "Off the beaten tracks," the foreboding tale spun within 'Champion Jack' is first out the gate and is backed by the somewhat Calypso-imbued, and veritably uplifting 'Better Days' (Life Is Now A Game),' closing on the thought-provoking 'Liberty.'

Settlement is produced by Blue Weaver who played with the Strawbs and Bee Gees in their 1970s heydays. The recording was coordinated from Blue’s studio in Germany, where he now lives.

The Strawbs are David Cousins, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez and Dave Bainbridge and special guests on the album are John Ford, another former member of the Strawbs, who lives in New York, Cathryn Craig, with her lovely voice and unmistakable Southern lilt, who lives in Northern Ireland, and bass player Schalk Joubert, with whom David Cousins performed in South Africa at the beginning of the year.

The album will be available both on CD and 180 gram vinyl formats.

Official CD Purchase Link

Official Vinyl LP Purchase Link

www.strawbsweb.co.uk

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