Confirming his first solo material in over 3 years – JOHNNY LLOYD – is back with news of a brand new album, ‘Punchline’, led by the single ‘If You Love Them, Let Them Go’.
Laced with gossamer guitar lines and a pin-drop presence, ‘If You Love Them, Let Them Go’ marks a majestic return for the singer, songwriter and composer Johnny Lloyd.
Reminiscent of Bright Eyes, Elliot Smith, or even Nick Drake, the first solo material from the artist since 2021’s ‘La La La’ album, arrives with an understated grace and a hymnal aura that accompany ruminations of a “day the angels fell to earth”.
As Johnny explains of the track:
“‘’If You Love Them, Let Them Go’ is a song that started life quite heavy and it wasn’t until I got it in the studio, that I realised how personal it was and it needed a softer more Elliot Smith type delivery. It feels new musically to me and it was recorded beautifully by Luke Glazewski at HoxaHQ onto tape.”
Hushed in its delivery and highly personal in its subject matter, it’s a signal clear and true of the career affirming collection of songs Lloyd has been working on these past few years: ‘Punchline’, his fourth studio album under his own name.
Produced by musician and producer Max Clilverd (who has previously worked with Tom Odell, Holly Humberstone and earlier Johnny Lloyd albums), it’s a record that places Lloyd’s songwriting talents under the warmth of the spotlight; its pared-back arrangements illuminating songs rich in eternal themes of love, loss and letting go.
Of the upcoming album, Johnny states:
“If there was one album I’ve made to showcase my music I would want it to be this one. I started writing the album at the end of 2022 when the world was still transitioning out of the pandemic and I feel like that feeling is present in the music. I pushed as hard as I could creatively to go places I haven’t previously been… I am very grateful for the amazing musicians who played on this album and to Max Clilverd for bringing it together.”
Due for release on 31st January 2024 (via the Xtra Mile Recordings label), the new album emerges following a prolific period of songwriting for TV and film (where he won the RTS Best Original Music Award for ‘I Hate Suzie’) as well as a new album and tour with his band Tribes.
Returning to the live stage this October, Johnny will be supporting Everyone Says Hi – (featuring members from Kaiser Chiefs, Kooks, Dead 60s and Howling Bells) – dates below. Standby for details of a headline run of shows for January and February 2025 too…
PRE-ORDER ‘PUNCHLINE’ HERE
UK TOUR SUPPORTING EVERYONE SAYS HI
Mon 21 Oct. Bristol, Thekla.
Tue 22 Oct. Southampton, Heartbreakers.
Thu 24 Oct. London, Oslo.
Fri 25 Oct. Manchester, The Deaf Institute.
Sun 27 Oct. Leeds, Brudenell Social Club.
Mon 28 Oct. Glasgow, McChuills.
‘Punchline’ will be released on 31st January 2025 on Xtra Mile Recordings and will be available on LP, CD and digital. New single ‘If You Love Them, Let Them Go’ is out now. Stream here: https://orcd.co/ifyoulovethemletthemgo