Manchester Art Rockers Weimar present “Soho Rain,” the first single from their debut album “Dancing On a Volcano.” A wistful torch ballad paying homage to a district of London, whose former culture has been long eroded. The song features a guest appearance on sax by rising Leeds-based artist Finola. Watch the official video through the YouTube player below:
Inspired by the real-life stories of former Soho sex workers, it carries a strong message of inner reslilience and the ability to overcome hardship, addiction and personal struggle. This is also an affectionate homage to the dying culture of old Soho and the many artistic and cultural movements that emerged from London’s seediest square mile.
Weimar (pronounced Vy-marr) is a four-piece made up of vocalist/ guitarist / songwriter Aidan Cross (The Bacillus, Black Light Mutants), bassist John Armstrong (The Speed Of Sound), drummer Anthony ‘Eddy’ Edwards (The Deceased) and guitarist Stephen Sarsen (Frank Is Dead, Playground).
“Soho Rain explores themes of nostalgia for the bygone past amidst gentrification and cultural erosion, and heartache, loss and love within the seedy backstreets of the urban metropolis – themes recurrent throughout Weimar’s album. The lyrics tell of a former Soho sex worker’s visit to her old haunting ground as the neighbourhood is slowly gentrified, reflecting on the hardship she faced during her years in the sex trade, the strength she subsequently gained and how the experience shaped the person she is today,” says Aidan Cross.
Comprised of 12 tracks exploring an eclectic range of styles and moods, the album will be released on June 24, 2022 via German Shepherd Records, following the 2-track single “The Girls of LA” and New Order-esque B-side “Transatlantic Confusion.”
Produced by Adam Crossley and Chris Guest of Vibratone Sound Studio, the cover art for this single was created by acclaimed artist and writer Brian Gorman. The Art-Rock quartet’s output embraces Post-Punk to No Wave, cabaret, Psychedelia, Alternative Folk and Gothic Rock, blended in a distinctive fusion.
Since forming in 2016 and hitting the live circuit, Louder Than War named Weimar amongst its 50 Bands To Watch for 2019, the year they debuted the single “John Doe / Curse the Songs,” followed by “Marvel To The State / Undesirable Master.” Having worked with legendary Post-Punk producer Simon ‘Ding’ Archer, they’ve also played with Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) and goth legends Skeletal Family.
“Dancing On A Volcano” takes the listener on an unpredictable excursion with songs exploring socio-political and personal challenges of our modern age, with themes ranging from gentrification and cultural erosion, unsavoury characters masquerading as respectable public figures, the grit beneath the glamour of society, the contrast between polished façades and the decadence within. Through its maelstrom of musical styles and influences, this album paints a brutal and honest picture of human nature and culture in the context of the 2020s.
On June 3, 2022 “Soho Rain” will be available exclusively via Bandcamp, where the “Dancing On A Volcano” LP (out June 24th) can be pre-ordered. It will be released everywhere, including Spotify and Apple Music via German Shepherd Record and also on CD via Marlene’s Hat Records.
Pre-order the albumon Bandcamp: https://weimarband.bandcamp.com/album/dancing-on-a-volcano
Tracklist:
1. Prelude
2. Soho Rain
3. The Sociopath
4. I Smashed The Looking Glass
5. The Hangers-On
6. Arandora Star
7. Polished Decay
8. Hunter’s Moon
9. Faded Queen Of The Night
10. Nights In Spanish Harlem
11. Heaven On High Street East
12. The Tatterdemalions
Lineup:
Aidan Cross / vocals, rhythm guitar
Stephen Sarsen / lead guitar
John Armstrong / bass
Anthony Edwards / drums