In amongst their touring commitments, Inglorious spent 2018 writing and recording their third studio album, “Ride To Nowhere”which the band say is a much darker, more reflective album than their previous releases, with the new songs further hone the Inglorious sound – the pulsating rhythms, driving guitars and infectious vocal melodies. Plus of course, there was something of a social media hoohah just before Christmas when things all seemed to go a little bit Pete Tong. The key in all of this should be the music and is it any good? Well, dear reader, buckle up and get ready for my thoughts on the third album from Nathan James and Inglorious.
Now I do need to be a little careful here, as I have really wanted to love the band ever since a certain Pete Newdeck (producer, drummer and vocalist par excellence of the melodic rock parish) pointed out that Nathan and I bear some striking similarities in looks people have been mistaking me for Nathan – including, rather amusingly, at the O2 Academy in Newcastle when a member of the crowd simply would not take my word for it that I was not, in fact, Mr James, even as I pointed out that he was on stage at the same time I was in the photo pit and said gentleman was calling me out for being a “f***ing liar” (all in typical Geordie humour, of course). It was just that despite Nathan’s undisputed great voice coupled with a great sound and songs, the records just didn’t set the heather on fire for me. All good stuff but in a world with so much phenomenal material around they didn’t quite hit that mark for me.
So, after all the social media shenanigans and not having fallen head over heels with the first two records, I approached “Ride to Nowhere” with a degree of trepidation. Sure, an open mind (or should that be open ears?) as we all have the right to change our minds. So on went the headphones and I clicked play. Album opener, “Where Are You Now”, kicked in and … holy hell, this is one helluva song. So good I immediately had another listen as soon as it finished. I truly did not expect such a huge impact on my soul. What a song – great vibe, proper rock and roll. An even better surprise awaited me – the strength of the first track continues right through all of the 11 tracks on here. Light and shade, not just all balls out rock, but every song sits perfectly with the others here. This is an album for Inglorious to be super proud of – they have developed their sound and if this is what to expect from here on in I couldn’t be happier.
Is January too early to say anything about albums of 2019? Quite probably, but without any question this is the record that I had hoped Inglorious would make – never mind the hype, ignore the other stuff. Open your ears and kop a load of this. This is what I need in albums – something that is new and not trying to replicate the past, songs that speak to me on a number of levels (musically, lyrically, performance wise, the whole 9 yards) and crucially that deliver right across all the tracks on offer. I truly see this as an album that will have continual repeat listens over the course of this year and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see it in my “long list” come the end of the year (if not higher but who know what tomorrow may bring – that should be in a song, eh? What a performance! I can’t wait to hear the songs live and to see Inglorious take this to the next level now and put the rest behind them.
“This album is different in many ways. The songs came about very quickly. As with all our songs we start with a riff, and this time having new guitarist Drew added a new and heavier feel to a couple of songs. We wrote the basics mostly together all in one room on acoustic guitars and then I went away and crafted the stories I wanted to tell. For me this album is very personal. I am for the first time writing about a lot of my feelings, relationships and losses…” – Nathan James
“On this album I feel that the songs are a true reflection of what we’ve been through over the past few years – both as a band and as individuals. You’ve got the highs, the lows and lessons learned along the way. The making of this album was at a time when we all had our own personal situations and changes to deal with. I feel that this definitely comes through on the recordings and particularly songs like ‘Tomorrow’, ‘Where Are You Now?’ and ‘Glory Days”. – Colin Parkinson
The recording of “Ride to Nowhere” involves for the first time new guitarist Drew Lowe, who says “The album is the next step for the band in maturity. Being that it’s my first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as soon as we started we knew what type of record was coming. Hopefully the fans will love it as they follow us on the musical journey.”
From the body blow riffs of the first single “Where Are You Now?”, to the beautiful melodies and bluesy overtones of “I Don’t Know You,” from the assault of “Freak Show” to the acoustic ballad “Glory Days”, “Ride to Nowhere” is an absolute gem of an album, showing not only all the influences from iconic rock albums of the 70’s, but also offering the band’s own sound and interpretation. As with Inglorious “II”, the album was mixed by the legendary Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith).
“There’s a lot of variety on this album, more so than the previous ones and that I really like. Sonically I think it sounds more fresh, contemporary in a sense and that goes for a bunch of songs on the album as well. Just the singles alone are different than how we’ve sounded in the past, but still have the Inglorious feel and vibe! Lastly I also think that musically it’s better than the previous albums, everyone plays very tasteful, soulful and collectively I feel that it’s perfect!” – Andreas Eriksson
“We’re all really happy with the way the new record sounds and look forward to seeing how the fans receive it. I personally can’t wait to play the new material live on the road!”- Phil Beaver
Album track listing is as follows
1. Where Are You Now?
2. Freak Show
3. Never Alone
4. Tomorrow
5. Queen
6. Liar
7. Time To Go
8. I Don’t Know
9. While She Sleeps
10. Ride To Nowhere
11. Glory Days
The album will be released on CD, Limited Edition Box Set (CD + T-shirt “L” size), Vinyl, Limited Edition Crystal Vinyl – exclusive to Frontiers online shop, Limited Edition White Vinyl – exclusive to the Inglorious online shop on 25th January 2019.
Pre order the album HERE
Inglorious online shop – http://inglorious.com/shop/
Frontiers online shop – https://www.frontiers.shop/
All vinyls are gatefold sleeve.
Following their show stealing mainstage performance at Download festival 2018, Inglorious have also announced a full UK tour across January and February 2019. The band will be bringing their stunning live performance to venues across the UK to support the release of “Ride To Nowhere”. Full dates are as follows:
Mon 28th Jan 2019 Southampton, Engine Rooms
Tues 29th Jan 2019 Bristol, Academy
Thurs 31st Jan 2019 Norwich, Waterfront
Fri 1st Feb 2019 London, Shepherds Bush Empire
Sat 2nd Feb 2019 Birmingham, Institute (FRONTIERS ROCK UK Festival)
Sun 3rd Feb 2019 Nottingham, Rock City
Tues 5th Feb 2019 Newcastle, Boilershop
Wed 6th Feb 2019 Glasgow, Garage
Thurs 7th Feb 2019 Manchester, Academy 2
Fri 8th Feb 2019 Bingley, Arts Centre
Tickets onsale now from all usual outlets. Tour Support will be – City of Thieves
With two studio albums, multiple headline and support tours, critical acclaim across the media and a loyal and fanatical fanbase, Inglorious are one of the most exciting and vital UK rock acts to emerge in years.
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