Having ascended to the forefront of the UK folk/Americana scene with their debut album ‘Wild Silence’, The Wandering Hearts are set to make a wider impact with their upcoming self-titled second album, which will be released on July 30th via Cooking Vinyl. Following recent support as varied as Wonderland and Bob Harris at Radio 2, The Wandering Heartsshare a fresh taste of what to expect with the new single ‘Dolores’. Listen HERE.
‘Dolores’ is an emotionally charged acoustic lament in which The Wandering Hearts’ beautiful three-part vocal harmonies extend a timely message that no-one needs to suffer through their struggles alone – an important reminder at a time when trauma still isn’t widely discussed in society and as mental health services are struggling.
The song was inspired by an article that Chess Whiffin had read about the late Dolores O’Riordan in Rolling Stone en route to writing sessions in London. When she arrived, she felt compelled to share the story with her bandmates Tara Wilcox and AJ Dean-Revington, who were just as affected by the story as she was. As Tara reflects, “We were going through a lot and it was so good that we had each other. My mum would always say, ‘Everyone’s fighting a battle you know nothing about.’” That simple yet compelling adage inspired the song’s central lyric.
Chess adds, “When we recorded Dolores, we had no idea what lay ahead and the toll the pandemic would take on our own and other people’s mental health. The song feels like a timely reminder to be kind to yourself and others as we come out of lockdown.”
The uncomplicated kindness of ‘Dolores’ is a strength that forms the heart of The Wandering Hearts’ new album. Already previewed by the euphoric soul of ‘Gold’ and the haunting folk melodies of ‘Over Your Body’, the album echoes the timeless songcraft of Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel with the pure passion of Jade Bird and The Lumineers. It’s a record that celebrates life, new beginnings, and striving to shine through a darkening world.
The album is available to pre-order here, and will be released on CD, vinyl, cassette and digital formats. The band’s official store offers a selection of exclusive bundles as well as signed items and a new t-shirt design.
After recently playing this year’s virtual SXSW, The Wandering Hearts will follow the album’s release by playing their first UK shows in eighteen months. Tickets for ‘In Harmony: An Intimate Tour’ are selling quickly and are available here. The dates are:
August
21st – Colchester, Little Rabbit Barn (SOLD OUT)
22nd – Milton Keynes, The Stables (SOLD OUT)
23rd – Southampton, The Brook (SOLD OUT)
24th – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum (SOLD OUT)
26th – London, Nell’s (SOLD OUT)
27th – Guildford, Boileroom (SOLD OUT)
28th – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (SOLD OUT)
29th – Cottingham, Civic Hall (SOLD OUT)
31st – Pocklington, Arts Centre (SOLD OUT)
September
2nd – Stockton-On-Tees, The Georgian Theatre (SOLD OUT)
3rd – Kendal, The Brewery Arts Centre
4th – Gateshead, Sage 2 (matinee)
4th – Gateshead, Sage 2
6th – Edinburgh, Summerhall
7th – Stirling, Tolbooth
8th – Aberdeen, Lemon Tree
9th – Dunfermline, PJ Molloys
14th – Poole, Lighthouse (SOLD OUT)
15th – Oxford, The Bullingdon
