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Alex Rex (Alex Neilson of Trembling Bells) returns with new album ‘Andromeda’ out February 7 and shares video for first single

December 2, 2019

Alex Rex
returns with his new album
Andromeda
out 7th February 2020
Watch the video for
“Haunted House” 

Alex Rex is the nom de guerre of Alex Neilson – drummer to some of the most innovative musicians on the international underground, including Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Shirley Collins, Jandek and Current 93. Alex has synthesised the agonised self-invention and charismatic death-drive of these artists into his solo vehicle – abandoning the folk-rock pomp of his previous band Trembling Bells for something darker and wilder.

His third solo album, Andromeda (out 7th February on Tin Angel Records) is a game of emotional snakes and ladders. It’s the product of two years spent in therapy, the gym and on Tinder. It opens with the voice of folk legend Shirley Collins in “Song of Self Doubt” – a sparse assemblage of spoken words layered on bright chimes and birdsong. And from there we wander down corridors of cruelty, recklessness and recrimination.

The first single “Haunted House” is a ghost-rock ballad about an emotional poltergeist looking for love. It was originally written as a Trembling Bells song but the Bells ceased operations before it was finished. The haunting female backing vocal is by Jill Lorean from Sparrow and the Workshop. The video was filmed in Hampstead Heath pergola- a ruined Victorian pleasure garden.

Absence becomes a new form of presence in this collection of 12 songs that dip and soar, melodies that haunt and soothe. Guest appearances from ShirleyCollins and Steve Jackson enhance an album rich in contributions from musical collaborators including Rory Haye, Audrey Bizouerne (Rev Magnetic / Bill Wells) and Georgia Seddon (Mike Heron / The Incredible String Band).

Andromeda covers a vast terrain, musically, lyrically, emotionally.  With each solo release Neilson reveals a little more of himself. His voice has never sounded so brutally honest, so desperate, defiant and courageous.

UK Tour Dates 2020:
1st February – Glasgow- Platform- Celtic Connections
7th February – Manchester- The Peer Hat
8th February –  Coventry- The Tin*
9th February – Whitstable- St Mary’s Hall*
10th February –  London- The Victoria*

8th April –  Newcastle- Cumberland Arms
9th April – Bishops Castle- SpArC Theatre
10th April –  Birmingham- Club Integral Midlands
11th April –  Hereford- The Babar Cafe
12th Apri –  Bristol- The Exchange
13th April –  Bath- The Bell
14th April – Lewes- Westgate Chapel
15th April – London- New River Studios
16th April –  Leicester- The Musician 
17th April –  Glasgow- Glad Cafe
18th April – Fife- Futtle
19th April – Edinburgh- Sneaky Pete’s

*supporting Kacy & Clayton

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