Stranger Than You, the fourth studio album by The Names is out on 18 May 2015 via Factory Benelux on CD and double vinyl LP (with free download code).

Recorded in 2014, Stranger Than You marks a conscious return to the sounds and styles explored on their debut album Swimming in 1982. "There's a strong element of reconnection," explains singer/songwriter (and bassist) Michel Sordinia. "Yet at the same time it's also about developing your own legitimate strangeness, just as the great Surrealist poet Rene Char invited his readers to do. A new mystery singing in your bones."

Michel and guitarist Marc Deprez are joined by new members Laurent Loddewyckx (drums) and Christophe Boulenger (keyboards and piano). Stand-out tracks include the dynamic title track, Kids On Fire and quickfire Boy With A Gun, as well as more contemplative, elegiac numbers such as Lights and My Angel of Death.

The cover art is an original painting by long term Names associate Benoit Hennebert, celebrated for his work as design director for Les Disques du Crépuscule, with portrait photography by Peter Staessens. The double vinyl edition is housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve and includes a free digital download code.

Tracklisting (CD and vinyl)

1. Stranger Than You
2. Nowherarians
3. Lights
4. Life Again
5. My Angel of Death
6. Kids On Fire
7. What She Knows About the Night
8. Hands Off Love
9. Boy With a Gun
10. Fear
11. Baby You're Scary
12. The Passengers
13. The Days
14. The State I'm In
15. Dare
16. Die Mauer Is No More

Stranger Than You is available to pre-order now via Factory Benelux mailorder.

Labels: album, album_launch, Factory_Benelux, gigs, The_Names

A reminder that new band Giant Star launch their debut album 'The Year of the Snake' at Manchester's Ruby Lounge on Friday 18 October. Main man and ex-Space Monkey Richard McNevin-Duff will play a short solo acoustic set and there will be a full band performance.

Meanwhile, Issue 11 of FC United of Manchester-affiliated fanzine 'A Fine Lung' will include an interview with McNevin-Duff, who’s band were the last to sign to Factory Records.

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Friday 18 October
Ruby Lounge
Manchester

Giant Star
+ Special Guests

Year of the Snake
Album Launch Party

Tickets available now from seetickets.com, ticketline.co.uk and Piccadilly Records 0161 832 1111

Labels: album_launch, Giant_Star, gigs

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