Manchester band Pastel have quickly made a name for themselves in the music industry, establishing their presence and carving out their own unique path to success. Through the power of their sound and prolific work ethic, the quartet secured the top two spots on the Official Vinyl Singles Chart with the back-to-back release of their first two EPs. This meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, with the band”s incredible’s reputation leading to a personal invitation from Liam Gallagher to support him at his monumental Knebworth Park show. Now, the band is poised to cement their status as one of the most electrifying new acts on the scene with the announcement of the imminent release of their eagerly anticipated debut LP “Souls In Motion” on January 17th, 2025 via Spirit of Spike Island.
“Souls In Motion” represents an exciting new chapter for the band, showcasing a dynamic blend of their most beloved fan favorites and live staples and a wealth of fresh, innovative new material that underscore the band’s global-facing ambitions.
Guitarist James Yates describes the lengthy, meticulous process behind the creation of their debut album, explaining how, “‘Souls In Motion’ was written over a 12 month period, where after work, we’d lock ourselves in our basement rehearsal room of Bunkhouse to write an album we feel people have been waiting 20 years for. An album which hangs on the framework of our chequered upbringing in Manchester, and the positive dazed outlook we all now share.”
The album features the band’s current single, “Leave a Light On (A Velvet Storm),” (video below) which represents a subtle departure from their signature style. Dipping their toes into slow-burning anthem territory, the song’s plaintive piano and Jack Yates’ more melodic vocals evoke shades of a modern answer to The Rolling Stones’ ‘Let It Bleed’ era and The Verve’s ‘A Northern Soul’. The cinematic scope of the track is captured in its accompanying video, directed by the band’s long-time collaborator Charlie Lightening, known for his film projects with artists like Liam Gallagher, Paul McCartney, and Kasabian.
Pastel wrote all of the album tracks under the production of J. Fender (Afflecks Palace frontman and founder of Spirit of Spike Island) with the LP mixed by James Kenosha.
“Souls In Motion” is available to pre-order or pre-save HERE now and will be released on CD and digital formats alongside a variety of exclusive formats. The Spirit of Spike Island store offers a translucent, sun-colored vinyl, with signed copies available. They also have a limited edition cassette. Additionally, Piccadilly Records in Manchester has an exclusive orange and yellow swirl vinyl edition, limited to 1,000 copies. Rough Trade also carries an exclusive green vinyl format.
Not only that, but the announcement comes as Pastel are about to enjoy a fresh spotlight moment with Jack and his cousin, guitarist James Yates, both having cameos in the new ‘Trailer Park Boys’ film Standing On the Shoulders Of Kitties set to release in cinemas this coming December 6th. The film was directed by Charlie Lightening and stars big names such as Billy Bob Thornton and The Rolling Stones‘ Ronnie Wood.
The band will celebrate the release of ‘Souls In Motion’ by heading out on their biggest headline tour to date next February. Tickets go on general sale HERE from 10am this Friday, November 15th. They will also be ending 2024 with a tour as special guests to The Twang.
All live dates are as follows:
FEBRUARY 2025 – HEADLINE TOUR
13th – Newcastle, The Cluny
14th – Liverpool, Arts Club (The Loft)
15th – Manchester, Club Academy 2
16th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
27th – Aberdeen, Tunnels
28th – Glasgow, King Tut’s
MARCH 2025 – HEADLINE TOUR
1st – Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire
6th – Bristol, Strange Brew
7th – Birmingham, Mama Roux’s
8th – London, Dome
Be sure to keep up with everything Pastel online:
Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube
Featured band photo courtesy of Charlie Lightening
