Set for release via FatCat Records on March 29th, C Duncan’s highly anticipated third album ‘Health’ sees the Scottish multi-instrumentalist ditch his bedroom studio and work with other producers, engineers and musicians for the first time. “This was the biggest shift in dynamic for me,” he explains, “having always worked alone, it was a daunting prospect but one I knew I had to explore.”
Navigating themes of love, anxiety and sexuality, ‘Health’ – produced by Elbow’s Craig Potter – is a deeply personal record that delves into a world Duncan had previously felt uneasy exploring. “Writing it was a very cathartic process. It helped me through a lot of tough times and also to celebrate the good,” he continues. Warm and harmonically rich, Duncan delightfully juxtaposes the vibrant and wholesome aesthetic of the album with an often-darker lyrical undertone, pushing himself to refine and explore new ways of writing. As the sole protagonist of his self-carved niche, ‘Health’ sees Duncan evolve and expand its parameters in mesmerising fashion.
Following the Mercury Prize nominated debut ‘Architect’ (2015,) and its impressive follow up ‘The Midnight Sun’ (2016,) ‘Health’s’ soaring tapestries achieve what Duncan set out to. “With Album 3 I wanted to take a more direct approach, adding even more layers but thematically and lyrically laid bare. Having someone else to bounce production ideas off was really eye-opening for me. In the past I had been very controlling about how everything would sound but ‘Health’ really showed me the benefit of working with others and made the whole process much less isolating,” he explains. Packed with fresh ideas and buzzing with invention, ‘Health’ combines syncopated art-pop piano rhythms with breezy, undulating heartbreak ballads executed with acute precision. As always Duncan has contributed all the artwork surrounding the release, and the colourful and natural aesthetic is reflected in the instrumentation and lyrics.
Having fast-tracked from playing basement venues alone to selling out 900-capacity venues within the space of a year, C Duncan’s live show has come along leaps and bounds. Now flanked by a four-piece band, they provide a fitting backdrop of spacey ambient sounds, with his vocals taking on an elegiac, choral quality over soft arpeggiated synthesisers.
C Duncan is pleased to announce a new UK tour for spring 2019 – tickets are on sale now for the following shows;
Friday 15th March Paisley – SAMA’s Takeover
Friday 19th April Aberdeen – The Lemon Tree (tickets)
Thursday 25th April Newcastle – The Cluny (tickets)
Friday 26th April Manchester Band on the Wall (tickets)
Saturday 27th April Birmingham Castle & Falcon(tickets)
Monday 29th April Bristol Thekla (tickets)
Tuesday 30th April Brighton Komedia (tickets)
Thursday 2nd May Norwich Arts Centre (tickets)
Friday 3rd May Nottingham Rescue Rooms (tickets)
Saturday 4th May Leeds – Live at Leeds Festival
Sunday 5th May Leicester Handmade Festival
Tuesday 7th May Oxford – The Bullingdon (tickets)
Wednesday 8th May London Scala (tickets)
Friday 10th May Edinburgh – Summerhall Arts Centre (tickets)
Saturday 11th May Glasgow – Maryhill Community Centre Hall (tickets)
Be the first to comment