Echo & The Bunnymen Return With 'Apples For Isaac'
Liverpool legends release their 13th studio LP, marking their first new album release in 12 years.
Echo & The Bunnymen have officially returned with 'Apples For Isaac', representing their thirteenth studio album and their first full-length effort since 2014's 'Meteorites'. Moving away from the darker, more forlorn atmosphere of their previous release, the group delivers a cheerful, well-balanced range of tracks that establish a thoughtful and optimistic tone.
Frontman Ian McCulloch stepped into the producer role for the record, constructing a bright-sounding mix defined by masterful instrumental arrangements alongside smartly incorporated orchestral elements. The album also features contributions from late Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who tragically passed away during the production process after recording drum parts for ten of the album's eleven tracks.
Key Track Highlights & Influences
Bowie-Inspired Openers
Drawing from their longstanding admiration for David Bowie, the opening tracks 'Take Me By The Hand' and 'Can't Be Sold' reference Bowie's 1975 album 'Station To Station', specifically the track 'Golden Years'. McCulloch's vocals offer crooning runs amid upbeat chord progressions.
'Brussels Is Haunted'
Carrying an uplifting sound balanced by lyrical dissonance, this track reflects on a city bearing the history of two world wars, featuring background "sha la la's" alongside an ominous final verse.
'An Unstoppable Force'
Marking the primary tonal shift on the album, this song embraces a feeling of resignation to fate and concludes with an emotive string section.
'We Prayed In The Dark'
Serving as the closing track, it contrasts a hopeful melody against poignant lyrics: "This Is No Shangri La, Or Paradise of Eden… I hope I'm wrong, but the nights are drawing in."
Album Context & Timeline
David Bowie releases 'Station To Station', an album that heavily influences the vocal styling and arrangement on 'Apples For Isaac'.
Echo & The Bunnymen release 'Meteorites', establishing a darker, forlorn sound that would precede a 12-year gap between studio albums.
Renowned Blondie drummer Clem Burke joins the sessions, contributing drum tracks for 10 out of 11 songs prior to his passing during production.
Echo & The Bunnymen officially release 'Apples For Isaac', marking their 13th studio LP and a major milestone in their career.
The Liverpool group successfully returns after more than a decade, expertly balancing thematic darkness with overarching optimism, hope, and love throughout their 13th studio release.
