REVIEW TAMSIN JONES
“NIGHT CALL” out on 21st January 2022 via Polydor Records.
“Olly is showing himself as a fearless voice not shying away from discussions around mental health and issues that affect the LGBQT community”
2022 sees the release of new album ‘ Night Call’ that was introduced in bold fashion with the new track ‘Crave’ off the album.The album is due to be released 7th January 2022 via Polydor
Not only does the album capture a new chapter for Years and Years which will be the first project of Olly Alexander as a solo vocalist. The album not only stands out through its rejuvenated sound, the iconic artwork of the album captures Ollys personalty.At the centre of it all is that mermaid of a muse: a beautiful icon luring men to their death, on an album partly about those searching for love (or a lover) but ultimately finding power in themselves
First single ‘Crave’ off the new album is described by Olly as “a playful way of inhabiting the deranged sexual energy I’ve always wanted” talking of growth and progressing in life ‘Olly speaks of past previous toxic relationships and having been dominated by them. ‘I felt like it would be fun to turn it on its head’.
The video for ‘Crave’ also features cast mates from ‘it’s a sin’ The character Ritchie from ‘it’s a sin’ deeply influenced Olly in the songwriting, with songs that blur the line between fantasy and reality but are bound together by their explorations of queer life.
“I was writing from a fantastical space, stuck in the same four walls. I wanted to have as much pleasure as possible in the music.”
Olly is taking years and years to forward and putting pop into the Limelight. Taking Years and Years centre stage for the 2021 new years eve show that was aired on BBC 1 following in the footsteps of Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow to introduce 2022 to over 10 million viewers. A stark difference to the previous year when he spent it alone. Joined by Kylie Minougue who he now classes as a friend and the Pet shop boys. Also including pop royalty Kylie Minogue on her single ‘second to midnight’ which features on ‘Disco : guest list edition. And the last track on new album Night Call.
Olly is showing himself as a fearless voice not shying away from discussions around mental health and issues that affect the LGBQT community and I feel the album ‘Nightcall’ is a beacon to uplift people’s spirits whilst also hitting deep issues.
7.5/10
TRACK LISTING
1/ CONSEQUENCES
2/ STARSTRUCK
3/ NIGHT CALL
4/ INTIMACY
5/ CRAVE
6/ SWEET TALKER
7/ SOONER OR LATER
8/ 20 MINUTES
9/ STRANGE AND UNUSUAL
10/ MAKE IT OUT ALIVE
11/ IMMACULATE
12/ MUSCLE
13/ REFLECTION
YEARS AND YEARS 2022 TOUR DATES
19.05.2022 || Brighton || Brighton Centre
20.05.2022 || Bournemouth || Bournemouth International Centre
21.05.2022 || Birmingham || Birmingham Resorts World Arena
26.05.2022 || London || The SSE Arena, Wembley
28.05.2022 || Manchester || AO Arena Manchester
24.06.2022 || Dublin || The National Museum of Ireland
25.06.2022 || Glasgow || Colourboxx, Bellahouston Park
FOLLOW YEARS AND YEARS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
