aaamusic | On 20, Mar 2011

The release of Howard James Kenny’s début album ‘Shelter Songs’ marks the culmination of a unique two-year journey. Emerging from a rusty, leaking cattle barn in rural Worcestershire after months of experimentation, Howard presented his beautiful, fragmentary tunes to a rapturous audience in March 2009. Wowing early crowds with suites that build from the sweet hushed intimacy of classic folk-tinged Nick Drake to the climactic, spine tingling crescendo’s of Mogwai, Howard quickly earned himself the sobriquet; “a one man Sigur Ros”. Later he earned further comparisons to the Icelandic post-rockers with turns at 2000 Trees and the Brainwash festivals.

Howard’s rare and bewitching combination of looped vocals, guitar and simple synth embraces the experimental spirit of Juana Molina and Battles’ immersive atmosphere while still retaining the tenderness of Stars Of The Lid.

‘Shelter Songs’ was recorded with producer Dave Draper at FFG in Gloucester during 2010, a year that saw Howard play with the likes of Fuck Buttons, Baths, Bob Brozman and Tommy Reilly and embark on a nationwide tour in support of Jonah Matranga (Far, New End Original).

The album will be released on April 11^th, preceded by the singles ‘Good Fortune’ on 4^th April and ‘Insects’ on March 7^th. During March, Howard will be touring throughout the UK with Dave McPherson on the following dates:

Monday 7th – GLASGOW, Cathouse

Tuesday 8th – EDINBURGH, Sneaky Pete’s

Wednesday 9th – NEWCASTLE, Trillian’s

Thursday 10th – MANCHESTER, Jabez Clegg

Friday 11th – LIVERPOOL, Mello Mello

Saturday 12th – LEEDS, Cockpit

Sunday 13^th – SHEFFIELD, University

Wednesday 16^th – BRISTOL, Fleece and Firkin

Thursday 17th – LONDON, Borderline

Saturday 19th – BIRMINGHAM, Flapper

Wednesday 23rd – GUILDFORD, Boiler Room

Thursday 24th – SOUTHAMPTON, Joiners

Friday 25th – EXETER, Timepiece

Saturday 26th – BRIGHTON, Pav Tav