aaamusic | On 05, Jul 2011

Having launched his solo career to much critical acclaim with “Familial” back in August last year, Philip Selway returns with the beguiling “Running Blind” EP on 25th July.

When Philip wrote the songs that formed the track-listing for his acclaimed debut solo album he kept back a handful of beauties to release later, songs which he felt worked best as a separate piece of work and are now unveiled on this new EP. Although these four tracks were initially recorded during the album sessions, the songs evolved through Philip’s live shows and he subsequently returned to the studio to record them with his band. Providing supple and intriguing backing across the 4 tracks are Adem, Alex Thomas, Caroline Weeks and Kath Mann.

Philip Selway’s next live performance will be at the Truck festival in July, followed later in November by a special fund-raising performance at the Pegasus Theatre in Oxford. All funds raised through ticket sales will go towards supporting the youth arts projects that the Pegasus Theatre delivers.

Sunday 24 July – STEVENTON – Truck Festival

Friday 11 November – OXFORD – Pegasus Theatre (£25)

Critical acclaim for “Familial”, released August 2010 on Bella Union records…

“Quietly asserts Selway as a sensitive soul… eschews pummelling drums in favour of gentler percussion and intricate loops… Selway has delivered an album so honest and thoughtful, you’ll see not only drummers but yourself in a new light”
NME – 8/10

“Familial is an acoustically plucked, feet-on-the-ground record, Selway’s fragile and inviting voice a delightful match for his misplaced self doubt”
MOJO – 4 Stars ****

“Familial in an alternative acoustic universe of intricate guitar picking, tightly written melodies and soft, confident vocals”
The Times – 4 stars ****

“The main characteristics are Selway’s expressive vocals… the message he broke away from his day job to communicate is one of stoicism and maturity and the angst that attends adult responsibility”
Mail on Sunday – 5 stars ***** (CD of the Week)

“a genuinely moving listen and an album which deserves to stand free of anyone’s shadow”
Clash – 8/10

“this acoustic-based album is a softly sung delight, brushed with beautifully textured, understated arrangements… The songwriting is a revelation”
The Sun – 4.5/5 *****

“Haunting melodies and subtle hooks dominate… touching tales about Selway’s close family… Familial sits neatly alongside the swaying acoustics of Bella Union label-mates the Fleet Foxes”
Daily Mail – 4 stars ****

This is a singer-songwriter’s album, filled with quiet, personal, beautiful music… Moving and accomplished”
Uncut – 3 Stars ***

“blessed with a warm and gentle voice, he sings of heart, hearth and on the aching Broken Promises, the death of his mother”
Q – 3 Stars

“Selway sings, and very nicely too, about father-son ties and solitude. His quiet, melodic voice heightens the intimacy… the instrumentation is subtly detailed and beautiful”
The Observer

“he emerges fully formed from behind the drum kit and delivers a minimalist set of sitdown songs with a west coast breeze and an English folk plaintiveness… The whole thing is rather beautiful”
WORD

“a gentle, often beautiful effort, which celebrates hearth and home… he’s crafted something he can be proud of”
Evening Standard – 3 Stars ***

“brings to mind the quieter moments of Talk Talk and Radiohead… the surface mood is contemplative and intimate, while the emotional turmoil wrestles below”
The Independent – 3 Stars ***

“Incinerates advanced reservation and quietly toasts cockles. His warm falsetto pulls you close to these homely acoustic reflections, which play like fretful intimacies shared in the small hours…”
The Independent