aaamusic | On 09, May 2012

Following the release of their critically acclaimed a cappella album ‘Rant’, The Futureheads have announced the release of their new single ‘Beeswing’ on 18th June plus new UK live dates, which will culminate in them bringing their engaging and  humorous acoustic and a cappella show to Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 19th September.

With their new a cappella album and live show The Futureheads have taken a creative turn and in return have reaped praise for their boundless, very British talent. The album cleverly re-works Futureheads classics such as ‘Meantime’ and ‘Thursday’, as well as well known pop songs including Kelis’s ‘Acapella’ and a barbershop version of the Black Eyed Peas’ huge number one ‘Meet Me Halfway’. They also pay homage to their geographical roots with new arrangements of local folk tunes. ‘Beeswing’ by Richard Thompson is the next track to be taken from ‘Rant’, set for release on June 18th:

“Beeswing was one of my choices for the record,’”says Ross Millard. “I saw Thompson do it on Jools Holland and thought it was an amazing song. When you’re doing a cappella you’re a lot more exposed when you perform, and the lyrics become really important. So we went for songs that have something to say, that took you on a journey. Some of The Futureheads’ lyrics have narratives, but most of them are oblique and syncopated and staccato and minimal. So the folk songs we’ve chosen are the opposite to that.”

Through their musical versatility, lyrical wit, sharp songwriting and seamless live shows, The Futureheads represent a British band at its best. They will be playing the following UK dates this Summer:

MAY

18th: SUNDERLAND, Minster

19th: SUNDERLAND, Minster

JUNE

2nd: MANCHESTER, Beached Festival

24th: SUNDERLAND, Stadium of Light w/ The Red Hot Chilli Peppers

29th: KENT, Hop Farm Festival

JULY

13th: GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 2000 Trees Festival

28th: HEREFORDSHIRE, Nozstock Festival

SEPTEMBER

19th: LONDON, Shepherd’s Bush Empire