Drahla announced their new record angeltape, will drop on April 5th via Captured Tracks (Wild Nothing, The Lemon Twigs). The album is their first full-length release since their 2019 debut, Useless Coordinates. Their new single “Grief In Phantasia” follows album single “Second Rhythm” The single was accompanied by a menacing video created by the band.

Recorded with Matthew Benn and Jamie Lockhart in 2023, angeltape is an avant-garde document of the events that unfolded over the five-year gap between records which saw a variety of changes – good and bad – steer their professional and personal lives down unfamiliar territories. Instead of succumbing to adversity, however, angeltape sees Drahla re-emerge sounding creatively rejuvenated with deeply reflective perspectives. Over the last few years, they suffered devastating losses and expanded their sound with guitarist Ewan Barr joining vocalist and guitarist Luciel Brown, bassist Rob Riggs and drummer Mike Ainsley. These recent experiences – collective and individual – culminate in a sound that is considerably darker and tonally more complex and conceptual in its essence. Delving into themes of grief and trauma whilst simultaneously celebrating moments of sentimentality and support during difficult times, angeltape shifts between being a challenging, comforting and ultimately rewarding record for both artist and audience.

The addition of Ewan Barr to Drahla, marked a significant shift in the band’s dynamic, ultimately reshaping the way they approach their arrangements. Crucially, it allowed Drahla to dismantle previous limitations and carve out new sonic avenues to experiment with form more than ever before. Brown, in particular, embraced this opportunity to find different ways to inhabit her contemplative lyrics. There was, of course, a readjustment period for the band as they came together to write angeltape in this new iteration which kickstarted a renewed creative approach. “There was an uncertainty and anxiety in not knowing how to rekindle what we had, and what we did have just didn’t exist in the same format,” Brown explains. “I feel this is apparent in the music; the constant changes, opposing ideas and structures, the overall energy and drive of the songs. I think there’s also the sense of reconnection, encouragement and freedom, too. There’s excitement borne from us finding something together again.”

Drawing some inspiration from experimental rock band This Heat, Drahla primarily found that their greatest motivation came from listening to and following one another throughout the recording sessions. “I think the process and inspiration for this album has been way more experimental and insular than taking on any external musical references,” says Brown, “This record feels like it was built on a foundation of insular inspiration”.

Drahla 2024 Tour Dates

03/30 – Leeds, UK – Jumbo Records (in-store performance)
05/02 – Wakefield, UK – The Establishment
05/03 – Brighton, UK – The Hope & Ruin
05/04 – Brussels, BE – Les Nuits Botanique
05/07 – Cologne, DE- Bumann & Sohn
05/08 – Mainz, DE – Schon Schön
05/09 – Hamburg, DE – Hafenklang
05/10- Leipzig, DE – Ilses Erika
05/11 – Berlin, DE – Urban Spree
05/13 – Dresden, DE – Blechschloss
05/14 – Krakow, PL – Green ZOO Festival
05/15 – Prague, CZ – Underdogs
05/16 – Vienna, AT – Arena
05/17 – Munich, DE – Kafe Kult
05/18 – Bologna, IT – DEV
05/19 – Montecosaro, IT – Teatro delle Logge
05/21 – Clermont Ferrand, FR – Cooperative de Mai
05/22 – Toulouse, FR – Metronum Music Box
05/23 – Barcelona, ES – Sala Taro
05/24 – Madrid, ES – Sala Specka
05/25 – Porto, PT – Plano B
05/26 – Lisbon, PT – ZDB
05/27 – Vigo, ES – Radar Estudios & Mondo Club
05/30 – San Sebastian, ES – Dabadaba
05/31 – Bordeaux, FR – IBoat
06/03 – Paris, FR – Point Ephemere
06/04 – Lille, FR – L’AERONEF
06/06 – London, UK – Shacklewell Arms
06/07 – Bristol, UK – Dareshack
06/08 – Margate, UK – Where Else?
06/09 – Liverpool, UK – Quarry
06/10 – Manchester, UK – YES
06/12 – Glasgow, UK – The Old Hairdresser’s
06/13 – Coventry, UK – The Tin Music and Arts
06/14 – Hebden Bridge, UK – Hebden Bridge
06/15 – Leeds, UK – Belgrave Music Hall

Pre-order angeltape by Drahla HERE