Producer/composer Forest Swords (aka Matthew Barnes) shares a new double single “Torch / Pearl of Hail”. The release – recorded in a warehouse in Barnes’ home city of Liverpool – follows on from Barnes’ album Bolted, released last year on Ninja Tune marking his first studio album in 6 years.

““Torch / Pearl of Hail” were siblings written as part of the ‘Bolted’ album sessions, recorded in a factory studio space in Liverpool last winter, that deserved an extra life” Barnes comments. “I’m trying to not have much music hanging around on hard drives gathering dust anymore, life’s too short. This pair are a bit lighter and more spring-like than most of ‘Bolted’, but still share the same DNA.”

Across its 11 tracks ‘Bolted’ allowed Barnes to delve deeper into his unique sonic vocabulary, showcasing his work as an in-demand composer and sound designer. Throughout the album he weaves together a set of tracks that are equally haunting and euphoric, including the cinematic lead single “Butterfly Effect”, which features a vocal from the legendary Neneh Cherry.

“Torch / Pearl of Hail” is out now on Ninja Tune. Forest Swords will be heading out on his first NA tour in eight years throughout June with stops in New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco and more.

Forest Swords 2024 Live Dates

19th April – Tilburg, Netherlands – Roadburn Festival
20th April – Genk, Belgium – Little Waves Festival
14th June – US, New York – Music Hall of Williamsburg
15th June – US, Chicago – The Empty Bottle
18th June – US, Los Angeles – Lodge Room
20th June – US, San Francisco – The Independent
22nd June – Canada, Calgary – Sled Island Festival

Order “Torch / Pearl of Hail” HERE