Lloyd Cole reunites w/ ex Commotions members on new LP (listen to "Violins")

June 4, 2019

Lloyd Cole is back with his first album in six years, titled Guesswork and out July 26 via earMUSIC. He made the album mostly in his attic studio in Massachusetts and the album features a number of past collaborators including two former members of his ’80s band The Commotions: guitarist Neil Clark and keyboard player Blair Cowan, which is the first time they’ve all worked together since the final Commotions album, 1987’s Mainstream. Guesswork also features Fred Maher, who has worked on may of Cole’s solo albums. If you’re expecting a return to his sparkling, jangly roots of “Perfect Skin,” don’t hold your breath, as Guesswork is primarily an electronic album. “When I was 27, the concept of the washed up older guy seemed very entertaining,” says Cole. “Now I’m starting to think that old age could be a lot more fun. Because really what have we got to lose?” What does an electronic Lloyd Cole album sound like? First single “Violins” sounds like classic ’80s percolating synthpop but it’s still Cole’s witty wordplay and way with a melody. Watch the lyric video below.

While Lloyd hasn’t announced anything for North America, he’ll be on tour this fall in the UK and Europe with Neil Clark joining him. Those dates are listed below.

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Lloyd Cole – Guesswork tracklist:
1. The Over Under
2. Night Sweats
3. Violins
4. Remains
5. The Afterlife
6. Moments and Whatnot
7. When I Came Down From The Mountain
8. The Loudness Wars

LLOYD COLE – 2019 TOUR DATES
OCTOBER
5 NEWCASTLE Tyne Theatre & Opera House
7 KILMARNOCK Palace Theatre
8 ABERDEEN Tivoli Theatre
10 DUNDEE The Gardyne Theatre
11 HAMILTON Townhouse
12 EDINBURGH Queens Hall
14 LIVERPOOL The Philharmonic Hall
15 LEEDS Town Hall
16 BUXTON Opera House
18 BIRMINGHAM Town Hall
19 GUILDFORD G Live
20 SALISBURY City Hall
21 NORTHAMPTON Derngate Theatre
23 BASINGSTOKE The Anvil & The Forge
24 LONDON Union Chapel
25 LONDON Union Chapel
29 KILKENNY The Set Theatre
30 DUBLIN Vicar Street