The Open - Statues Audio

The Open
Statues - 4 Track Sampler
Audio Stream

On February 6th, 2006, The Open return with their second album, 'Statues', this follows 2004's critically acclaimed debut, 'The Silent Hours'. Recorded in Avignon, France 'Statues' is vocalist and songwriter Steven Bayley's long dark night of the soul delivered over ten glorious tracks, detailed by backwards strings, modal trumpets and lush arrangements. 'We Can Never Say Goodbye' is the first single to be taken from the album & it's due out on the February 27th

Click here to listen to four tracks taken from 'Statues', the brilliant new album from The Open - released on 6th Feb '06. 'Forever', 'La Lumiere', 'Moment in Time' and 'Statues'. The single 'We Can Never Say Goodbye (La Lumiere)' is released on 13th March '06.

The genesis of 'Statues' reinforces all rock 'n' roll clichés about 'difficult second albums'. Original drummer Scott parted company with the band at the end of 2004, ("It just wasn't working", is Steven's take on the situation), whilst initial studio sessions in Wales ended in disappointment for the band, Steven even going so far as to say that, "At this point, I think the label probably had more faith in us than we did".

That which does not kill you makes you stronger though and this, coupled with the end of a mutually destructive personal relationship saw Steven and The Open rise phoenix like from their problems. A break in France soaking up all his favourite culture led to the sessions in Avignon and the ten tracks you now have before you.

In many ways an album that lyrically draws from the experience of facing your demons and finding ways to move forward, 'Statues' sees Steven in more mature mode than 'The Silent Hours', Musically, The Open have taken the bold template of their debut and pushed themselves further, with opener 'Forever' and pivotal track 'My House' stretching the verse chorus verse format to breaking point. Steven still has an ear for a popular tune though as debut single 'We Can Never Say Goodbye' takes that destructive relationship and builds hope musically and lyrically from a dark personal experience.

The album, featuring stunning artwork from legendary designer Vaughan Oliver, was produced by Steven Bayley and Rob Kirwan in the south of France during the summer of 2005 and mixed in New York by Michael Brauer. The Open head out on tour in February – see dates below.

The Open are Steven Bayley (vocals/guitar), Jon Winter (guitar), Jim Reynolds (bass), Roger Westwood (drums) and Alan Dutton (keyboards).

The Open live (with support from Polytechnic)

Weds 15th March Stoke Sugarmill
Thurs 16th March Bristol University
Sat 18th March Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Sun 19th March Liverpool Academy 2
Mon 20th March Manchester Academy 3
Tues 21st March London Kings College
Weds 22nd March Wolverhampton Little Civic