New Release – Hollowhead / Almost Happy by The Vaulted Skies
Once described as the lovechild of Robert Smith and Boy George, British kohl-eyed singer-songwriter James AJ Scott put The Vaulted Skies together in 2013 to bring peace to the galaxy through a fusion of edgy alternative rock and danceable electronica, shot through with the dynamics of grunge and bouts of epic melancholia.
Ten years on, the mission continues, with fellow founder member and guitarist Doktor Ben Singleton taking a stoic position stage-right in his iconic yellow woollen-framed spectacles and badge-emblazoned lab-coat.
The line-up is completed by satisfyingly tall bassist Andy McFarlane (passively challenging Dave Grohl’s position as “the nicest guy in rock”) and drummer Mat Hector (Iggy Pop, Grace Jones, Marc Almond, Razorlight) who was hypnotised into playing for the band using an incantation of questionable moral standards.
The band re-releases their songs ‘Hollowhead’ and ‘Almost Happy’ as an ultra-limited edition.
‘Hollowhead’ was originally released on 31st March 2023 as a tribute to frontman James Scott’s late and long-departed father; an immigrant who came to the UK from India at the age of 10 and initially enjoyed positive discrimination before experiencing more common forms of racist abuse for the remainder of his life. The song explores the complex relationship between triumph over adversity and the persistent sadness and rage that underpins it all.
‘Almost Happy’ was released on 21st April 2023. It’s the band’s “pandemic song” written at singer-guitarist James Scott’s lowest ebb, having lost a friend to suicide just before the first lockdown, and then his final source of income shortly after that. “Every aspect of life seemed broken, but then this song arrived and reminded me to be grateful for all the things I might otherwise have been taking for granted.
The songs were released across all major streaming platforms in March and April 2023. Find them here.
“These two songs are to be re-released as a AA side at 10.10 am on on 10th October as one of a number of special activities to mark the band’s 10th anniversary. There are 10 copies on black plastidisc and 10 on clear plastidisc that will be individually numbered by hand and signed.”
“A lyric book called ‘The 9 Lives of Love & Death’ will get the same treatment. Limited to 100 copies, this hardback features the lyrics for just 9 songs, each of which is accompanied by illustrations from Scott’s wife – Joanna – an award winning artist whose credits include work for Selfridges, Harrods and Paddington Bear Co. Additionally, the book includes a foreword from lyricist James, as well as a section that explores the stories behind the songs.”
The vinyl and the books will be on general sale from 10.10 am on 10th October (UK time).
While the band is hard at work on an album of new material entitled ‘Space Invaders’ (due to be released in full next year but with an initial single due in November), they will take a moment to celebrate the milestone of surviving a difficult decade, with a Halloween party in their hometown of St. Albans (UK) on 28th October. The venue is a converted chapel, now the home of Trestle Theatre. As well as an epic set from The Vaulted Skies combining new and old material, the event will also offer Tarot readings, close-up Gothic magick, DJ sets, and performances by a troupe of zombie pirates! Event tickets can be bought in advance from here.
Check out the band’s Instagram for reels of the plastidiscs and the book: Plastidisc unboxing, Sleeve unboxing, Plastidisc signing & Book unboxing.
