THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Light for The Midnight, the fourth album from singer, songwriter and producer Cold Specks (aka Al Spx), is a 10-track collection of fervent ballads and atmospheric songs, with Spx’s soulful voice channelled into expansive sonic worlds. At its core, it is a raw and deeply emotional personal reflection on endurance, survival, and transformation.
Light For The Midnight was conceived during a challenging period in Spx’s life, with work beginning amidst struggles with her mental health, experiences that are deeply embedded in the music. Spx emphasises its universality, despite its personal origins: “I definitely wanted to reflect on the last couple of years because it impacted me so much, but I also wanted the audience to walk away with this album. You know, the songs belong to them once I release them.”
The record was crafted in Toronto and Bristol, with Spx co-producing alongside Adrian Utley and Ali Chant. The album features string arrangements by Owen Pallett (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Sampha) and additional contributions from Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck. Spx also worked with a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Chantal Kreviazuk (who co-wrote Wandering In The Wild and How it Feels, Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap, Ben Christophers (who co-wrote Lingering Ghosts), Terry Edwards, Ed Harcourt and Jonathan Quarmby.
Since she arrived on our screens with an unforgettable a capella performance on Later… With Jools Holland in 2011, Cold Specks has delivered crackling, pared-down guitar blues, gothic soul, gospel and warm electronics across three albums — 2012’s I Predict A Graceful Expulsion, 2014’s Neuroplasticity and 2017’s Fool’s Paradise. She has won the Polaris Music Prize and been nominated for three Juno Awards. Her musical stretch is vast — she has worked with Swans, Massive Attack and Moby, and performed at Joni Mitchell’s birthday concert. This first album in seven years showcases her vast talent as a vocalist, songwriter, lyricist and producer to startling effect.
Light For The Midnight captures Cold Specks at her most vulnerable and powerful, weaving stories of struggle into stunning compositions that resonate deeply. It is an album of hope and transformation.”
