Lanterns On The Lake nominated for Mercury Prize
A proud and happy day for Bella Union. Today sees one of our core acts Lanterns On The Lake shortlisted for the Mercury Prize 2020 for their acclaimed album Spook The Herd, released in February via the label. Of being nominated for the award vocalist Hazel Wilde says: “We’ve always put our hearts into the music we make – but never more so than with this album. We’re especially proud of this one. So to have it recognised in this way means more than I can say. With the tours being cancelled and everything being put on hold it was crushing to think that the record could be forgotten about. Then, right when we thought the story was over for this album, it gets nominated for the Mercury Prize. What a beautiful plot twist.”
Acclaim for Spook The Herd:
“With this brave, political LP, Lanterns On The Lake have found their time… Hazel Wilde’s words are clear, emphatic and beautifully sung… The songs are shimmering and sharply defined; infused with melody and searing musical ideas.” MOJO – 4 stars ****
“It’s reassuring to know that raw beauty can still be found within the groove of vinyl, of which this Newcastle band’s fourth LP provides rich evidence.” Record Collector – 5 stars *****
“A glorious shot of potent romanticism… While the songs are Lanterns’ leanest yet, fusing dream pop melodies with Paul Gregory’s soaring post-rock guitar, it’s Hazel Wilde’s lyrics that quicken the pulse. If we are sleepwalking towards apocalypse, Lanterns are here to sing us out in style.” Long Live Vinyl – 9/10
“Succeeds in painting atmospheric images, with elliptical poetry set against dreamy, FX-laden guitars, twinkly pianos and jagged beats… Lanterns On The Lake can be quietly magnificent.” Uncut
“Poised, rising and falling soundscapes… From the yearning Every Atom to the bittersweet Baddies, every track trembles with individual intensity… A Northern powerhouse.” PROG
“Mesmerising… There is an extra urgency and bite on the fourth album from a band that commonly trades in hazy loveliness… It gradually reveals itself to be rather wonderful.” The Sun – 4 stars ****
“A masterpiece… This album is all the proof you needed that their excellence was staring right at you all along, you just failed to truly see it.” Music OMH – 5 stars*****
“Musically elegant, emotionally eloquent, and absolutely vital.” The Line Of Best Fit – 9/10
“A fitting record of our times.” God Is In The TV – 9/10