LONELY CROWD – By the Time You Read This

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://lonelycrowdn.bandcamp.com/album/not-on-my-watch-single-feat-wholy-martin

Something along the lines of fourteen years have passed since the brilliant purveyors of melancholy art rock known as Lonely Crowd released their previous effort titled The-Not-So-Great-Britain, but judging by both the quality and longevity of By the Time You Read This and its eleven magnificent compositions, the wait has been worth it. These marvelous Norwegians and Brits are in fine form in 2026 – let there be no doubt about that. If you fancy Immensely entertaining music with a psychedelic twist, look no further than this.

The new LP expertly guides us through a richly layered tapestry of sounds and evocative melodies that move seamlessly back and forth between unforgettable melancholy and a sense of uplifting lightheartedness. Its content feels rejuvenating somehow, and there is not an ounce of anything resembling conventional songwriting present on the disc; in fact, the ensemble are experts at breaking out of conventional restraints, which was evident even back in 2007 when they released their debut offering Watching from a Distance. Idiosyncrasy and quirkiness run wild throughout their latest opus, and the album is all the better for it. When you top it off with a lively production that offers spark and warmth, you are left with one gorgeous package that is as memorable and gripping as it is challenging and rewarding to wrestle with and to try to absorb fully. These perfectly elusive and magic pieces are gently wistful at times only to turn slightly dark and carnivalesque, which is testament to the record’s ability to appear wide in scope yet hauntingly intimate and urgent.

Soulful sonic experiments have rarely sounded better than they do here, and plenty of memorable highlights such as “Not on My Watch” and “Blue Monday” make this an outstanding album and a listening experience to be treasured.