Blaney feat. Mark E. Smith – Urban Nature

URBAN NATURE is a brand new ten track album by BLANEY, a collaborative project overseen by Salford songwriter and producer ED BLANEY, and the contrasting talents of MARK E SMITH of The FALL, and Manchester chanteuse JENNY SHUTTLEWORTH.

The album is released on his own Yerrrr Productions label, distributed in the UK and Europe by Plastic Head. The Songs are published by BMG. Across the ten tracks of URBAN NATURE, Ed Blaney creates a compelling, persuasive atmosphere where electronic pulses can collide with gritty rock guitar; where the highly personalised lyrical and vocal talents of Mark E Smith find free rein, presenting some of his finest performances in years.

Secrets, featuring Jenny Shuttleworth, is a melodic gem, recalling sixties pop whilst sounding fresh and contemporary. Blaney himself offers up his own lyrical and musical visions on songs such as High On You, delivered with a smile and Salford swagger that thrills and enthrals in equal measure. URBAN NATURE shifts musical gears constantly, taking numerous dazzling turns and diversions along the way. A bumpy ride, but packed with musical and lyrical invention.

Ed Blaney is a former member of The Fall, playing on their 2001 album Are You Missing Winner, and also released the Smith & Blaney collaboration album with Mark E Smith, an experimental affair, which yielded the idiosyncratic version of Transfusion, the Nervous Norvus rock and roll classic. He is also a leading light in the Salford Music Festival, and his influence on the contemporary Manchester music scene is palpable. Blaney will take Urban Nature out for select shows in the upcoming months.