Aldous Harding Drops Fifth Album Train on the Island
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- Aldous Harding will play three nights at London's Barbican later this month.
- Train on the Island is Harding's fifth album, noted for surreal lyrics about naked owls, béchamel sauce, and other odd images.
- John Parish produced the album, continuing his long‑term collaboration with Harding and his work with PJ Harvey.
- Huw Evans (aka H Hawkline) features heavily as a multi‑instrumentalist, contributing to the album's warm, softly psychedelic sound.
- What Am I Gonna Do? closes with a striking harp coda, adding a delicate texture to the track.
- The title track runs over five minutes yet remains tightly written without indulgence.
Why it matters: Fans gain a rare chance to see Harding's idiosyncratic stage show live, while the album's tightly written songs demonstrate her songwriting skill, reinforcing her standing in alt‑rock despite polarizing aesthetics. The three‑night Barbican engagement underscores her growing fan base, and the involvement of veteran producer John Parish and Huw Evans adds credibility to the project, potentially attracting new listeners.
