Lotus Bridge

Description

The group The Monochrome Set, emblematic figures of British post-punk, both cultured and sophisticated, and boasting an impressive catalog of releases over five decades, is set to release its new opus, Lotus Bridge, on Tapete Records, its label for twelve years and six studio albums. Their immediately recognizable sound and their darkly humorous lyrics have always set them apart. Bid's cerebral spirit and elegant tone, combined with catchy melodies and virtuosic songwriting of both cinematic and literary quality, have discreetly influenced many artists since their beginnings and at various stages of their career. The group is, in short, a national treasure. The new album Lotus Bridge is a psychedelic journey into the heart of Bid's rich and fantastic dream world. It is based on a singular dream that returned after an eight-month hiatus, just as it was time to record again. This new album follows Bid's recently published collection of selected texts - Strange Young Alien - published by Ventil Verlag in November 2025 - a work that offers a valuable insight into his writing process. Lotus Bridge has a subtle atmosphere but quite different from previous TMS albums: the central use of electric piano and acoustic guitar, electric guitars often used in wide stereo, and a very focused, almost orchestral overall ambiance. Ambient sounds also punctuate several tracks, giving the album a cohesive whole. For this recording, Bid is accompanied within The Monochrome Set by founding member Andy Warren on bass, Stephen Gilchrist on drums, and Athen Ayren on keyboards and guitar. Alice Healey once again provides backing vocals.