Renowned Liverpool songwriter Ali Horn returns with two new singles!

One of the most well respected songwriters on Merseyside, Ali Horn is known for his regular Jacaranda appearances and his time as the frontman of Psych outfit Strange Collective who recently returned to play Quarry’s pre-show party for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. If he’s not playing around one of Liverpool’s tight knit local venues then he’s probably out on the streets busking in the sun.

For the first time in three years, he has returned with new solo music, and as always it’s brought a breath of fresh air into the scene’s output. The two singles ‘The Big Slowdown’ and ‘Bloom’ have a richer, more atmospheric sound than a lot of his past work and you can clearly see some of the signs that the simultaneous return of Strange Collective has slightly influenced his solo sound. 

‘The Big Slowdown’ is a really poignant single that showcases the emotive depth and natural warmth of Ali’s voice. The steady swing of the song casts a breezy summer air thanks to the gentle guitar strums and echoed effects. Lines like “I ain’t got no hopes or dreams but I’m trying to make the darkness light” have a weighty impact thanks to the completely unfiltered, earthy tone of the vocal deliveries and the guitar notes that follow with a beautifully hypnotic sound.

‘Bloom’ is a little more dramatic, built upon big Brit Pop acoustics and drawn out vocal lines that ring of acts like James. The bright guitar melodies of the track have a really sunny glow to them and the mix of the worldly tones and bubbling electronic backing injects a spaced out Psychedelic feel, leaning into a Stone Roses vibe.

It’s fantastic to see Ali returning to his solo project and by the sounds of these tracks, it’s been well worth the wait! We’re looking forward to more.