Galway four-piece, The Clockworks, have just released their debut album to rave reviews.
Exit Strategy was produced by Bernard Butler and part-recorded here across Studio Three, the Gatehouse and Writing Room Three. Having developed a burgeoning reputation with a mix of sold-out headline shows, gigs supporting Kings of Leon, Inhaler, Pixies and The Reytons plus major radio airplay, we were thrilled to be part the band’s ascension and see such a positive reaction to the record’s release.
Hallmarked more by a philosophy than a sound, The Clockworks weave pop sensibilities with noisy, post-punk, rock-influenced stylings. The songs are swaggering and dark yet often have an epic, nostalgic quality. They sit poetic introspection beside witty kitchen sink drama to create something intense but playful.
In an album divided into two locations, Exit Strategy centres around a protagonist who moves from Galway (Side A) to London (Side B) in search of meaning, certain that as the main character in the film of his own life, the solution lies in changing his surroundings and acting as someone he’s not.
In a sprawling, larger-than-life narrative capturing the dark side of both cities, The Clockworks present a cinematic vision rife with encounters with manipulative bosses, evil ad agencies, a broken pact to flee to Australia, run-ins with the law, cheating boyfriends, drug fuelled youths, heartache, paranoia, social media anxiety and a drunk singer dressed as Jesus.
Hover over the images to find out what gear was used on the sessions
Vocalist/guitarist James McGregor says, “We were always sure we wanted the album to be greater than the sum of its parts, so decided to create the world of a film, entitled Exit Strategy. We envisaged the record as a series of snapshots, telling the story of a group of characters trying to navigate through life.”
A labour-of-love project, sessions for the album started at the end of 2022 and were split between Abbey Road Studios and Love Electric. Assisting the band in unlocking their creative vision was the Grammy, BRIT and Mercury Prize winning producer Bernard Butler (Jessie Buckley, Suede, Duffy). The Clockworks are completed by Sean Connelly, Tom Freeman and Damian Greaney.
The Clockworks will support Exit Strategy with one of the most comprehensive UK and European tours from a rising band in recent years. They commented: “To get to take these songs on the road next year is a true privilege. To get to travel the world with your best friends and meet all of you along the way isn't something we'll ever take for granted. We can't wait.”
Tickets for upcoming tour dates are available HERE.
Go behind the scenes with Bernard Butler and The Clockworks In Studio Three.
Click the images to expand them.
Find out what went into the making of the third track on the album entitled Mayday Mayday in our recent Lock-In film which documents the band’s first session with Bernard.
