Canadian singer, songwriter and producer Cold Specks (aka Al Spx) has released her fourth studio album, Light for the Midnight, on limited edition vinyl, CD and digitally via Mute.
Light for the Midnight is a 10-track collection of fervent ballads and atmospheric songs, with Spx’s soulful voice channelled into expansive sonic worlds. At its core, it is a raw and deeply emotional personal reflection on endurance, survival, and transformation.
Light for the Midnight was conceived during a challenging period in Spx’s life, with work beginning amidst struggles with her mental health, experiences that are deeply embedded in the music. Spx emphasises its universality, despite its personal origins: “I definitely wanted to reflect on the last couple of years because it impacted me so much, but I also wanted the audience to walk away with this album. You know, the songs belong to them once I release them.”
The record was crafted in Toronto and Bristol, with Spx co-producing alongside Adrian Utley and Ali Chant. The album features string arrangements by Owen Pallett (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Sampha) and additional contributions from Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck. Spx also worked with a stellar line up of collaborators, including Chantal Kreviazuk (Kendrick Lamar / Kelly Clarkson) who co-wrote ‘Wandering in the Wild’ and ‘How it Feels’ (the latter described by The Guardian as “… a bruised but unbowed piano ballad”), Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap, Ben Christophers (who co-wrote ‘Lingering Ghosts’, Terry Edwards, Ed Harcourt, and Jonathan Quarmby.
Since she arrived on our screens with an unforgettable a capella performance on Later… with Jools Holland in 2011, Cold Specks has delivered crackling, pared-down guitar blues, gothic soul, gospel and warm electronics across three albums which won Polaris and Juno Prize nominations: 2012’s I Predict A Graceful Expulsion, 2014’s Neuroplasticity and 2017’s Fool’s Paradise. Her musical stretch is vast, she has worked with Swans, Massive Attack, and Moby and performed at Joni Mitchell’s birthday concert. This first album in seven years showcases her vast talent as a vocalist, songwriter, lyricist and producer to startling effect.
Light for the Midnight captures Cold Specks at her most vulnerable and powerful, weaving stories of struggle into stunning compositions that resonate deeply. It is an album of hope and transformation.
Since she arrived on our screens with an unforgettable a capella performance on Later… with Jools Holland in 2011, Cold Specks has delivered crackling, pared-down guitar blues, gothic soul, gospel and warm electronics across three albums which won Polaris and Juno Prize nominations: 2012’s I Predict A Graceful Expulsion, 2014’s Neuroplasticity and 2017’s Fool’s Paradise. Her musical stretch is vast, she has worked with Swans, Massive Attack, and Moby and performed at Joni Mitchell’s birthday concert. This first album in seven years showcases her vast talent as a vocalist, songwriter, lyricist and producer to startling effect.
Light for the Midnight captures Cold Specks at her most vulnerable and powerful, weaving stories of struggle into stunning compositions that resonate deeply. It is an album of hope and transformation.
Cold Specks Light For The Midnight
- How it Feels
- Venus in Pisces
- Wandering in the Wild
- Cold Goodbye
- Endlessly
- Lingering Ghosts
- Cheap Dreaming
- Lovely Little Bones
- Curse Away
- Closer
