NewDad’s debut album Madra, released only 20 months ago, made the Galway dream-pop band’s dreams come true. In the time since that record’s release, the former NME Cover stars have toured the world and gained acclaim from across the music world – including from their hero, The Cure’s Robert Smith. So, their second album should be a pretty cheery listen… right?
Largely written before Madra was released, Altar isn’t quite bursting with joy. Instead, it finds singer and guitarist Julie Dawson deep in homesickness and trying to figure out if the band’s move to London to give them better access to opportunities to help them grow was all worth it. Here, Galway is the altar at which she’s worshipping, and the thing she’s had to sacrifice…