The Undertow [Digital Download]

As frontman of The Rifles, Joel Stoker has released a host of acclaimed albums, the most recent two of which achieved the highest chart positions of their career, as well as playing numerous riotous soldout tours, and picking up famous fans including Paul Weller, Madness and Ian Broudie. Now he introduces a completely different side of his creativity with the news that he will release his debut solo album lsquoThe Undertowrsquo on September 1st via Cooking Vinyl.lsquoThe Undertowrsquo sees Joel raising his artistic bar to a whole new level. Both effortlessly melodic and unflinchingly honest, its eleven tracks see him entering completely new sonic territory, the rsquo70s funkflecked grooves, festival bangers and fiddleassisted stomps reflecting touchstones ranging from Bob Marley and Fleetwood Mac to Dexys through to Arcade Fire and Michael Kiwanuka. Thematically, Joelrsquos lyrics hold nothing back as he reveals his experiences with anxiety and mental health issues, his overwhelming struggles with OCD dating back to childhood.