Albany Down

Albany Down

Albany Down is a UK blues-rock group. The band forms in the United Kingdom and draws on classic rock and British blues-rock influences, while developing its own sound through original material.

Line-up

The group comprises founder member Paul Turley on vocals and guitars, Pete Hancock on drums and backing vocals, and Ben Atkins on bass and backing vocals.

Albums and recording

The band records with producer Greg Haver, who also works with Manic Street Preachers, INME and Super Furry Animals. Albany Down releases four studio albums: South of the City (2011), Not Over Yet (2013), The Outer Reach (2016) and Born in the Ashes. Their fourth album is recorded at Rockfield Studios during the lockdown years of 2020 to 2022.

South of the City is the debut album and establishes the band’s sound. Not Over Yet contains 12 original songs, including “You Ain’t Coming Home”, which is their best-selling song and wins an ISC award in 2013. The Outer Reach helps the band attract new listeners through touring in the UK and the Netherlands. Born in the Ashes continues the group’s strong theme of overcoming adversity and is shaped by the pandemic period and wider political, civil and economic unrest, including the war in Ukraine.

Recognition

Albany Down receives positive notice from Blues Rock Review for South of the City. In 2016 the band wins the UK Song Writing Competition for best rock song, “Feeding the Flame”, and for best music video. Blues Rock Review also places The Outer Reach at number five in its best albums of 2016 list.

Sound

The band’s style is rooted in British blues rock with a heavy, Zeppelin-influenced sound. Its songs emphasise strong songwriting, energy and emotional intensity, with Paul Turley describing the project as a way to build on the members’ different but related influences and create music that feels current.