With the release of recent single Silver Rabbit – the first to be taken from forthcoming album Diagrams – we find Smith conjuring a story of self-doubt and regret, setting it against the low-budget romance of the seaside, and channelling all of that through overdriven guitars. On an album which seeks to bind the obscure and the everyday, Silver Rabbit’s palpable tension is married to echoes of the grunge era, making the video’s bustling visuals and hazy, vintage hue a welcome accompaniment.

Talking about the video, Smith comments; “It was great to work with 16mm film on the video – there’s a grainy quality to it that reflects the sonic grit. The close-ups alongside the hectic city footage make it look like a low-budget Sergio Leone film set in Newcastle!”

Also announced today is news of an English tour, which kicks off with an intimate hometown album launch show in Stockton. A month later, the album will be brought to life with full band performances. 

Sun 28 Oct The Waiting Room Stockton (solo)
Thu 22 Nov Hug and Pint Glasgow
Fri 23 Nov Picture House Social Sheffield
Sat 24 Nov The Cluny Newcastle
Mon 26 Nov The Deaf Institute Manchester
Tue 27 Nov Mama Roux’s Birmingham
Wed 28 Nov Moth Club London

On new album Diagrams, alongside co-producer Andrew Hodson – of 6 Music favourites, Warm Digits – Paul Smith charts a course into the yearning, melancholic jangle-pop of The Go-Betweens, finding himself drawn to the literate, grunge-pop of The Lemonheads, to build a cohesive collection that pulls in his many songwriting strengths.

Tracklisting

1. The Public Eye
2. Around and Around
3. Silver Rabbit
4. Lake Burley Griffin
5. Syrian Plains
6. John
7. The Beauty Contest
8. Hollywood Hills
9. Head for Figures
10. Critical Mass
11. Your Orbit