Bright Light Ballads

debut solo album from howard eliott payne, frontman and songwriter for liverpool band the stands. during their two years together the stands had a succession of five top 40 uk singles, toured throughout the world and released two critically acclaimed albums 'all years leaving' and 'horse fabulous' (echo). despite this, howard quit the group and has now recorded his first solo album 'bright light ballads' with legendary producer ethan johns (ryan adams / kings of leon / ray lamontagne). featuring some of the finest liverpool musicians (including his sister candie payne, who has had some success in her own right), 'bright light ballads' is a unique melting pot of liverpool melody, hip city swagger and the wide-sigh soulfulness of the wild open country. rootsy and unearthly in equal measure, 'bright light ballads' is a stunning debut of country-flavoured songs with a wilco vibe, from a truly unique british songwriting talent. for fans of: the stands, ryan adams, steve earle, lambchop and wilco.