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Irish alt-rock / shoegaze outfit The Altered Hours return with their electric new single “Turn Away”, out September 9th via Pizza Pizza Records. It’s the latest glimpse into the band’s eagerly awaited self-titled third album, which will now arrive slightly later than planned on November 7th, following a short production delay.
“We’re sorry to say that due to some production delays with getting everything finished, we’re going to have to push the album release back to November 7th. We really appreciate everyone who has pre-ordered already and can’t wait to share it with you.”
Despite the shift, momentum is building fast around the record, a bold, magnetic body of work recorded straight to tape with acclaimed producer Julie McLarnon (New Order, Lankum, The Vaselines), and one that truly captures the raw immediacy and sonic chemistry that have made The Altered Hours one of Ireland’s most beloved underground bands.
“For me, this track really captures a lot about what we’re aiming for with this record sonically,” says vocalist/guitarist Cathal MacGabhann on “Turn Away.” “We wanted the vocals to really pop out – to be honest with the listener and not hide any personality. We did this track in two takes and just really leaned into trusting who we are as a band.”
Written in a flash of inspired imagery, “Turn Away” pairs radiant guitar textures with lyrical vulnerability and cinematic flair.
“I had this movie-like scene in my head,” says Cathal. “Someone’s waiting on a low-lit city street for a date to arrive. And all these doubts, hopes, and flickering thoughts pass through them while they wait. We co-wrote the lyrics in one sitting based on that image and the full idea flowered really quickly.”
Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Black & The Catholics, Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine the band aimed to stay close to their roots, crafting a sound that feels comfortable, immediate and totally their own. “The sound is something we’ve played with before on earlier albums,” Cathal adds. “With this one I wanted it to feel effortless, like we’re totally at home in our own sonic world.”
Following previous single “Lay There With You”, this new track further showcases the band’s evolving sound, one that balances shoegaze atmospherics with garage-rock grit, delivered with the sort of unfiltered emotional power they’ve long been celebrated for.
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