The WAEVE, consisting of Graham Coxon (Blur) and Rose Elinor Dougall (The Pipettes), has announced their second studio album, ‘City Lights,’ which will be released on September 20th, 2024, via Transgressive Records.
Working together, Coxon and Dougall have crafted a unique sonic identity, blending cinematic British folk-rock, post-punk, organic songwriting, and freefall jamming. A year after their acclaimed debut album, The WAEVE has established themselves as a notable songwriting duo. Their previous work was praised by UNCUT for its ambitious structure and genuine thrills, and by DIY for its lush arrangements and cinematic scope.
The new album, “City Lights,” showcases 10 songs that reflect the duo’s evolving musicianship, resulting in a sound that is bolder, more expansive, and self-assured. The first single, the title track “City Lights,” features an art-rock squall, while the second single, “You Saw,” is anthemic and expansive.
Regarding “You Saw,” Graham and Rose explain: “‘You Saw’ is about recognizing how small decisions can significantly impact one’s life, sometimes feeling predestined. It’s about reconciling past and present selves and appreciating how things turn out. The song is built around a rhythmic string line to convey a sense of forward motion.”
Written by Coxon and Dougall and produced by James Ford, “City Lights” includes vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone by the duo.
To celebrate the release, The WAEVE will perform three special live shows at Rough Trade locations: Liverpool on September 20th, Nottingham on September 21st, and Bristol on September 23rd. Check out “You Saw” below: