Matt Barnes
Passionate Cornish music journalist in Bristol. Often found making notes whilst crowd surfing.
Aldous Harding releases ‘One Stop,’ the first single from her fifth studio album ‘Train On The Island,’ out on 8th May
On 8th May, singer/songwriter Aldous Harding is set to release ‘Train On The Island,’ her fifth studio album, via 4AD. The lead single ‘One Stop’ is out now.
The opening tumbling piano grabs me. Aldous Harding’s voice is as bold and pure as ever. I’m all in. I’ve always found Harding to be both edgy and playful simultaneously. ‘One Stop‘ fits this model, encapsulating dramatic delivery with raised afflictions and quiveringly desperate tones. There’s a stream of consciousness lyrical style as she recalls meeting Welsh music icon, John Cale. ”I met the real John Cale. He had no words, but I don’t mind. I packed the stage while he ate rice.”
Aldous has just been announced high on the bill at Green Man, a CLUNK favourite and the best festival in the universe. I can’t think of many things sweeter than Aldous Harding’s voice lighting up the luscious natural amphitheatre deep in the Welsh valleys. Sublime. Surely a dream-come-true John Cale duet is on the cards?
‘One Stop‘ is a song of two halves; the song shifts into a surprising and welcoming acoustic groove that sweeps itself up, giving it a sweet swaying quality as it fades out. This new track leaves me excitedly curious as to which direction the new album will go. On top of this, Harding is setting out on a massive tour – I’ll be at Bristol Beacon in June for sure. Check out the dates below.
‘Train On The Island’ is out on 8th May 2026 via 4AD.
Listen to ‘One Stop here: