“Avenues unfolds like a scene from a black and white movie.”
W: Peter James May
Liverpool-based project Visions of Albion are set to return on 13th March 2026 with their evocative new single, "Avenues." Since forming in 2018, the duo—comprising native Liverpudlians Sam Shield and Daniel Ryan—has become a cornerstone of the local scene. Their sound is a masterful "smorgasbord" of influences: imagine the jangly West Coast 60s, the sun-drenched warmth of Laurel Canyon, and the brooding, storied melodies of the English folk revival mashed into one authentic package.
Described as music that "transports you back to a late-60s daydream," the duo’s strength lies in the contrast between Sam’s evocative lead vocals and Dan’s intricate fingerstyle guitar. While they draw from the "old guard" like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and The Doors, they approach these sounds from a modern viewpoint. This eclectic, "chameleon" nature allows them to drift seamlessly between folk, psychedelia, and indie, keeping one foot in history and the other firmly in the present.
"Avenues" itself is a cinematic masterpiece of baroque pop craftsmanship. The track eschews traditional pop structures, instead unfolding at a deliberate pace reminiscent of a Jean-Pierre Melville film. It’s a rich tapestry of vintage and modern textures, layering marxophones, string arrangements, and mellotron tones alongside arpeggiated synthesizers. Inspired by the tragic Paris-bound love story of Jim Morrison and Pamela Courson, the song captures the "emotional rollercoaster" of a relationship that is as imperfect as it is inescapable.
The creative process behind the music is a study in balance. While Dan works impulsively—letting go of ideas that don't immediately stick—Sam is the persistent navigator, following every creative trail to its honest conclusion. This dedication to honesty is their North Star; they believe songs simply "come out better" when you’re willing to be uncomfortable. Even their pre-show rituals reflect this groundedness, focusing on rehearsals and capturing organic tones rather than making "diva" demands.
As they work toward their much-anticipated debut album dropping later this year, Visions of Albion remain their own toughest critics, constantly pushing past self-doubt and stage fright to share their vision. With "Avenues" acting as a portal into their atmospheric world, 2026 promises to be the year these Liverpool troubadours turn their "60s daydream" into a widespread reality.