Manchester favourites James are in line to make a welcome return with the release of 13th studio album La Petite Mort. The record will be the bands first album in seven years and has been produced by Max Dingel (Killers, Muse). Since forming in 1982, the band enjoyed commercial success with hits such as Sit Down and She is a Star and have gone on to sell over 12 million albums worldwide. Although embarking on small tours after reforming in 2007 (vocalist Tim Booth had taken time out to concentrate on other projects), La Petite Mort is the first time the original line up have recorded together since 1993’s Laid. On the album’s magnificent centrepiece ‘Interrogation’ tortured, yearning emotions and self accusations of hypocrisy are put to a tension building pulse, building in atmosphere and strength throughout while displaying more immaculate songwriting instincts. Again there’s that voice, heavenly calming one second, then making the spine shiver by rising into sheer power. Scott, Ben P (30 May 2014). "James - 'La Petite Mort' (Cooking Vinyl/BMG Records)". God Is in the TV. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014 . Retrieved 25 May 2020. Sexton, Paul (19 October 2014). " 'Everyone's affected by fame in different ways,' says James singer Tim Booth". The Express. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017 . Retrieved 25 May 2020.

Produced by Max Dingel (The Killers, Muse, White Lies), and written in Manchester, Lisbon, Athens and the Scottish Highlands, this new disc ranks among the finest and most diverse in their 30 year career. Highlights include the mighty first single Moving On, anthemic Curse Curse, and Frozen Britain, which was unleashed onto the airwaves and internet from late February. a b c Monger, Timothy. "La Petite Mort - James". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019 . Retrieved 24 May 2020. Tuffrey, Laurie (31 October 2014). "WATCH: James - All I'm Saying". The Quietus. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020 . Retrieved 26 May 2020.La Petite Mort’ may mean ‘The Little Death’, but this record has all the makings of a rebirth, signalling a refreshed sound from Booth and co. Overwhelming emotions can bring something out from the soul, leading to rich flows of inspiration that can translate into powerful artistic expression. But ‘La Petite Mort’ never sounds morbid, and although it’s sometimes dark, sad and thought provoking, it’s actually an inspiring, uplifting and euphoric piece of work that (amongst other things) looks at the idea that death may not be the end. A definite rejuvenation also coincides with the group all recording together again, following two mini albums from 2010 which involved the band members sending each other their individual ideas to work on. As a result of reconnecting with each other, this is a set of songs that succeeds in capturing their seismic live energy. Over 30 years into their career, and James are making some of their best music. Booth recently said that the band feel that they’ve made one of their strongest albums, which is quite a statement to make when it’s your 13th album, but I definitely agree with them. One listen to the sneak preview the band treated fans to 5 days before the official album release, and I was in love with an album I didn’t and couldn’t have (yet, anyway!) The direction the band have taken with the album is interesting, as information regarding the title referring to the recent loss of Booth’s Mother and best friend is divulged in the sleeve notes. With such tragedy underpinning the album title, you’d expect the album to have a sadness running through it, with a hint of melancholy and darkness, but the album is incredibly upbeat, and definitely one everyone should have! a b c d Marsh, Graeme (27 May 2014). "James – La Petite Mort". musicOMH. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018 . Retrieved 24 May 2020. O'Brien, Jon. "The Gathering Sound [Box Set] - James | Release Info". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020 . Retrieved 24 May 2020.

Marotta, Michael (31 October 2014). "The Eyes Have It: Watch the world as the wolf in James' new video for 'All I'm Saying' ". Vanyaland. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016 . Retrieved 25 May 2020.James (27 February 2014). James – "Frozen Britain" (Official Video). Archived from the original on 25 May 2020 . Retrieved 26 May 2020– via YouTube.