L'Etranger's Ben Thomas Presents Big Tide single 'Hide Me In Your Spaceship', First Taste Of Debut LP

Liverpool-based rock outfit Big Tide has announced the new single 'Hide Me In Your Spaceship', the first preview of their forthcoming debut album 'Sync Or Swim', forthcoming in April 2019 via A Turntable Friend Records.

This follows up the band's 2017 released of their debut 12-inch single 'Half The Time', produced by Matt Johnson (Eagulls/Pulled Apart By Horses), which caught the attention of Clash Music and Norman Records.

Founded by Liverpool native Ben Thomas in 2017, Big Tide was born out of Thomas' disillusionment with the electronic music scene. His previous output as French House producer L'Étranger spanned for six years. Under this moniker, he caught the attention of tastemaker publications Clash, Nest HQ, Indie Shuffle, Earmilk, HBF, Purple Sneakers, French Shuffle, Amazing Radio and Bella Union Simon Raymonde, amongst others.

The impetus to form this new project came in 2013 while touring with Spectrals as lead guitarist. A stay in Paris was the final catalyst for a change in musical direction when Ben picked up his 12 string and the chiming sound of Big Tide was born.

'Hide Me In Your Spaceship' features drums by Jonathan Nash, famed as former drummer for Hookworms and also guitarist for Cowtown. Ben Thomas sings on the recording of this original composition, as well as playing guitar and bass.

Thomas sings in his signature northern vocal style whilst shimmering 12-string guitars form the cornerstone of the Big Tide sound. Couples with Ben's idiosyncratic lyrics and unique delivery, this music presents a great find from Northern England.

Taking influence from bands like Big Star and Teenage Fanclub, Big Tide's music blends elements from '60s power pop like The Byrds and '70s folk rock espoused by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to create music that is original while somehow feeling familiar.

After being locked away in the studio to record the debut album since August 2017, Ben has been joined by drummer Ged McGurn of '90s indie rockers Boyracer and bassist Tom Basri, formerly of Leeds' band Deadwall for a proper band lineup and have since been playing shows in their hometown of Leeds.

"With Big Tide I'm focussing on songwriting. I want people to feel a level of familiarity when listening to our songs. They have this wholesome feel good vibe, which you don't hear all that often nowadays," says Ben Thomas.

Soon the trio will be unveiling their album to the public through their live performances.

As of November 30, 'Hide Me In Your Spaceship' will be available across online stores and streaming platforms, including Spotify, iTunesand Bandcamp. The 'Sync Or Swim' album will be released digitally, as well as on CD and vinyl, in April 2019.