Wigan indie-rock four-piece, The Lilacs have announced their debut album, ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’, set for release on October 2nd via Scruff of the Neck.
The news arrives at a pivotal moment for one of the UK’s most exciting emerging acts, who have spent recent years building an increasingly devoted fanbase through relentless gigging, festival appearances and a string of standout releases.
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The album, produced by Joe Cross – known for his work with Courteeners and Hurts – comprises eight brand new tracks alongside fresh recordings of two fan favourites, ‘Vicarage Road’ and ‘Grace’.
According to the band, these returning tracks are tighter and more dynamic than ever before, serving as a fitting bridge between where The Lilacs have come from and where they are headed.
The record was made between Manchester and Paris, and promises to be a significant step forward in both ambition and sound.
Frontman Ollie Anglesea has spoken passionately about what the record means to the band: “It goes without saying how f**king proud we are of this record. Every artist, musician, painter, or whatever, reckons their latest work is their best.”
“This one actually is. It’s a real coming of age record about growing up in a world obsessed with comparison, but never losing sight of where we’re from. “
“Actual blood, sweat, tears and plenty of long nights have gone into the making of this record. Made between Manchester and Paris, which still feels a bit mad, this record is going to take me and the boys to the next level. I hope you love it as much as we do!”
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Guitarist Sam Birchall, who recently received the all-clear from cancer following a year of treatment – a journey documented by both ITV and BBC – has described the making of the album as one of the most rewarding experiences of his musical career.
“It’s a real jump in maturity of The Lilacs’ sound, and everything from the lyrics to the tones and the instrumentation has been considered,” he said.
“Our heart and soul has really gone into making it the very best that it can be. It’s our first real shot at aiming for the stars and putting The Lilacs up in the charts with all the big names, and no matter where it finishes, I’m proud of how it sounds and what we have achieved.”
‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ is described as a record rooted in the universal experiences of young adulthood – the comparisons, the missteps, the boy-meets-girl moments and the misspent youth – delivered with the insistent melodies, mega hooks and youthful energy that have become hallmarks of The Lilacs’ sound, but with more power and confidence than ever before.
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The band’s story to date is already an impressive one. Formed in their current line-up in October 2018 – when bassist Matt Johnson and drummer Dave Gomersall joined Anglesea and Birchall – The Lilacs debuted with ‘Vicarage Road’ the following year and have been building momentum steadily since.
Highlights have included selling out a 2,700-capacity headline show in Manchester, a Top 10 Independent Albums Chart placing for their ‘The 395 (To Forever)’ EP in 2025, and appearances at festivals including the Isle of Wight and Truck. They have also shared stages with the likes of Lottery Winners and The Lathums.
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The album is available to pre-order now from the band’s official store in a range of formats, including CD, cream vinyl, and a signed lilac galaxy vinyl with alternate black artwork. Select independent retailers are also offering an exclusive red cornetto vinyl with a signed obi strip, packaged in alternate red artwork.
A new bucket hat rounds out the merch offering for those looking to go all in.
Live shows are very much part of the picture too. The Lilacs head out on a headline UK tour next month and have a packed calendar of further dates beyond that, including a headline set at This Feeling By The Sea and festival appearances at Leeds, Latitude and Truck.
They are also confirmed to support Lottery Winners at a stadium show, with additional big venue dates alongside Red Rum Club, The Fratellis, Scouting For Girls and Ocean Colour Scene. Remaining tickets are available now.
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The Lilacs Tour Dates – Tickets Available HERE
APRIL
3rd – Leicester, O2 Academy 2 (LOW TICKETS)
4th – Stoke, The Sugarmill (LOW TICKETS)
9th – Lincoln, Southside (SOLD OUT)
10th – Norwich, The Waterfront (SOLD OUT)
11th – Southampton, The Joiners (SOLD OUT)
17th – Bridlington Spa, This Feeling By The Sea (HEADLINERS)
18th – Glasgow, King Tut’s (LOW TICKETS)
25th – Dublin, Whelan’s – upstairs (LOW TICKETS)
MAY
1st – Plymouth, The Junction (SOLD OUT)
2nd – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (LOW TICKETS)
3rd – Liverpool, Sound City
30th – Leigh, Sports Village (with Lottery Winners)
JUNE
19th – Liverpool, On The Waterfront (with Red Rum Club)
24th – Sheffield, Tramlines (main stage)
30th – Lake District, Kendal Calling
JULY
23rd – Cheshire, In It Together Festival
23rd-26th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival
25th – Suffolk, Latitude
30th-Aug 2nd – Derbyshire, Y NOT? Festival
AUGUST
16th – Isle of Wight, Robin Hood Adventure Park (with Scouting For Girls)
21st – Blackpool, Winter Gardens (with The Fratellis)
27th-30th – Leeds Festival
29th – Wakefield, Tileyard North (with Ocean Colour Scene)
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