A source from The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column has given the following information, “Things are very much a work in progress but over the past few weeks they have been secretly writing and recording in Scotland. As things evolved it became clear a double album-style release could be the way forward. Each will have a different sound, with one being more synthy than the other.” The source went on to state the double album would “most likely” be assigned a release date in the “second half” of next year.

The band was formed in 1992 and originally comprised of the trio vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray on drums. All three founding members are the group’s current lineup, at various intervals, the band have performed and recorded as a quartet with vocalist and musician Charlotte Hatherley.

Ash’s debut album 1977 was released in 1996 via Home Grown and Infectious Records, a UK-based independent label known for its work within British rock music. The label’s roster includes a long list of esteemed artists including The Subways, a Uk indie band often regarded as Ash’s successor. The album sired five singles including one of Ash’s most popular tracks “Girl From Mars”, the song was released on 31st July 1995 and became the band’s first UK top 40 single. Written by Wheeler as a teenager, “Girl From Mars” has become a vital part of rock music’s cannon and has been featured in countless TV shows and films.

After the release of Wheeler’s debut album solo album Lost Domain, the singer decided to re-instated his creative relationship with albums. Wheeler then decided that it was time to start recording albums again and subsequently the realisation made him release further music. Speaking in 2018, the singer explained further, “I guess when I did my solo record that was when I started to think about albums again. When we decided to go off and to the singles thing with the ‘A to Z’ series it seemed like albums were dying off and people were downloading single tracks. I do think with streaming becoming popular there is an option to listen to complete records and with vinyl making such a strong comeback we saw albums making a comeback.”

Wheeler continued, “Also, I think our fans were well up for us making another one. We did explore the single thing to a significant extent by doing twenty-six singles in a year – that gave us a creative break that we wanted. Around the time after ‘Twilight of the Innocents, I think if we had done another album it wouldn’t have felt very empowering for us at the time but by going off and doing something so different, it cleared our heads in a way to come back to albums.“

The group took to their social media to announce the release of their new single.

‘All these days are turning into years!’

NEW SINGLE ‘CITY LIGHTS’ OUT NOW EVERYWHERE!!!

What do you all think to this monster then? https://t.co/6YyXMp0jTJ pic.twitter.com/EOqfq4gShp

— The Sherlocks (@TheSherlocks) August 14, 2021

The band’s new track sees a return of the group’s melodic alt-rock formula and features a unique ethereal twist to the catchy guitar hooks. The message of The Sherlocks’ release appears to be of hope whilst fortifying the band’s overall theme of resurgence. The news of the group’s new track comes five months after the release of their comeback single, in March 2021 the band released their first track in two years. The song ‘End Of The Earth’ was not the only signal of the band’s restoration but the release date also saw The Sherlocks return to Twitter. The group’s triumphant return came after a drastic line-up change, founding members and brothers John and Andy Davidson left the group in 2020 but were replaced by guitarist Alex Procter and bassist Trent Jackson. Lead vocalist Kiaran Crook has spoken on the new album and how timing and fate affected the group’s forthcoming release. “This record was all about timing, it would have been impossible to make it at any other time than this, Everything felt like it happened for a reason and I genuinely believe we made our best album to date. In years from now, I think we’ll look back on this release as the one where it all changed and took us to the next level…” The band took to their Twitter to share the news with fans regarding the band’s third studio album, within the post the group also provided the link to pre-order their new album.

Delighted to announce our new album ‘World I Understand’ will be released on November 19th! We’re so proud of this album & we can’t wait for you all to hear the rest of it!❤️ Pre-order the album now -https://t.co/dsoQ0K9A9M pic.twitter.com/t2ritIPqVo — The Sherlocks (@TheSherlocks) August 13, 2021

The group’s upcoming album, ‘World I Understand’, will be the newly reformed group’s first album since the departure of John and Andy Davidson. The album will be released by TeddyBoy Records and has already received support from Radio DJs and presenters Annie Mac from BBC Radio 1 and Steve Lamacq from 6 Music. On the group’s new album, the band have worked together with celebrated English producer Dave Eringa, the Essex born producer is known for his work with various English Alt-rock bands including the Scottish group Idlewild and Nine Black Alps. Eringa has also worked with some of the biggest names in English rock, the producer worked with Manic Street Preachers on many of their albums including their fifth studio album ‘This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours’ and one of their most successful albums ‘Everything Must Go’ released on 20th May 1996.

Crook has spoken further concerning the group’s upcoming album release, the singer described the recording process taken whilst commenting on the importance of the record for the group’s newest band members. “We pulled up at Rockfield Studios in Wales with only a handful of practices together and a bunch of songs that felt strong but were certainly rough around the edges. But once we started, I knew we were onto something special. Part of the magic of this record is that even though Brandon [Crook, the drummer] and I arrived to make our third album, Trent and Alex were making their debut record. Their passion was infectious, and we were getting the songs down at such a rapid pace. Everyone playing out of their skin!”

The band have also announced news concerning their upcoming UK tour, ‘Keep Our Independent Venues alive’. The group will be performing at 15 venues in support of not just their new album but also of Independent Grassroot music venues within the UK.

The Sherlocks Uk Tour

20/08/2021 – Kenwood House – London
03-05/09 – Neighbourhood Weekender – Warrington
01/10 – Electric Church – Blackburn
02/10 – Albert Hall – Manchester
04/10 – Portland Arms – Cambridge
05/10 – The Forum – Tunbridge Wells
06/10 – The Face Bar – Reading
07/10 – The Black Prince – Northampton
08/10 – Met Lounge – Peterborough
14/10 – The Parish – Wrexham
15/10 – Bedford Esquires – Bedford
16/10 – The Fulford Arms – York
21/10 – KU Stockton – Stockton-on-Trees
22/10 – Independent – Sunderland
23/10 – The Ferret – Preston
28/10 – The Venue – Derby
29/10 – Docks Academy – Grimsby
13/11 – Stag And Dagger Glasgow 2021 – Glasgow
11/12 – Sonic Wave Festival 2021 – Birmingham

Our open letter to the @moboawards :

We’re asking for your help in the hopes that a Rock/Alternative category will be added to the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards in 2021, recognising the POC contributors to the genre.

Please RT, sharing this message far and wide!  pic.twitter.com/wol3iCi4uH

— NOVA TWINS (@NovaTwinsMusic) November 30, 2020

“We want to use our platform to raise the voices of the unheard, diversifying the space for alternative POC bands but we can’t do it alone. People often don’t know that rock ’n’ roll was in fact largely originated by a black woman,” the group wrote in an open letter to the awards. “We all owe her a huge debt and with the help of others, we want to continue the pioneering work she started. We feel strongly that this needs to be represented in the MOBO Awards.”

The group also highlighted the importance of a rock category in inspiring and encouraging young Black musicians. “This is more than just a category, it’s a message to all young black people, letting them know that they can do and be anything that they choose. That they have more creative options available to them, other than the ones society has offered them.” They continued. “It’s up to us all to give the new generation the tools and encouragement to do so. It’s time to create a different landscape to the one we entered.”

The statement has received an outpouring of support online, with many fans and fellow musicians openly agreeing with the sentiment. “Absolutely agree with this. Black music is so much more than what people assume it to be, and that needs to be celebrated and recognised in general” said one Twitter user. Another chimed in. “Hope it happens, rock/ alternative (and Even metal) needs more representation.”

We see you Nova Twins! Rock and the alternative music genre certainly has its roots in black music and the contributions of talented musicians in this field deserve to be further celebrated (1/2). https://t.co/raEVNkwSYc

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) November 30, 2020

The MOBO Awards soon responded to the statement, reacting positively to the group’s call to action. “We see you Nova Twins! Rock and the alternative music genre certainly has its roots in black music and the contributions of talented musicians in this field deserve to be further celebrated.” The awards responded. “The MOBO Awards Judging Panel have actually discussed this and we will continue to review potential category expansions for future Award ceremonies. We will always do our best to represent Black music talent across a variety of genres.”

The 2020 MOBO Awards are set to be held on the 9^th of December, being broadcast on BBC1 at 10.45pm. The awards show will also be live-streamed earlier on in the evening, starting at 7pm.

You can watch the awards show through the link here.