Ian Broudie's return after ten years with no Lightning Seeds albums to speak of is one marked by its emotional undercurrents. Inspired by traumatic recent events in his family, 'Four Winds' is possessive of a distinct melancholy, and is perhaps Broudie's most mature work so far. Despite this, the usual pop influences pepper the album as on previous efforts, with the classic Motown roster and Merseybeat artists coming to mind as immediate inspirations.

Apr 2009

The Lightning Seeds return with their 6th studio album 'Four Winds'. Ian Broudie has become the unsung hero of the UK music scene. A consistently innovative and inspiring songwriter, musician and producer his depth of knowledge and experience has stretched to all areas of the industry.

After taking a few years working away in a behind-the-scenes role, Ian's back with a new album. Using personal life expereinces and reflecting on childhood memories, 'Four Winds' is a delicate, insightful and honest piece of work. The album consists of 10 brand new tracks. It's instantly recognisable as "Lightning Seeds" - exquisite pop melodies, now with an additional dose of heartfelt sentiment.

• The Guardian - "This is gorgeous stuff...straddling the divide between sombre and beautiful with an easy grace"
  Q - "Sunshine melodies and wistful vocals"
  Mojo - "Pop in the grand tradition"

Photographer: Pelle Crepin.

Taking its name from a misheard passage in a Prince song, the Lightning Seeds scored a flurry of hits in the first half of the 1990s, including the enduring smashes "Pure" and "Life of Riley." Led by the delicate, melodious voice of Ian Broudie, the Liverpool band's unbridled brand of well-adorned pop and sadly optimistic tales of love and longing presaged the twee invasion of the latter half of the decade. The band continued to record and tour into the new millennium and remained popular in their native U.K.