Art by Paul Archer
Art marks a significant milestone for Northern Irish musician Paul Archer - his first solo album in a 30-year career that spans acclaimed projects like Disreali Gears, Ghears, and Burning Codes
This soulful collection represents a creative rebirth, thoughtfully divided between euphoric alt-rock (recorded in Leeds with producer Andy Hawkins) and contemplative cosmic soul (recorded in Belfast with Rick Bleakley). The album features impressive collaborations with Duke Special, Janet Henry, Jim Lockhart (ex-Horslips), and Jonny Quinn (ex-Snow Patrol), among others.
Art beautifully integrates Archer's musical vision with his Abstract Expressionist visual art, which adorns the packaging. A triumphant return home and artistic statement from a gifted melodicist who continues to find light in the darkness.
Tracklist
| 1. | Heavy Soul | 3:00 |
| 2. | Art | 3:29 |
| 3. | Belfast (Place Of My Soul) | 3:45 |
| 4. | Struggles Won | 5:15 |
| 5. | Fear Destroyer | 3:10 |
| 6. | No FEAR | 2:53 |
| 7. | Help Me Stand | 3:23 |
| 8. | I'll Be There For You | 2:49 |
| 9. | You're Not Alone | 3:32 |
| 10. | Write It From The Soul | 2:54 |
| 11. | Truth From Lies | 4:16 |
| 12. | Detector | 4:45 |
| 13. | Sticks And Stones | 3:48 |
| 14. | Moving With The Light | 2:37 |
Videos
Credits
All songs written & published by Paul Archer except Track 3, published by Spirit B-Unique Polar Patrol / Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd / Kobalt Music Services Ltd / B-Unique Music Ltd.
Core musicians
Paul Archer – vocals, guitars (all tracks)
Andy Hawkins – multi-instrumentalist, producer & mixer (1–6, 9, 13–14)
Gary Must – drums, keys & programming (2, 4–8, 13)
Rick Bleakley – multi-instrumentalist (10–12)
Mark Ringer – guitars (2, 4–6)
Jim Lockhart – flute (6)
Janet Henry – backing vocals (10–11)
Duke Special – piano/keys (12)
Darragh Morgan – violin (12)
David McCann – cello (12)
Bill Campbell – string arrangement (12)
Jonny Quinn – tambourine (14)
Studios & key technical credits
• Nave Studios, Leeds – recording/production/mixing (Andy Hawkins)
• Start Together Studio, Belfast – recording (Jonny Woods)
• Gold Valley Studio, Hove – mixing (Iain Archer)
• Gatehouse Studio, Belfast – flute session & additional vocal sessions (engineer: Matt McIvor)
• Mastered by Dave Draper
Sleeve design: Mark Case
(Special thanks to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for helping make the record happen.)
License
All rights reserved.
Belfast singer–songwriter Paul Archer fuses heartfelt storytelling with widescreen alt-rock. After fronting cult outfit Burning Codes and co-writing with Snow Patrol’s Iain Archer, he steps out solo on Art—a 14-track debut packed with heavy souls, fearless anthems, and melodic grit. Think Springsteen heart, Britpop hooks, and Celtic soul.