In the heart of Manchester’s music scene, where legends like The Stone Roses and Oasis once reigned supreme, a new band is carrying the city’s rich musical legacy forward. Meet Pastel—a group whose rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
From topping the Official Vinyl Singles Chart to performing with Liam Gallagher at his iconic Knebworth Park shows, Pastel has been building an unstoppable momentum. Now, they’re preparing to make their boldest statement yet with their debut album, Souls In Motion, arriving January 17th via Spirit of Spike Island.
The story of Pastel began on a late-night journey home from a Stone Roses gig, when cousins Jack and James Yates vowed to form a band. Drawing inspiration from Britpop giants and shoegaze pioneers like Shack, The Verve, and Ride, the Yates cousins recruited guitarist Joe Anderson, bassist Liam O’Shea, and drummer Rhys Wheeler to complete the lineup.
From their first live gigs in 2020 to headline appearances at festivals like Isle of Wight, Manchester Psych Festival, and This Feeling By The Sea, Pastel quickly earned a reputation as a band to watch. Their two EPs cemented their appeal, with both landing in the top two of the Official Vinyl Singles Chart, and they’ve enjoyed radio support from 6 Music, Radio X, and BBC Introducing. But the band’s biggest moment came in 2022, when they were handpicked to open for Liam Gallagher at Knebworth Park—a dream gig for any Manchester band.
Now, Pastel is ready to deliver on years of anticipation with Souls In Motion. The album, written over a 12-month stretch in their basement rehearsal room at Bunkhouse, captures the essence of Manchester’s gritty streets and the optimism that follows a storm. “Souls In Motion was written over a 12-month period,” says guitarist James Yates, “where after work, we’d lock ourselves in our basement rehearsal room to write an album we feel people have been waiting 20 years for. It’s an album that hangs on the framework of our chequered upbringing in Manchester and the positive dazed outlook we all now share.”
The record combines fan favorites like ‘Deeper Than Holy,’ ‘Isaiah,’ and ‘Escape’ with a fresh batch of songs that push the band’s creative boundaries. Their latest single, ‘Leave A Light On (A Velvet Storm)’, marks a shift in sound. With its plaintive piano and soulful melodies, it evokes the sprawling cinematic feel of The Verve’s A Northern Soul or The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed era. Its accompanying video, directed by longtime collaborator Charlie Lightening (Liam Gallagher, Paul McCartney), adds another layer of atmosphere to the song.
Pastel’s dedication to their craft is evident not only in their music but also in their connection to Manchester’s music history. Produced by J. Fender, frontman of Afflecks Palace, and mixed by James Kenosha, Souls In Motion feels like a modern extension of the classic Manchester sound while exploring broader sonic landscapes. The excitement surrounding the album is palpable. When the band’s mailing list announced a pre-order for the record, fans snapped up the initial allocation in just five minutes—a testament to their growing following.
But Pastel’s ambitions extend beyond the music. This December, Jack and James will make their film debut in Trailer Park Boys: Standing On the Shoulders Of Kitties, directed by Charlie Lightening. Sharing the screen with icons like Billy Bob Thornton and Ronnie Wood, the Yates cousins are poised for a spotlight moment that transcends the music scene.
With Souls In Motion, Pastel isn’t just releasing an album—they’re cementing their place in Manchester’s storied musical lineage. Their ability to channel the city’s past while carving out their own path makes them a band to watch in 2024 and beyond. As James puts it, “This is an album for people who’ve been waiting 20 years. It’s our story, and now it’s yours too.” Prepare to meet Manchester’s next big thing.
‘Souls In Motion’ is now available to pre-order or pre-save HERE.
Pastel will celebrate the release of ‘Souls In Motion’ by heading out on their biggest headline tour to date next February. Tickets go on general sale HERE from 10am this Friday, November 15th. They will end 2024 with a tour as special guests to The Twang.
FEBRUARY 2025 – HEADLINE TOUR
- 13th – Newcastle, The Cluny
- 14th – Liverpool, Arts Club (The Loft)
- 15th – Manchester, Club Academy 2
- 16th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
- 27th – Aberdeen, Tunnels
- 28th – Glasgow, King Tut’s
- 1st – Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire
- 6th – Bristol, Strange Brew
- 7th – Birmingham, Mama Roux’s
- 8th – London, Dome