Novelty Island

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Join us at The Common Room for a captivating night with Novelty Island, the brainchild of Liverpool-based songwriter and producer Tom McConnell. Known for their hook-filled dream pop, the band effortlessly blends surrealism with a touch of Northern melancholy, all wrapped up in brilliant, classic songwriting. McConnell himself describes the project as “Paul McCartney having an argument with Bernard Black,” giving you a taste of their unique flavour.

Their acclaimed first two albums, How Are You Coping With This Century? and Wallsend Weekend Television, drew inspiration from everything from childhood memories to motorways, earning praise from Mojo, Shindig!, BBC 6 Music, and Absolute Radio. Having played Glastonbury and toured the UK as both a headliner and support act for bands like Sea Power, Novelty Island’s live performances are not to be missed – expect a psychedelic journey, often complete with imaginative papier-mâché props!

They’ll be showcasing material from their anticipated 2025 album, Jigsaw Causeway, a collection of darker, lo-fi tracks influenced by the production styles of Grandaddy and Beck. Adding another layer to their artistry, McConnell’s unique artwork, from papier-mâché sculptures to claymation, accompanies their releases, with the new album even set to coincide with his first exhibition.

‘Full of Beatlesy pop smarts’ – Mojo
‘Crafted as crisply and imaginatively as anything anyone’s ever recorded’ – Shindig!
‘Rainbow-hued psychedelic synth-pop’ – Bandcamp
‘A fever dream of whimsical verses and retro soundscapes’ – Fader

Age Restriction: 16+