Dragon Welding - Start Believing, Start Living The Lie
Dragon Welding is an anagram of Andrew Golding, a multi-instrumentalist and the co-founder of indie noise-pop legends The Wolfhounds. 'The Naughty Step’ is the fourth album by his electronics meets noise-pop group, but the first to feature new vocalist Nik Cockshott.
As a reminder that the album is available on vinyl, CD and digital via Dimple Discs, and that they are still very much available for live bookings across the country, the duo have made a new video available today for the song ‘Start Believing, Start Living The Lie’. Filmed in locations from Romford to Manchester, and in contrast to their previous clip for the more sedate and introspective ‘Hiding Things For Fun’ VIDEO, the new video captures the raw energy explosion of a track that sits at the more frenetic end of the album’s scale.
“This is a song that challenges the accepted truths of modern life and invites the listener to see them for what they really are,” the band explain. “With so many meaningless job titles out there, it’s small wonder so many struggle to find fulfilment. Why not just go for a walk somewhere pretty then sit down and read a good book? Not everything happens on screens.”
With another album already pretty much in the can, Dragon Welding have more to say than ever and are ready to move on to the next stage. Still not convinced? Well here, have a second, third and fourth opinion:
“A masterpiece of individuality and originality, this album is one of the most exciting releases I have encountered for many a year” - BLITZED
“Brilliant synth pop edged sounds that leaves a very strong impression” - REAL GONE
“Catchy synth pop that feels like it is talking the central language of the 2020's, a time when truth seems superfluous to far too many people" - WHISPERINANDHOLLERIN
‘The Naughty Step’ includes the singles ‘Up And Away’ VIDEO and ‘We Dance Among You’ VIDEO, while its release was accompanied by a stunning 'stop-start' animated clip for 'The Naughty Step’ VIDEO by Award winning graphic artist Andy Royston, who also designed the album cover artwork.
Dragon Welding issued an eclectic eponymous debut album in 2019, followed by the all-instrumental 'Lights Behind The Eyes’ (2021) and ‘Fictionary’ (2023). Encompassing all that had gone before while also looking firmly forwards, the last of these included 'The Dark' (feat. Anthony Chapman of Collapsed Lung) and 'An Angel Not Of This Earth' (feat. Alice Golding of labelmates The Othyrs), both hits in a parallel universe and displaying the prowess of a group that has never stood still.
Following a live show in 2023 where a last minute replacement vocalist had been required, Nik Cockshott (formerly of ‘90s leftfield indie rockers The Spores and The Keatons) joined Golding and the duo immediately began working in a more consistently song focused direction. 'The Naughty Step' was recorded before Cockshott emigrated from London to Manchester, since when they have continued worked together remotely. Further fruits of their endeavours have included the recent single 'These Are Dangerous Times', a radical reworking of the very first Dragon Welding release from 2019 that neatly marked the full circle rebirth of the group.
With a consistent voice and solid focus on idiosyncratic and at times downright dark electronic backing, augmented by an increasing plethora of obtuse instrumentation topped by unpretentious ecologically and socially aware lyrics, this incarnation of Dragon Welding is now ready to exceed all expectations.
