GENTLY TENDER

Gently Tender release their debut album Take Hold Of Your Promise! via So Young Records. The album was produced by Matthew E. White, who flew over from Richmond, Virginia to work with the band during lockdown in Wales’ Rockfield Studios.

Rising from the ashes of Palma Violets, Gently Tender first begun as a reminder for Sam Fryer – once, the vocalist in one of South London’s most-hyped bands – to treat himself more softly. Joined by his former Palmas bandmates Will Doyle and Pete Mayhew, along with The Big Moon’s Celia Archer and guitarist Adam Brown, the band’s long-awaited debut album Take Hold Of Your Promise! has been five years in the making, and marks a return to something slow and careful, rooted, and soulful. Produced by Matthew E. White, it glimmers with gospel choirs and warm bursts of horn, unearthing a spiritual kind of acceptance in the process. The world may be a burning trash-pit, and the work of striving to be a better person will never end. But in Gently Tender’s universe, at least, there’s a precious sliver of hope to be found; even in the dark shadows, you’re never watching the flames rage alone.