Seven years after releasing their first single, Wigan four-piece The Lilacs have finally released their debut album, Keeping Up With The Joneses, through Manchester independent label Scruff of the Neck.
For a band who have spent years building their following through gigs, festivals and a steady stream of releases, getting to this point means an awful lot.
“Keeping Up With The Joneses has been seven years in the making, and I honestly couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created,” says frontman Ollie Anglesea.
“There’s been blood, sweat and tears poured into this record, and so much of ourselves in every song. It’s been a real journey, with some of the highest highs and some of the toughest moments along the way, which makes finally getting this album out into the world all the more special.”
Produced by Joe Cross, who has previously worked with Courteeners and Hurts, the ten-track album includes Miss Behavin’, Girl Behind The Bar, What’s The Worst That Can Happen? and Put The World To Rights, alongside the title track, which also serves as the album’s latest single.
Interestingly, Keeping Up With The Joneses was the first idea Ollie had for the record, and it ended up influencing everything that followed.
“Keeping Up With The Joneses is probably my favourite track on the album,” he explains. “It was the first idea that came to me and, in many ways, it became the starting point for everything else. The song really shaped the wider theme of the record and gave me a direction to run with lyrically.”
The album has also arrived after an incredibly difficult period for guitarist Sam Birchall, who recently received the all-clear from cancer following a year of treatment.
Sam’s experience was documented by both ITV and the BBC, and being able to see the album through to release has understandably meant a great deal to him.
“Being part of creating the Keeping Up With The Joneses album for me has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my music career so far,” Sam says.
“It’s a real jump in maturity of The Lilacs’ sound, and everything from the lyrics to the tones and the instrumentation has been considered.”
He adds: “It’s our first real shot at aiming for the stars and putting The Lilacs up in the charts with all the big names, and no matter where it finishes, I’m proud of how it sounds and what we have achieved!”
The Lilacs first appeared in 2019 with Vicarage Road, with Ollie and Sam joined by bassist Matt Johnson and drummer Dave Gomersall.
Since then, they’ve built a loyal following, with their 2025 EP The 395 (To Forever) reaching the Top 10 of the Independent Albums Chart.
They’ve also become regulars on the festival circuit, performing at Isle of Wight, Truck, Kendal Calling, Tramlines and Latitude, as well as making their Leeds Festival debut this summer. Further afield, they played Rock For People in the Czech Republic.
Their headline shows have grown considerably too, including a sold-out Manchester gig in front of 2,700 fans.
But to celebrate the album’s release, The Lilacs are doing something a little different.
Throughout October, they’re swapping the bigger stages for a series of intimate record store performances, giving fans the chance to hear stripped-back versions of the songs and, at most dates, meet the band afterwards for a signing.
The run includes shows in Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Bury, London, Kingston, Liverpool, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, following earlier dates in Wigan and Nantwich.
There are also plenty of physical editions of Keeping Up With The Joneses available, including CD, cream vinyl, limited-edition galaxy vinyl, a Sht Shirt* vinyl edition and individual band member CDs, which can also be purchased as a bundle.
And if you’ve missed out on the smaller shows, The Lilacs already have their biggest headline tour yet planned for 2027.
Keeping Up With The Joneses is out now.
Remaining October Record Store Shows
- 12 October – Leeds, Key Club (via Crash) – Performance & signing
- 13 October – Sheffield, Foundry (via Bear Tree) – Performance only
- 15 October – Bury, Wax & Beans – Performance & signing
- 16 October – London, Rough Trade East – Performance & signing
- 17 October – Kingston, Fighting Cocks (via Banquet) – Performance & signing
- 18 October – Liverpool, Jacaranda Baltic – Performance only
- 20 October – Nottingham, Rough Trade – Performance & signing
- 24 October – Edinburgh, Assai – Performance & signing
- 25 October – Glasgow, Assai – Performance & signing
Get tickets here!
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