Outlander - The Bookhouse Sessions

Labels: Self-Released/Pelagic Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 12 Jun 2026

Tracklist:

1. Lye Waste / Habituation (Live)

2. Want No More (Live)

3. Sinking (Live)

4. Orbit (Live)

Today has been one of those days where I've just wanted to sink into something more instrumental, and more spacious maybe? It started very differently though, as my walk to work began with the new Holding Absence album, which will take some adjusting to after what I've heard of it so far. Switching onto Slow Crush soon after was a good choice and set me up for the day. This is where Birmingham, UK's Outlander came to mind. 

I first came across them thanks to the Pelagic Records pressing of their 2019 LP The Valium Machine (in early 2025). Their combination of post-rock, shoegaze and glorious instrumentals captivated me, so to see that they had released a special live session earlier this year was a treat. Containing one song from their 2019 release and three (but actually four) from 2024's Acts of Harm, it stands as a showcase of their sound.

This feels so perfect this evening, as the night draws in around me. Beginning with ‘Lye Waste / Habituation’ (which is two songs into one essentially), Outlander build instrumentally from pensive to cinematic, while vocals sit amongst the swirling tones without breaching them. Even when the dual-vocal melodies float in and out, they don’t threaten to overtake the music itself. Percussion, bass and guitars working as one whole, beautifully in a live setting. I only wish I was there to experience it.

There’s a slightly different feel to ‘Want No More’, which sways from indie, to post-rock/post-punk and toward heavier pastures too. It’s a strikingly catchy song, which is an odd thing for me to say maybe, but it’s mainly down to the melody created by the lead guitar(s). Either way, it’s another great piece of music delivered with true sensitivity.

Listening to this release is really encouraging me to get my music room sorted out. I need a bigger place first though! ‘Sinking’ is the only song here from The Valium Machine so it represents an earlier point in Outlander’s career. A point where they were developing their cinematic sound and honestly, it’s as grand as you’d expect, especially here. There’s so much warmth on this recording, where years ago it would have sounded muddied.

The aptly titled ‘Orbit’ closes out this live session in dream-like fashion, as Outlander let their instrumentation take full control, creating an atmosphere that’s truly spellbinding. It does sound like there are some harsh vocals backing things up, but that could be a trick of the senses. Whether my description of the song is right or wrong, it really doesn’t matter. What matters is that this release exists.

I really hope this gets a physical release of it’s own at some point, as not only does it showcase an extremely talented band from the UK, but it also gathers together a great set of songs. Outlander make special music that deserves a wider audience.

Right now, you can stream and purchase the release digitally via Outlander's bandcamp page below:-

Outlander Instagram - @outlandertheband 

Pelagic Records Instagram - @pelagic_records