The Routes release a new album, ‘Mesmerised’, on Action Weekend Records / Bickerton Records.

The trio, helmed by Scots-born, Japanese-dwelling guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Chris Jack, are based in the mountains of Oita prefecture, having formed as a garage punk act The Facials back in 2003.

The new, 10-track long-player, available on vinyl, CD and download, is the eighth long-playing record under that name with Jack the only ever-present member in a regular changing lineup.

On the new release Jack is joined by two names familiar to fans of the band – drummer Bryan Styles who appeared on 2019’s ‘Tune Out, Switch Off, Drop In’, as well as on ‘Miles To Go’, a solo LP The Routes frontman recorded most recently for the Action Weekend label.

Also on the latest set of recordings is bassist Toru Nishimuta who, apart from also appearing on ‘Tune Out…’, played on the group’s 2007 debut ‘Left My Mind’.

The recordings were undertaken in both Japan and England, and mixed and mastered by Jack, while the artwork was provided by Courtney Latta – commissioned by Chris Jack thanks to her having also designed Guided By Voices’ ‘Mirrored Aztec’ album cover, a band of whom Jack describes himself as “a major fan”.

More at www.reverbnation.com/theroutes / www.facebook.com/theroutes.