BRADFORD indie-rock quartet release their debut album in June - and a new single from it is now available to stream.

Both the album and single are titled Recovery Position. The songs were conceived during lockdown, when the wife of Ship’s Cat songwriter and guitarist Phillip Veitch was in a London hospital, undergoing treatment for mental ill health.

The album deals with the trauma of this period, alongside death, addiction and the life changing loss of Phillip’s younger brother to a heroin overdose.

During the writing and recording process, Phillip was looking after his young family and keeping his business afloat. He says writing these songs was a “cathartic experience” and helped he and the band through the troubling, uncertain times.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The band say writing their album helped them through troubled times The band say writing their album helped them through troubled times (Image: Mickey Dale)

Sat at Phillip’s kitchen table with a laptop and an audio interface, the band crafted their songs in the evenings, working around family commitments. Phillip and lead singer Nicky worked on lyrics then visited their friend Mickey Dale, keyboard player with Embrace, at his Cellar of Dreams studios in Heaton, where they recorded the lead vocals, backing vocals and percussion.

“Whilst the album touches upon some very serious subjects, the end result is an uplifting and vibrant body of work that resonates with hope and positivity,” says Ship’s Cat.

The band are launching their album with a show at Caroline Street Social Club in Saltaire on June 25 at 3pm, with special guests.

The single Recovery Position is now available via streaming platforms. The album is out from June 23 on streaming platforms plus a limited edition gatefold CD. To pre-order the album - or buy tickets for the Saltaire gig - go to shipscat.uk