Pop in your earpiece, close your eyes and embrace the wonders (and horrors) of augmented reality and prepare to travel 500 years into the future with Richard Dawson's latest album The Ruby Cord. Release November 2022 via Weird World, the new album is the final part of a trilogy that started with the pre-medieval world of Peasant, was brought back to the present day with 2020 and – possibly – concludes in the future with Dawson’s seventh studio album. After recent collaborations with Finnish metal innovators Circle and his work with Hen Ogledd, this is a return to Dawson’s own world with seven tracks that plunge us into an unreal, fantastical and at times sinister future where social mores have mutated, ethical and physical boundaries have evaporated… a place where you no longer need to engage with anyone but yourself and your own imagination. While 2020 dealt in social realism with explorations of testy football matches, the fallacy of work-life balance and therapeutic forms of repetitive exercise, The Ruby Cord shakes off the limitations of so-called real life and delves headlong into a (sort of) sci-fi world where human society has collapsed and morphed into something distinctly less solid. “So many of us are moving into these fantasy worlds,” says Dawson. “Whether it’s actual constructed virtual realities, computer worlds, or retreating into even more fantastical realms…. conspiracy theories, nationalism, amateur football punditry. People construct their own world because this one is so flawed.” Despite its futuristic setting, Dawson is still tackling contemporary issues – in this near-future, the fantasy world that some people live in looks incredibly like Old England or mythic Albion. But what happens if there’s a glitch in this virtual world that turns a pastoral scene into one of dread? Dawson explains further whilst indicating some of the inspirations behind the album: “Like when you play video games, sometimes something glitches and it makes something happen that’s really bizarre and disturbing.” Opening track “The Hermit” is Dawson’s most ambitious work thus far, taking the epic storytelling of 2014’s “The Vile Stuff” and stretching the limits even further into a sprawling 40-minute mood piece that acts as the gateway to the rest of The Ruby Cord. An accompanying 40-minute pop video has been made for “The Hermit” by director James Hankins. Telling the story of a loner living in a bucolic dreamworld, the short film will be premiered at several cinemas and art spaces across the UK with Q&A sessions after each screening. These screening events offer the first opportunity to hear music from The Ruby Cord, with details of live dates in 2023 to follow soon. Safe Space Policy: Public Records aims to provide a safer space for all. We reject all forms of aggressive behavior including, Racism, Misogyny, Transphobia, Homophobia, Genderphobia, Religious Bigotry, and hatred or discrimination of any kind. Consent is paramount, please respect the personal space of our patrons and staff. If you, or someone around you is being harassed. Please notify one of our staff members immediately. Anyone found in violation of our rules and safer space policy will be removed from the venue. To share feedback about an incident regarding harassment that happened in our space, please email hello@publicrecords.nyc. Presented by Public Records. This is a 21+ event.