It always comes back to the sea… 

Alt Taverna is the sound of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Josh Sené Todd’s search for meaning, purpose, and truth. It’s taken a long time, and spanned a lot of territory (both physical and mental). Whatever extremities it arrives at, it’s always pulled back with tidal surety to music and the coast.

And it’s probably all in vain. But let’s not jump to conclusions. Listen, and decide for yourself.

The debut EP was a collection of songs drawing on influences ranging from storytellers like Big Thief, Leonard Cohen and Sufjan Stevens, to sonic sculptors like Slowdive and Pavement. New single bcn sees Alt Taverna double down on the latter, signalling a transition to a heavier sound in future releases.

As a former Young Guitarist of the Year runner-up who, with previous projects, completed albums alongside Manics producer Greg Haver, toured nationally, and featured at festivals as well as on national TV, it’s only natural Sené Todd would go on to forge a career in… religion and philosophy.

These intervening years spent helping shape minds (chiefly his own) in London, Barcelona and Dorset are arguably more important to the lyrically rich indie rock he creates than any former brushes with the big time.

Combining lessons learned from the pages of the New Testament, the New Musical Express and the soul-stupifying New Normal, the debut EP and bcn are available on all streaming services now.

There’s a lack of friction in the void. If you stare into it, it stares back. If you sing into it? You’ve got a duet.