Picture a restless musical shapeshifter born in the rainy Pacific Northwest who swaps Seattle’s evergreens for London’s red buses and corner shops. Formed in 2011, Longboat is the brainchild of a jazz tenor saxophonist and endlessly curious songwriter who treats genre rules like polite suggestions. Operating mostly as a one-person studio laboratory while occasionally summoning a small army of rockers, jazz players, strings, and singers, this project has already churned out 39 albums and over 500 songs.
Recorded at Shoreditch’s legendary Strongroom Studios with Will Davies at the engineering desk, “Proud of My Postcode” (album number 37, released September 23, 2026) is an all-electronic postcard from an American who has fallen head over heels for Britain. Made up of thirteen interesting songs and a run time of fifty-two minutes and twenty-four seconds, it has the potential to draw attention instantly. Let’s get into it.
“A Fox in Hoxton” kicks the door open with playful, nocturnal energy. Capturing the unmistakable East London sight of an urban fox trotting down a brick alley past late-night revelers, the bouncy synth bass mimics the creature’s sneaky, confident footsteps while setting up the album’s cheeky, observant tone. This song is gorgeous and keeps you invested in the rest of the album. It tugs at the heartstrings.
“Keep It Imperial” pivots smoothly toward Britain’s complicated relationship with its grand past and stubborn traditions. Over crisp, marching electronic percussion and regal keyboard chords, the song pokes gentle fun at old-school pomp, measuring sticks, and the quirky ways historical pride still echoes through modern streets. This song is infectious, with upbeat instrumentation that allows the vocals to float elegantly on top.
“My Victorian Poltergeist” turns down the lights for a spooky yet charmingly domestic ghost story. Exploring the feeling of living in buildings way older than anything back in Seattle, the eerie, echoing synth pads dance around lyrics about creaky floorboards, drafty hallways, and sharing a flat with an invisible roommate from the 1800s.
“This Primark Jumper” celebrates the pure, unpretentious joy of everyday high-street fashion. Set to an upbeat, cozy bedroom-pop groove, this track turns a cheap, comfy sweater into a badge of honor, proving that feeling at home in a new city often starts with the simple clothes on your back.
“We Did It with Style” brings a burst of celebratory, retro-futuristic swagger to the middle of the record. Built on uplifting chord progressions and shimmering electronic textures, it reflects on overcoming daily hurdles, muddling through chaos, and still managing to look good while doing it.
“All along the Fleet” takes listeners on a winding, subterranean walk above London’s most famous lost river. Fluid, rippling synthesizer melodies mirror hidden water flowing beneath busy pavement, blending centuries of hidden urban geography with reflective, poetic storytelling.
“The Dullest Blade” sharpens the wit with a tongue-in-cheek look at polite British understatement and quiet frustration. Paced by a steady, hypnotic electronic pulse, the song explores how people navigate awkward moments, dreary routines, and minor inconveniences without ever raising their voices.
“Red Routemaster” captures the iconic romance of sitting on the top deck of a classic double-decker bus watching the city roll by. Bright, sweeping synth lines evoke the motion of London traffic, turning an ordinary public transit ride into a cinematic sightseeing adventure.
“Mudlark Life” gets down into the Thames riverbank slime in search of forgotten treasures. Inspired by the hobbyists who comb the low tide for old clay pipes, Victorian pottery, and ancient coins, the track uses quirky, clicking percussion and curious melodies to celebrate finding magic in the mud.
“Waterloo Situation” dives headfirst into the organized chaos of rush hour at one of the busiest train stations in the country. Rapid-fire rhythmic pulses and swirling electronic layers capture the sprint for the departure board, missed connections, and the weird camaraderie of strangers packed onto a platform.
“The English Summer Chill” laughs affectionately at the unpredictable British weather, where July can suddenly require a winter coat. Breezy, shimmering synths mimic a crisp gust of wind blowing across a park picnic, wrapping the listener in a warm electronic blanket despite the drizzle.
“Brixton Bill” paints a vivid, colorful character portrait soaked in South London spirit. Driven by deep, dub-influenced electronic basslines and lively rhythmic accents, the track honors neighborhood legends, vibrant street markets, and the unmistakable pulse of Brixton life.
“Dead Man’s Hand” closes the curtain with a moody, late-night reflection on luck, fate, and playing the cards life deals you. Stripping back the tempo into a smoky, atmospheric electronic groove, it leaves a lingering, thoughtful impression long after the final synthesizer note fades out.
Vocally, the delivery is half the fun. Rather than trying to belt out huge pop notes or fake a British accent, the singing leans into a relaxed, conversational, and delightfully witty style. It sounds like a sharp-eyed storyteller leaning across a pub table to share an observation over a pint. Every lyric lands with warmth, dry humor, and genuine affection, making the performance feel less like a distant concert and more like a personal guided tour through the city’s backstreets
Ditching live horns and guitars for pure electronics, the production sparkles with crisp synth pulses, warm analog textures, and playful drum programming. Will Davies’ clean, spacious engineering lets every quirky bleep and deep bassline breathe. Even without a saxophone in sight, a jazz musician’s sense of swing and surprise hides inside the rhythmic bounce and clever chord shifts.
Charming, clever, and packed with heart, “Proud of My Postcode” succeeds because it doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. By filtering London’s rainy charm, rich history, and daily quirks through the ears of a seasoned Seattle jazz-turned-electronic songwriter, this 37th studio outing feels deeply personal and universally relatable. With this album, Longboat has given us an incredible set of songs with catchy melodies and unique sounds. From individual favorites to tracks that found their way into our playlists. Put on your favorite cheap jumper, brew a proper cup of tea, and let this joyful electronic tour guide show you around town.
Listen to the “Proud of My Postcode” album on Spotify
Follow Longboat here for more information
