Albums of the Year 2024 - Number 2

This Could Be Texas, the debut album from English Teacher, is a sparkling exploration of the self. It seamlessly weaves between genres, even referencing those they don't want to tackle (see the excellent R&B) and keeps you on your toes the whole way through. Is it possible to be a jack of all trades and also a master of them too? English Teacher seem to be pulling it off. - Celeste, Rough Trade West | Albums of the Year So Far 2024

Thrilling debut album This Could Be Texas from Leeds indie frontrunners English Teacher. Singles of ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’, ‘Nearly Daffodils’ and ‘Mastermind Specialism’, which were all A-listed on the BBC 6 Music playlist, English Teacher’s remarkable ascent continues to reach new levels, having completed sold-out debut UK and US headline runs last autumn, following their thrilling debut appearance on Later With...Jools Holland.

Lead singer Lily Fontaine explains, “I want this album to feel like you’ve gone to space, and it turns out its almost identical to Doncaster. It’s about in-betweens, it’s about home, and it’s about Desire Paths." In several songs, Fontaine reflects on growing up as a mixed-race individual in a place, she says, “where many didn’t have any tolerance towards people who are different” in a post-Brexit landscape. 

Bonus CD features five tracks from the Pool Sessions.