London-based band Whitelands have confirmed their second album, Sunlight Echoes, on January 30th, 2026, via Sonic Cathedral.
The record builds on their 2024 debut Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, which won them fans including Slowdive and David Jonsson, and promises an even brighter, more expansive sound.
Produced by long-time collaborator Ian Flynn and mixed by double Grammy Award-winner Eduardo De La Paz (New Order, The Horrors, The Charlatans), the album features string arrangements from Iskra Strings and guest vocals by Emma Anderson of Lush.
Whitelands singer and guitarist Etienne Quartey-Papafio described the record as a step up in maturity and emotional depth, crediting influences including Chappell Roan, Rachel Chinouriri, and Sabrina Carpenter for his vocal development. Bassist Vanessa Govinden said the band are “taking a risk” with the direction of the album, while drummer Jagun Meseorisa highlighted the band’s bond as a family unit.
Artwork for Sunlight Echoes was created by artist Léa Marais, whose screen-printed design replaces the AI-generated style of the debut with a more human and poetic approach.
Speaking about the album’s overarching theme, Etienne described it as “one of enduring,” while Vanessa reflected on the last two years as “challenging,” marked by themes of loss, disconnection and unity.
Sunlight Echoes Track Listing:
1. Heat Of The Summer
2. Songbird (Forever)
3. Shibuya Crossing
4. Glance
5. Sparklebaby +
6. Blankspace
7. I Am No God, An Effigy
8. Dark Horse
9. Mirrors
10. Golden Daze
+ Featuring Emma Anderson