Colt 45 debut album in July

It's been one hell of a year for COLT 45. The melodic punks from Cumbria signed to Visible Noise last summer hours before a surprise headline slot at Cockrock Festival, following the departure of rapper Wiley just 15 minutes in to his set.

Since then, constant touring, including supports to Blitz Kids, Lower Than Atlantis, The Computers and Young Guns set them up nicely to hit the studio in February 2014 with go-to UK rock producer Romesh Dodangoda (Kids In Glass Houses, Funeral For A Friend, Twin Atlantic, Motorhead) to track debut album The Tide Is Turning, scheduled for release on 28th July.

Their first BBC Radio 1 spin, Happiness Is A Dying Art (taken from 2013's double EP re-release, Coughing Up Confessions) in January was a great start to the year, and the Northern lads are now raring to go for a packed summer of shows, including Download Festival, Camden Rocks and Kendal Calling, before the new record drops at the end of July.

"We can't wait for people to hear the new tunes," says drummer Adam Lewis. "We've worked really hard on the road and in rehearsal over the last few years, and these new tracks are the result of the three of us really pulling together and giving it our all."

The album title hints at the band's new positive outlook, explains front man Neil Harper, "The Tide Is Turning is actually a lyric from one of the songs on the album. It just stood out for us as a statement which really sums up how we all feel at the moment. We're still pissed off, but there's definitely a lot more light at the end of the tunnel now! We're more balanced, and the record demonstrates that."

The prospect of joining the likes of Aerosmith, Linkin Park and The Offspring at Donington Park for Download in a few weeks isn't lost on them either. Says bassist Gareth Jenkins, "We're absolutely delighted to have the chance to play at this kind of event. We're used to playing tiny stages every night so we can't wait to let loose up there, it's going to be a great weekend!"

Catchier-than-Velcro debut single, O.K. is out late May before The Tide Is Turning drops on 28th July, and it seems the tide really is turning for COLT 45.