Hamburg's cinematic soul collective Angels of Libra return with their fifth studio album, 'Road to Mandalay', a 12-track analog soul odyssey that bridges the classic and the contemporary. Produced by Dennis Rux (Hamburg Spinners) and co-written with Hans-Christian Stephan (Meute), the album pairs vintage warmth with emotional storytelling in what is set to be the group's most ambitious work to date.

The record reunites Angels of Libra with Irish singer-songwriter Nathan Johnston, who leads vocals on ten songs. Rising neo-soul artist Sarife takes the spotlight on the 60s-inspired 'Baby When You Hold Me', and joins Johnston for a moving duet on the closing track, a reimagining of The Beatles' 'This Boy.'

Partly inspired by Rudyard Kipling's 1890 poem 'Mandalay', the album follows a man reflecting on lost love, peace and renewal. Johnston describes it as 'falling apart and finding your way back.'

Musically, 'Road to Mandalay' sits somewhere between Curtis Mayfield and Ennio Morricone, with modern echoes of Jungle and Durand Jones & The Indications. From lush strings and horns arrangements to deep grooves and cinematic production, the record balances vintage soul craft with contemporary flair.