In a stunning shift from his career in politics and literature, former Labour MP and acclaimed author Peter Bradley introduces his musical alter ego Brandes with the release of his highly anticipated debut album, The Distance Between Dreams. Available now across streaming platforms, the album marks a new creative milestone for Bradley, showcasing his powerful songwriting, evocative lyrics, and a distinctive sound that blends folk, indie rock, and Middle Eastern influences.
For those familiar with Bradley’s previous work, including his deeply reflective book The Last Train – A Family History of the Final Solution, it’s clear that his creative journey has always been driven by a deep connection to history, memory, and identity. As Brandes, Bradley steps into the realm of music with the same reflective approach, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection of songs. The Distance Between Dreams, is both a reclamation of personal history and an exploration of universal emotions—love, loss, resilience, and the passage of time.
The name Brandes carries particular significance for Bradley. It’s not just a musical persona; it’s a tribute to his family’s heritage, a name reclaimed from the ashes of the Holocaust. As Bradley shares, the decision to take on the name was an act of reclamation, a way to reconnect with a personal history that had been lost over generations. This sense of history infuses every track on the album, which spans intimate, deeply reflective songs to politically charged anthems.
The album opens with “Please Don’t Call”, the debut single that introduces listeners to Brandes’s lyrical style—poignant, raw, and brutally honest. The track explores the painful end of a relationship, with sparse instrumentation that allows Bradley’s voice to take centre stage. It’s a haunting meditation on love’s dissolution, enhanced by a cascading chorus and sweeping strings.
In contrast, “Like A Dagger” showcases the emotional depth of Brandes’s songwriting. A deeply autobiographical song, it paints a picture of the unravelling of a love affair, its acoustic and electric guitar arrangements bringing the vulnerability of the lyrics to life. The emotional weight of these personal reflections is palpable, reminding listeners of the power of simplicity in storytelling.
But it’s not just personal pain that pervades the album. Tracks like “From The Higher Ground” introduce a more political edge, with the indie rock anthem delivering a message that recalls the spirit of Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan. Here, Brandes reflects on the state of the world, calling for introspection and, perhaps, action.
The standout track of, The Distance Between Dreams, is undeniably “Song for Mordecai”, a stirring and cinematic piece inspired by George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda. The song dives deep into Jewish history, echoing the struggles and resilience of the Jewish people, while also addressing universal themes of spiritual awakening and human solidarity. The track’s instrumentation is a departure from the rest of the album, weaving in Middle Eastern instruments like the oud, nafiri, and doumbek, creating a rich, textured sound that transports the listener across time and geography.
Bradley’s choice to explore themes from Eliot’s novel is more than just a literary reference—it’s a reflection of his own desire to reconnect with his Jewish roots and pay tribute to the strength of his ancestors. It’s a song that resonates with those familiar with Jewish history but also speaks to anyone who has ever confronted their own past to shape their future.
Brandes’s shift from public service to music is nothing short of remarkable. His work has always been about connecting deeply with people—whether through politics, literature, or now, music. With, The Distance Between Dreams, he moves into a new, intensely personal space, offering a soundtrack to the human experience. The album’s emotional breadth speaks to anyone who has experienced love, loss, or the challenge of reconciling personal history with the present.
Speaking about the album, Brandes shared: “Music has always been a part of my life, but it’s only now that I’m able to fully express myself through it. This album is a reflection of my journey, both personal and creative. I hope listeners find something of themselves in it, as it’s a journey through themes of love, loss, and finding hope in the face of adversity.”
