Lucy Fitzgerald 
That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s second album, “This Is What I Live For”, is a quietly confident collection that lands with heart and charm. Released on November 26 via We Go To 11 (a sub-label of Trapped Animal Records), it finds the Manchester-based quartet refining their self-dubbed “indie-emo-folk” sound into something honest, catchy, and refreshingly down-to-earth.
Ashley Garrod, joined by James Cooke, Gabriel Alexander, and Phoenix Rousiamanis (Lucy Dacus, Jasmine . 4.T), leads with songwriting that balances real emotion with a wink of playfulness. Tracks like “Monkey Mind” and the title song lean into gentle introspection, while “Dating 101” and “Wear A Dress” light up with brit-pop-tinted energy and fuzzy hooks. It’s not trying to be slick or overly polished—it just feels true to who they are.
Garrod’s vocals are rich, distinctive, and central to the album’s identity. They carry both sincerity and character, whether he’s singing about overthinking or laughing through modern dating messes. The influences are evident—Idlewild’s raw emotion, Pinegrove’s lyrical depth—but the band doesn’t sound like they’re borrowing. They’ve built their own thing, and it works.
Personally, this album really connected with me. It’s got the kind of emotional clarity you don’t find every day, and a natural warmth that makes it easy to come back to. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just right. If you’re into music that speaks plainly but hits deep, “This Is What I Live For” is worth your time. Make sure to follow That Old Quiet Lighthouse on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook. Add the record to your playlists, support the band, and share it with someone who needs something tangible in their ears right now.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
