Richards/Crane, the new project birthed from Ugly Kid Joe frontman Whitfield Crane and guitarist/vocalist Lee Richards (Another Animal, Godsmack, Dropbox), are preparing for the release of their debut album this May via Metalville Records. The self-titled effort will feature a collection of heartfelt, stripped down songs including the new single “Black & White” featuring Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators) originally released last year.

Produced by Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Godsmack), who also added additional electric guitar, drummer Shannon Larkin (Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe) and bassist Jim Preziosa (Dropbox) also appear on the album.

In addition to the stunning performance by Myles Kennedy, who duets with Crane on the first single, guest vocals on the album include classical Indian artist Vishal Vaid, who has performed with the likes of Anoushka Shankar, Bill Laswell, Michael Franti and Karsh Kale.

Richards recalls, "This project came together on the heels of the Another Animal project which is where Whitfield and I first connected. We had written a bunch of acoustic tracks while on tour as the rest of the guys went back to the Godsmack camp Whitfield and I thought it would be a great time to record an acoustic based album.”

The video for “Black & White”, shot by director Dan Sturgess (Butcher Babies, Skindred, Coal Chamber), was filmed on the streets of London and backstage at the Download festival in June 2014. The video features star-studded cameos from the likes of Steel Panther, Benji Webbe (Skindred), Phil Anselmo, Dee Snider, Chris Jericho, Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo and Myles Kennedy to name but a few.

Richards adds, “If I had to describe the sound of this record I would almost describe it as 70's sounding with a lot of vocal harmonies as well as a lot of counter melody.  Working with Whitfield is truly a pleasure as he has one of the broadest vocal ranges in the business and I've always loved the way our voices work together. He is truly one of the best front men in the business.”

Tracklisting:

“Homeward”
“Everyone”
“Here In The Light”
“Black & White” (Featuring Myles Kennedy)
“Someday”
“Lost”
“Waiting On A Prayer”
“Rainy Day”
“Don't Cry For Me”
“World Stand Still”

“Black & White” video: