Elliot Galvin, an artist who needs little introduction, has long been a pioneering force in the UK jazz scene. With four solo albums that have topped year-end lists at outlets such as Downbeat and Jazzwise, he has also made his mark as a member of the Mercury-nominated Dinosaur, and through collaborations with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Emma-Jean Thackray, Norma Winstone, Marius Neset, and Mark Lockheart.

Galvin is widely respected as a versatile improviser, having released music alongside artists like Mark Sanders and his labelmate Binker Golding. His latest solo project, an entirely improvised piano album, was named The Guardian's album of the month and BBC Music magazine’s album of the year. Beyond performance, Galvin is also a distinguished composer, with works commissioned by groups such as the London Sinfonietta. As an audio artist, his works have been showcased at prestigious venues like Turner Contemporary Gallery, among others.

"This album is the most personal I’ve made to date. Named after an ancient Anglo-Saxon poem from the 9th century AD about the former glory of an unnamed ruined city, “The Ruin” is inspired by the feeling of living in England (“a country that feels like a living ruin”), the bleak landscape of where I grew up (Medway towns), and a kind of self-portrait reflecting how we all live amongst the ruins of our past selves both collectively and individually."