SOFT Cell vocalist Marc Almond has teamed up with Ivor Novello-winning composer John Harle for an album on London’s dark history, which tours the country next month.

The Tyburn Tree – named after the infamous gallows near to Marble Arch – is an intense album with plenty of dark humour which explores the capital’s more twisted past, including ghosts and high profile murders.

It features the Tainted Love singer’s own lyrics – as well as those borrowed from poets William Blake, John Dee and Tom Pickard – set to stirring music from John Harle, who has worked with Elvis Costello and wrote the theme to the TV show Silent Witness.

Mr Harle said: “Marc is a true artist and true performer - showing total openness and vulnerability alongside an experimental, non-judgemental view of Art, and in The Tyburn Tree, London has found its Anti-Hero.”

John Harle and Marc Almond are at the Barbican Hall on March 2. Tickets cost £15 to £25. Go to tyburntree.com