| How Long Will It Take? | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio album by | |
| Released | 16 October 2026 |
| Genre | Alternative pop |
| Length | 38:45 |
| Label | Artist Theory |
| Producer | Jamie Rendle |
| Singles from How Long Will It Take? | |
| |
How Long Will It Take? is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Nieve Ella. It was released on 16 October 2026 through Artist Theory. The album features 11 tracks and was written with producer Jamie Rendle and guitarist Finn Marlow. Its songs explore growing up, identity, relationships and self-worth.
Following the release of her extended plays Young & Naive (2023), Lifetime of Wanting (2023) and Watch It Ache and Bleed (2024), Ella announced How Long Will It Take? in July 2026. The announcement coincided with the release of the single "Standing on a Pane of Glass", which addresses anxiety and emotional distress.
Ella described the album as a reflection on the ongoing process of growing up, explaining that it was about accepting that personal development is a long-term journey rather than a single event. The record was written with Rendle and Marlow, with whom Ella developed material drawn from a difficult period in her life.
"Drive" was released on 20 March 2026 as the album's lead single. Ella described driving as a metaphor for taking control of her life and moving away from emotional pressures and attachments.
"Bite Back" was released on 29 May 2026. Co-written by Ella, Rendle and Marlow, the song addresses humiliation and self-protection. Rendle produced the track, which was mixed by Alan Moulder.
"Standing on a Pane of Glass" was released on 24 July 2026 alongside the album announcement. Ella described the song as depicting one of the lowest points in her life, with its arrangement building from a quieter opening into a more cathartic sound. Its accompanying music video was directed by Millie Jamieson-Pond.
"Romance Is a Desert" was released on 28 August 2026. The song presents a contrasting emotional perspective to the album's more anxious and confrontational material, exploring desire and pleasure.
In a review for NME, Liberty Dunworth described How Long Will It Take? as an ambitious work that explores the difficulties of growing up. Dunworth praised Ella's combination of indie-influenced melodies, guitar riffs and personal songwriting, highlighting the contrast between the assertive "Drive" and the more subdued "At Any Cost". The review also noted that some of the album's less adventurous songs were less affecting than its more experimental moments.
Rolling Stone UK included the album in a weekly roundup of new releases, while Clash covered its announcement and release campaign.
All tracks are written by Nieve Ella, Jamie Rendle and Finn Marlow, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "101" | 2:15 |
| 2 | "Drive" | 3:32 |
| 3 | "Standing on a Pane of Glass" | 2:55 |
| 4 | "Romance Is a Desert" | 2:55 |
| 5 | "Bite Back" | 3:09 |
| 6 | "At Any Cost" | 3:31 |
| 7 | "Angie" | 3:16 |
| 8 | "Love:Hate" | 4:01 |
| 9 | "I'm Not Dead" | 4:14 |
| 10 | "Back to Basics" | 4:19 |
| 11 | "How Long Will It Take?" | 4:38 |
| Total length | 38:45 | |
Credits are adapted from published album and retailer listings.
| Chart (2026) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (Official Charts) | 3 |
| UK Albums (Official Charts) | 31 |
| UK Independent Albums (Official Charts) | 3 |