Blur to release a new album this July

Blur have announced the band will be releasing a new album The Ballad of Darren in July – their first studio release in over eight years.

Who the heck Darren is, I’m not quite sure but obviously someone worthy of a full album dedication.

The album has been produced by James Ford who has worked on records for Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz (featuring Blur frontman Damon Albarn, of course), Florence + The Machine and many more.

If lead single The Narcissist is anything to go by, the album might be a more sombre, reflective affair than previous offerings. But then, there might be the odd, catchy Song 2 hiding in there, you never know.

The 10-track record will be available on various coloured vinyl and CD, plus there’s a deluxe CD featuring two bonus tracks.

Bring on more new Britpop, please!

Antonino Tati