Blur announce new album The Ballad of Darren

The first single from Blur’s first album in 8 years, ‘The Narcissist’ is available to stream now. The Ballad of Darren is out July 21st

Britpop icons Blur return with ‘The Narcissist’, the first single from their upcoming album The Ballad of Darren, the band’s ninth studio album and the first since the release of 2015’s The Magic Whip.

Stream ‘The Narcissist’ HERE

Commenting on the place and context of this new effort from Blur, frontman Damon Albarn states “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now.”

The record features production from James Ford at Studio 13 and artwork that features an image by the photographer Martin Parr.

Pre-order The Ballad of Darren HERE

Bassist Alex James, speaking on the band’s dynamic after such an extensive career, says “For any long term relationship to last with any meaning you have to be able to surprise each other somehow and somehow we all continue to do that.” Expanding on this, drummer Dave Rowntree adds ““It always feels very natural to make music together. With every record we do, the process reveals something new and we develop as a band. We don’t take that for granted.”

The announcement is timely considering the bands ongoing run of warm-up shows across the country before a summer of live shows that will see the band play two shows at Wembley Arena, London – their first ever shows at the illustrious venue.

The Ballad of Darren will be released in a number of formats, including everything from cassette to digital download, however the deluxe vinyl package packs a number of additions for fans, including an integrated booklet, poster and handwritten notes.

The complete tracklist for The Ballad of Darren can be found below: