THE BAND: Having underwent both a lengthy hiatus and proclamations that they have officially and conclusively disbanded, Britpop legends Blur have once again reconvened to delight their fervent and far reaching fanbase. Announcing their return completely out of the blue, news of their forthcoming record has spread like wildfire throughout the world. Set to be their first record since 2003’s Think Tank, the band have shared its first single and its bizarre accompanying video.
THE SOUND: Whilst Blur are often unfairly maligned as a band whose material is inoffensive and non confrontational, the renowned 4 piece have demonstrated that they are still capable of composing fuzz laden rock and roll when they deem it to be Led by Graham Coxon’s hypnotic guitar licks and Damon Albarn’s trademark vocals, it sees them on excellent form and willing to embrace the 21st century’s diverse musical landscape.
THE VIDEO: An exercise in quirky minimalism, its accompanying visuals are set in a suburban and distinctly modern home and documents a woman’s day as she preps ice cream cones whilst both japanese and english subtitles both display the song’s lyrics and the manner in which one could create the aforementioned ice cream.
THE LOWDOWN: The band’s eighth studio album The Magic Whip will be released on April 27th 2015 via Parlophone, whilst those looking to catch the band’s first live show in many years can do so on June 20th in London’s Hyde Park as part of the annual British Summertime Concerts.
