After establishing themselves with their debut album ‘Madra’ in January 2024, NewDad have announced their second studio album, Altar, set for release on September 19.
The announcement is paired with the fiery lead single “Roobosh,” a one‑take visual and sonic statement. In the track, vocalist Julie Dawson channels raw frustration, lamenting societal expectations of women to stifle their anger.
Speaking to NME, she explained “I wanted a song where I could moan and scream…letting myself get angry when I never allow myself to.” The result is a bold blend of cathartic vocals and a memorable, pop-influenced hook.”
Written over the past two years, ‘Altar’ responds to the emotional tug-of-war of relocating from Galway to London. It explores themes like homesickness, ambition, identity, relationships, and sacrifice-a reflection of the band’s own transitions.
Another single, ‘Pretty‘ offers a gentler contrast, a love letter to their hometown, where Julie expresses her deep attachment to Galway.
This album looks to break new ground, building on the atmospheric shoegaze of ‘Madra’ and the self-assured swagger of their ‘Safe’ EP. It marks a leap toward a more expansive, emotionally confessional sound, pushing beyond their debut’s boundaries.
NewDad’s debut album ‘Madra’, released in January 2024, introduced listeners to their blend of shoegaze‑tinged alt‑rock, filled with emotive lyricism and visceral guitar textures. Recorded at the iconic Rockfield Studios and mixed by Alan Moulder, it earned strong critical praise as an emotionally immersive and promising first record.
Altar promises to be NewDad’s most ambitious release yet. With emotional grit, atmospheric depth, and newfound boldness being woven together. Alongside the album’s release, the band will embark on a UK & EU tour, bringing their emotionally charged new material to live stages later this year.
- October – Europe (UK & EU)
- 2 Oct – Oslo, Norway (John Dee)
- 3 Oct – Stockholm, Sweden (Nalen Klubb)
- 5 Oct – Copenhagen, Denmark (Vega Small Room)
- 6 Oct – Hamburg, Germany (Nochtspeicher)
- 7 Oct – Berlin, Germany (Lido)
- 9 Oct – Milan, Italy (Arci Bellezza)
- 10 Oct – Zurich, Switzerland (Bogen F)
- 11 Oct – Paris, France (La Maroquinerie)
- 13 Oct – Brussels, Belgium (Botanique)
- 14 Oct – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Melkweg Old Hall)
- 15 Oct – Lille, France (L’Aeronef)
- October – November: UK & Ireland
- 18 Oct – Manchester, UK (Academy 2)
- 19 Oct – Sheffield, UK (The Foundry)
- 20 Oct – Glasgow, UK (SWG3 TV Studio)
- 22 Oct – Bristol, UK (Bristol Electric)
- 23 Oct – Cardiff, UK (Tramshed)
- 24 Oct – Birmingham, UK (XOYO)
- 26 Oct – Brighton, UK (Chalk)
- 28 Oct – London, UK (O2 Forum Kentish Town)
- 31 Oct – Dublin, Ireland (3Olympia)
- 1 Nov – Cork, Ireland (Cyprus Avenue)
- 2 Nov – Galway, Ireland (Leisureland)
- 4 Nov – Belfast, UK (Mandela Hall)
Tickets and information fore the tour are available here.
