Gone are the shadows and the past pic.twitter.com/uEa6D1KUhJ

— London Grammar (@londongrammar) December 22, 2020

The group hinted at the track through Twitter and Instagram, posting a photo of written-down lyrics, atop a recording panel. Captioned, ‘Gone are the shadows and the past,’ the lyrics in the photo read as ‘Are you happy now? Are you one in a million/ Are you happy now? Healing all my shame.’ The group announced their upcoming album back in October, also including the artwork, and the full track list in the news. In the press release, lead singer Hannah Reid said the release would centre around ‘gaining possession’ of her life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by London Grammar (@londongrammar)

“You imagine success will be amazing. Then you see it from the inside and ask, ‘Why am I not controlling this thing? Why am I not allowed to be in control of it? And does that connect, in any way to being a woman? If so, how can I do that differently?” She explained.

“Misogyny is primitive, which is why it is so hard to change. But it is also fearful. It’s about rejecting the thing in yourself which is vulnerable or feminine. Yet everybody has that thing.”

You can listen to the band’s recently released singles ‘Baby It’s You’ and ‘Californian Soil’ below.

The band posted to social media to reveal the news, saying, “Making this song was a real turning point for us as a band. So much so we decided to name the album after this song too.” They also shared a teaser video – which is likely a set up for the music video – showing a person who is suspected to be lead singer Hannah Ried washed up on a beach. The link to view is here.

Along with the clip was a short segment of the song itself, with echoing ad libs from Ried, a plucked guitar to accompany her, and some synth sounds to bring some excitement to the otherwise spacious, steady track. Fans are looking forward to hearing the full song, as well as more details about the album.

#CalifornianSoil 7:30pm BST

https://t.co/ByUUX03cbn pic.twitter.com/vZOFG9OBz9

— London Grammar (@londongrammar) October 1, 2020

The new single follows previous release, ‘Baby It’s You’, which came out in September, and was the first release from London Grammar since 2017 album ‘Truth Is A Beautiful Thing’. The single was experimental with sound, which was welcomed by fans.

Recently, London Grammar played ‘Baby It’s You’ live for the first time as part of their BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge set, giving a stunning performance which did not sacrifice any of the song’s production. This was followed by a cover of The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ with a laid back indie spin. Speaking to Clara Amfo on the show, Hannah discussed the album, explaining that they already had a name but couldn’t reveal it just yet.

Set in a big, artfully lit studio, London Grammar’s Live Lounge session has a specific ambience to it. Hannah Reid’s haunting voice carries the first verse and chorus, before Dan Rothman comes in with the guitar and triggers the recognisable riff from The Weeknd’s chart topping hit. The London Grammar cover actually bears more resemblance to some of The Weeknd’s earlier work.

Alongside their cover, London Grammar performed their own newest single, ‘Baby It’s You’. This was released in August as the lead single on their upcoming album – the details of which, the band are keeping a secret for now. ‘Baby It’s You’ was favourably received by critics, but it was exceptionally well received by fans, who have been waiting in anticipation of London Grammar’s next move since 2017’s Truth Is A Beautiful Thing.

Fan support extended to their Live Lounge session, as proved by the comments section of the two Youtube videos. One fan enthusiastically declared that “everything they touch turns to gold. Outrageously talented band.” In an Instagram post, Radio 1 called their cover “spine tingling.”

View this post on Instagram

Spine tingling performance from @londongrammar today in the #LiveLounge They performed ‘Baby It’s You’ and a beautiful cover of @theweeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Listen again on @bbcsounds or watch it @bbciplayer

A post shared by BBC Radio 1 (@bbcradio1) on Sep 22, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT

Blinding Lights is the hit from The Weeknd’s latest album, After Hours. Just yesterday, it broke the record for the most weeks spent in the Top Five of the Billboard Hot 100. Spending 28 weeks there, it passes previous record holder, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape Of You’. Elsewhere, The Weeknd has been busy in collaboration with Calvin Harris on their new single ‘Over Now’. The single is a unique combination of the two artists’ talents, but fans have noted influences ranging from Michael Jackson to Daft Punk.

London Grammar’s Live Lounge session is part of Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month throughout September. The return of Live Lounge Month was announced a few weeks ago. It takes place on Clara Amfo’s show, with new sets every Tuesday and Thursday, and classic favourite sessions on Monday and Wednesday – including Harry Styles, Demi Lovato and Usher. The lineup of new artists for Live Lounge Month is below.

At the time of announcement, Clara Amfo said, “I am absolutely delighted that Live Lounge Month is returning in September! Live music is an infinite source of joy and something that I know we have all missed terribly over the past few months. From rapidly emerging artists, to our established faves, I can’t wait to hear what all our Live Lounge artists have lined up for us!”

Live Lounge Month Line-up (in alphabetical order!)

Anne-Marie
Arlo Parks
Biffy Clyro
Declan McKenna
Jorja Smith
Little Mix
London Grammar
Miley Cyrus
YUNGLBUD