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Known for their unique blend of post-punk, classical, and electronic influences, the band has developed a cult following since their formation in 2006 by twin brothers Jack and George Barnett. ‘Crooked Wing‘ is expected to expand on the band’s signature atmospheric soundscapes and evocative lyricism.

These New Puritans first gained widespread attention with their 2008 debut album ‘Beat Pyramid‘, but it was their 2010 release ‘Hidden‘ that cemented their status as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking bands. The album, featuring brass and percussive elements alongside eerie electronic undertones, was critically acclaimed for its avant-garde approach. Their most recognised track from this second debut album is ‘We Want War’, which has gained over 1 million listens on Spotify and Youtube.

The band has already released two tracks from this upcoming album, ‘Bells’ and ‘Industrial Love Song’. ‘Bells’ originated from a field recording of a bell in a small Orthodox Greek church, which became the foundation of the track. The song features a rich sonic palette, including organs, ancient bells, and pitched percussion, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.

‘Industrial Love Song’ is a collaboration with Caroline Polachek. The narrative explores themes of connection and longing, reflecting on the human-like qualities of machines. The accompanying music video, directed by Harley Weir, visually complements the song’s themes.

Fans eager for a preview of the album won’t have to wait long as the band is set to release the lead single in early April. Alongside the album announcement, These New Puritans are expected to tour UK and Europe later in 2025, with dates possibly expected to be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the band is going to perform at the EartH in Hackney, London on June 12. Tickets are available to purchase on DICE. For further updates, you can visit the band’s Instagram.

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This year’s UK Americana Music Week features an impressive lineup of live performances, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hackney’s iconic venues, the festival promises to showcase established artists and rising stars in the genre. The festival will also include a songwriting masterclass led by award-winning Nashville songwriter Mary Gauthier, as well as panels discussing the evolution of Americana music and its growing influence in the UK.

A cornerstone of the week is the Americana Music Awards, which will take place on January 23 at Hackney Empire. The awards ceremony honours the best in Americana music, with categories such as Best Album, Best Song, and Emerging Artist of the Year. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to folk and country legend Linda Thompson for her decades of contribution to the genre. The singer is best known for her work in the British folk-rock duo Richard and Linda Thompson, particularly their seminal 1974 album ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight‘. The title track, ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight’, is widely regarded as one of her most famous songs.

Last year’s Americana Music Awards were won by Michele Stodart for UK Artist of the Year. The singer-songwriter has also won UK Album of the Year for ‘Invitation‘. Tickets for individual performances and festival passes are available via the AMA-UK website, with options for in-person and livestream attendance. Many of the workshops and panels are free or low-cost to ensure accessibility for music lovers of all backgrounds. As UK Americana Music Week 2025 kicks off, it promises to be a thrilling celebration of the genre, with an unforgettable lineup of events that will inspire, entertain, and connect audiences with the heart and soul of Americana. 

SECOND NIGHT ADDED DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY DEMAND ON FRIDAY 7th MARCH. Tickets go on sale Monday 16th December at 4pm. Sign up at https://t.co/Ax7baZb0Ii to receive a link when the sale starts pic.twitter.com/WtmUSxCNWK

— Lily Allen (@lilyallen) December 13, 2024

Lily Allen is a British singer-songwriter known for her candid lyrics. She gained prominence with her debut album ‘Alright, Still’ (2006), featuring hits like ‘Smile’. Her music often addresses themes of relationships, fame, and social issues with wit and humour. Over her career, Allen has released multiple successful albums, acted in theatre, including a notable West End debut, and authored a memoir, ‘My Thoughts Exactly’. She’s also recognized for her outspoken personality and advocacy for various causes.

The singer has recently mentioned in the podcast she can’t imagine doing a 20th anniversary tour for her debut album ‘Alright, Still’ in 2026.

“I do think maybe there is a conversation to be had about doing a 20th anniversary tour of ‘Alright, Still’, but I can’t even imagine though. That person singing those songs is a relative child.

“I just can’t imagine being a 40-year-old woman and standing up on stage singing those songs with any conviction.” Allen said.

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She added she could possibly relate more to her second album ‘It’s Not Me, It’s You’, whose 20th anniversary will be in 2029.

In June 2022, during the Glastonbury Festival, Olivia Rodrigo invited Lily Allen on stage to perform Allen’s 2009 hit ‘Fuck You‘. This performance was a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively ending federal protection for abortion rights. Lily Allen has been vocal about her stance on the issue, sharing her personal experience with abortion and emphasizing that women should not need ‘exceptional reasons’ to justify their decisions.

Miquita Oliver is a British television presenter, radio host, and personality known for her vibrant career in entertainment. She gained fame as a co-host of ‘Popworld’ alongside Simon Amstell. Miquita also advocates for wellness and shares insights on mental health.

 ‘Miss Me?’ episodes are published twice a week and explore diverse topics like societal trends, relationships, and personal experiences, with occasional guest appearances. The show blends humour, candid discussions, and cultural commentary, inviting audience interaction through questions and stories shared via WhatsApp or email. It is produced by Persephonica for BBC Sounds and is accessible on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and BBC Sounds.

You can check here for more information on tickets and to join the waitlist.

We’re delighted to be returning with a full-scale Visions on Saturday 23rd July 2022. pic.twitter.com/Wsa3IojpQb

— Visions Festival (@VisionsFestival) March 23, 2022

After topping our list for 2021’s album of the year with For The First Time, and then releasing another album this February, Ants From Up There, (that honestly might be a contender this time around) things were looking up for the band. But, due to a perfectly justifiable combination of reasons regarding mental health, Wood released an intimate statement on the band’s socials explaining his situation. Despite the band’s claims that they would continue to make music and tour as Black Country, New Road, many fans were left worried about their future. Especially when you keep the cancelled tour in mind. Now, however, some of that tension may have been lightened as they seem to be keeping to their word and getting back on the scene. As of yet, it is unclear as to whether they will be touring as a 6-piece, or try and find a new member to fill the gaps; but by the looks of things, a 6-piece will be the way for a while.

We have some news to share concerning the future of the band. Please read on for information on upcoming shows, but it seems right to pass on this message from Isaac first pic.twitter.com/3HHmSwBDQj

— BlackCountry,NewRoad (@BCNRband) January 31, 2022

As well as BC,NR the line-up seems perfect for those after a day of counter-culture. Niger based songwriter Mdou Moctar will also be heading to Hackney to perform his own interpretations of Tuareg guitar music. French DJ Oklou brings her special blend of ambience and harsh French house. And Dublin newcomer For Those I Love, whose debut album received significant critical acclaim last year will also join the line-up. This is also, only the first wave of artists to be announced for the festival, so watch this space for more updates on line-up news.

While this is only a 1-day festival, the festival has also announced a “special pre-party on 22nd July at Round Chapel, co-headlined by Yumi Zouma and Far Caspian, plus more special guests to be announced”.  It’s an interesting idea to announce a single day festival… that is in conjunction with another unrelated party the day before the festival… at one of the festival’s venues… then still call it a 1-day festival. But who am I to judge, more music for us.

The accompanying video, also directed by Hval with additional credits to Jenny Berger Myhre and Annie Bielski, was created to provoke a specific emotional contrast. “A sense of loss and joy intertwines in a world of disconnected rooms. The artist inhabits these rooms.  She is frozen in time, space, and mid-vowel. She is aware of her immediate surroundings. She is aware that there is more beyond what she can see. A version of her exists in a compressed, compromised, and objectified state. She is sitting in a room, in a house, in a neighbourhood, in the art industry.” Watch the video below.

Said to be based on a disturbing experience of a fan proposing at one of her shows, Hval states, “It confronted me with the fact that I am also married. What does that detail from my private life say about me as an artist?  ‘Year of Love’ asks, who am I as an artist? Do my private actions betray my work and voice?”. All of these emotions are said to be presented in Hval’s version of a pop album, “Every song has a verse and a chorus. There are interchangeable moments of complexity, interesting melodies throughout, and a feeling of elevation and clarity in the choruses.”

For more information on pre-ordering Classic Objects in its LP, CD, or Limited-edition indie store blue vinyl, you can head here. If you’re after even more of Hval’s time then you can look into the single UK date on her upcoming tour. Several Scandinavian dates and a few scattered around Europe left only time for one date at London’s EartH in Hackney on April 11^th. For more information on tickets, check here.