The new single, ‘Brushstrokes of Reuinion,’ marks a significant moment for the Manics, the song blends shimmering guitar melodies with introspective lyrics, 

Fans will be able to purchase ‘Critical Thinking’ in various formats, including digital downloads, streaming platforms, standard CD, deluxe edition CD (which features bonus demo tracks), vinyl, and limited-edition cassette. Pre-orders are currently available via the band’s official website and major music retailers. A special 7″ vinyl single will also be released exclusively through selected independent record stores.

‘Critical Thinking’ has been a long time coming. Originally slated for release in late 2024, the album faced multiple delays due to production challenges and the band’s desire to perfect their sound. After months of anticipation, it will finally be available to the public on February 14, 2025. 

Musically, ‘Critical Thinking’ continues the sonic evolution that began with 2021’s ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament,’ incorporating influences from classic pop, alternative rock, and even orchestral elements. If the previously released tracks ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ and ‘Decline & Fall’ are anything to go by, the album will feature soaring melodies, intricate lyricism, and a balance between politically charged anthems and introspective ballads. Nicky Wire has described the album as “a record of opposites colliding – of dialectics trying to find a path of resolution”.

Available exclusively on the Manics official store, the vinyl collector’s bundle includes a bonus 7” single with two additional tracks ‘Let The Light Return’ & ‘Johatsu’, + signed art card.

‘Critical Thinking’ is released on Feb 7th, pre-order now: https://t.co/IssLRnaCE4 pic.twitter.com/Thj0U01qrZ

— Manic Street Preachers (@Manics) January 27, 2025

Formed in 1986 in Blackwood, Wales, Manic Street Preachers quickly made a name for themselves with their politically charged lyrics, punk-infused energy, and striking aesthetic. The band originally consisted of James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitar), Nicky Wire (bass, lyrics), Sean Moore (drums), and Richey Edwards (rhythm guitar, lyrics), whose mysterious disappearance in 30 years ago today – on 1st February 1995 – remains one of rock’s greatest unsolved tragedies.

The Manics have an extensive back catalog of critically acclaimed and commercially successful hits. Among their most famous songs, ‘A Design for Life’ stands out as a triumphant anthem that became their defining hit, exploring class struggle and resilience. ‘If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next‘ remains their only UK #1 single, inspired by the Spanish Civil War. ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ is a brooding, poetic critique of consumerism, while ‘Everything Must Go‘ symbolises their transition after Richey Edwards’ disappearance.

The Manics will be hitting the road in support of Critical Thinking, with a UK and European tour planned for the spring.

UK Tour Dates:

• April 11, 2025: Glasgow Barrowland

• April 12, 2025: Glasgow Barrowland

• April 18, 2025: London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

• April 19, 2025: London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

• April 25, 2025: Wolverhampton The Civic at The Halls

• April 26, 2025: Bristol Beacon

• May 2, 2025: Manchester O2 Apollo

• May 3, 2025: Manchester O2 Apollo

• May 9, 2025: Swansea Arena

• May 10, 2025: Swansea Arena

Festival Appearances:

• May 21, 2025: Bearded Theory Festival, Catton Park, Derbyshire

• May 24, 2025: Live at Leeds in the Park

• June 19, 2025: Azkena Rock Festival, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

• July 11, 2025: Bospop Festival, Weert, Netherlands

• August 20, 2025: Allas, Helsinki, Finland

• August 23, 2025: Foynhagen, Tønsberg, Norway

Tickets for all dates are available via their official website and major ticket vendors.

With Critical Thinking set to finally arrive next week and an exciting tour on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year for Manic Street Preachers. 

“And in the rhythm of your voice
I find space to rejoice
My complicated illusions
Leave me with no choice”

‘Complicated Illusions’ The new Manics single with a unique visual from Kieran Evans: https://t.co/x9Mk9C1Knl

Streaming now: https://t.co/wlUexYn8IJ pic.twitter.com/HRaHnkZluI

— Manic Street Preachers (@Manics) October 8, 2021

This new album has proved to be a roaring success for the group, marking their first Number One album in twenty-three years, with their 1998 record This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours being their first release to hone this title. According to Sony Music, the band said of their achievement: “It’s amazing to be back at No.1 after 23 years- it was a titanic chart battle, and we are absolutely over the moon.” A recent review of the album by NME’s Patrick Clarke called it an “album of dramatic piano flourishes and rushes of guitar; of old-school duets and soaring power pop choruses” a description that is most certainly exemplified by the single “Complicated Illusions”.

Manic Street Preachers have likened “Complicated Illusions” to “More Than This era” Roxy Music, David Bowie and Echo and the Bunnymen, describing the song as “the battle between chaos and calm with a gliding majestic lyrical flow”. The comparisons definitely ring true, with the song featuring a soaring, Bowie-esque chorus and a gentle verse vocal line that evokes memories of Bryan Ferry’s performances in Roxy Music’s 1982 album Avalon.

The visualiser was created by filmmaker Kieran Evans, a Welsh filmmaker known for his directorial work on various music documentaries such as Vashti Bunyan: From Here To Before, David Gilmour: Wider Horizons and the drama film Kelly + Victor. Evans said of his approach to creating the video for “Complicated Illusions”: “I’ve always felt the track feels like an epic soundtrack to an as yet made film so I’ve gone for a visual/lyric type affair using a similar aesthetic / approach to a lot of Netflix type title sequences using minimal / small type over multi-layered imagery.” The video can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.

The Ultra Vivid Lament is available via all streaming services, and there are numerous physical versions (including 12” vinyl, CD and picture disc) available on the band’s website.

Presently, Manic Street Preachers are in the middle of a UK tour, of which there are five remaining dates. These are listed down below, and tickets can be purchased at this link.

11/10/2022- Corn Exchange, Cambridge
13/10/22- Bath Forum, Bath
14/10/22- Brighton Dome, Brighton
01/12- Venue Cymru Arena, Llandudno
03/22- SSE Arena Wembley, London