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.

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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.

LINE UP

The first wave of acts for Manchester Psych Fest 2024 is here.

Featuring:@baxterdury@horrorsofficial@TemplesOfficial@NewDad @heyjuniore @MdouMoctar
Plus others, with more to be announced.

Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/gvgJ3geAB1 pic.twitter.com/QHNEPsPMb3

— ManchesterPsychFest (@mancpsychfest) November 30, 2023

The festival is scheduled to take place on 31 August 2024 and will once again turn the city centre of Manchester into a sprawling hub of psychedelic and alternative creativity. Iconic music venues such as YES, Canvas, Albert Hall and 02 Ritz will act as temporary stages, effectively allowing the areas immediately surrounding Oxford Street to be turned into temporary festival grounds. Circle Square, if aligning with last year, will act as festival hub and will be the place to go for merch, various band meet and greets and a diverse variety of street food stalls.

Last year’s edition saw American psychedelic rock giants The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Allas-Las perform, along with Sorry, The Murlocs, Ezra Furman and Los Bitchos. There were also several film screenings, including cult psychedelic classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and band films Chunky Shrapnel and Dig!. This year’s film screenings have yet to be announced, as have many more acts and artists.

Watch the music video for “I’m Not Your Dog” by Baxter Dury below:

Baxter Dury, son of legendary The Blockheads lead singer Ian Dury, is set to headline the festival with his wholly unique take on music, consisting of unapologetic, almost spoken word delivery backgrounded by post-disco and indie electronica beats. Also headlining will be Southend based group The Horrors, with a style that consistently merges gothic and psychedelic rock with post-punk and shoegaze.

Watch the music video for “Still Life” by The Horrors below:

The full list of acts that have been confirmed is below:

Baxter Dury, Bonny Doon, Divorce, Ebbb, Fat Dog, Floral Image, Gurriers, Heartworms, Hello Mary, Hotwax, James Holden, Juniore, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Mdou Moctar, Molly Payton, Mui Zyu, NewDad, Temples, The Horrors, Wax Head, White Flowers, Willie J Healey, Wine Lips.

Tickets are on sale now and are available to purchase here.