Dry Cleaning Unveils Bold Third Album “Secret Love” After Creative Reinvention

Dry Cleaning announces their third studio album, “Secret Love.” The U.K. post-punk band will release it on January 9. It arrives via the respected label 4AD.

This new work follows their acclaimed 2022 album “Stumpwork.” It marks a significant creative leap. The band credits producer Cate Le Bon for guiding their transformation.

From Studio Uncertainty to Artistic Breakthrough

The band felt lost after initial writing sessions. They auditioned several producers without success. Some focused on technical gear, not their songcraft.

They even considered producing the album themselves. According to the band’s own accounts, they explored different sounds in Chicago and Dublin. These sessions yielded nearly 20 divergent songs.

The material lacked a cohesive direction. They needed a unifying vision to tie everything together. Enter Welsh art-pop visionary Cate Le Bon.

Cate Le Bon’s Transformative Influence

Le Bon proposed a radical solution. She urged the band to start again from scratch. The group agreed to her unconventional approach.

They relocated to a farmhouse studio in France this past spring. There, they re-recorded the entire album under Le Bon’s guidance. She helped whittle the tracklist down to 11 focused songs.

Her most notable push was with vocalist Florence Shaw. Le Bon encouraged Shaw to sing on key tracks, moving beyond her signature spoken-word style. This added a new layer of vulnerability to their sound.

The result is being hailed as their defining statement. It blends their post-punk roots with newfound melodic tenderness. The album promises to reward both longtime fans and new listeners.

“Secret Love” represents Dry Cleaning’s most confident and cohesive work to date, solidifying their unique place in modern music.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: When is Dry Cleaning’s new album “Secret Love” out?

“Secret Love” will be released on January 9. It is the band’s third album. The project is being released on the 4AD label.

Q2: Who produced the new Dry Cleaning album?

Welsh musician Cate Le Bon produced “Secret Love.” She is known for her work with bands like Deerhunter and Wilco. Le Bon encouraged the band to re-record the album from scratch.

Q3: Does Florence Shaw sing on this album?

Yes, Shaw sings on several tracks, including the title song. Producer Cate Le Bon pushed for this vocal shift. Shaw describes the process as feeling vulnerable but rewarding.

Q4: Where was “Secret Love” recorded?

The final album was recorded in a farmhouse studio in France. Earlier demo sessions took place in Chicago and Dublin. The French sessions were dedicated to the complete re-recording.

Q5: What makes this album different from their past work?

The album features a greater emphasis on melody and singing. It is their most cohesive and daring project yet. The band credits Cate Le Bon’s direction for this artistic evolution.