Blossoms Announce New Album 'Gary' Featuring Rick Astley and Unique Collaborations

Blossoms reveal their fifth studio album 'Gary', dropping on September 20. The album features collaborations with CMAT and Josh-Lloyd Watson, plus a video cameo by Rick Astley.

Blossoms have announced their highly anticipated fifth studio album, 'Gary', set to release on September 20. This album follows 2022's 'Ribbon Around The Bomb' and is produced by long-time collaborator James Skelly of The Coral, alongside Jungle's Josh-Lloyd Watson. It includes 10 tracks, with Dublin artist CMAT contributing to the writing of "I Like Your Look" and "Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me?".

The Stockport indie-rockers have previewed the album with its upbeat title track, an acoustic guitar-driven song. The accompanying video, directed by Ewan Ogden and lead vocalist Tom Ogden, features cameo appearances from Rick Astley and Everton Football Club boss Sean Dyche, reprising his role from Blossoms' previous video "What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?".

Tom Ogden shared insights about the creative process: "The video picks up where our last video left off. The song is based on a true story I heard on the radio last year—Gary, an 8-foot fiberglass Gorilla, was stolen from Reynard Garden in Carluke, Scotland. We’ve recreated this story on screen with Rick Astley playing Andrew Scott, the garden center owner, and the band stealing Gary. Filming on 16mm around Stockport, the Peak District, and Derbyshire was incredibly fun."

Reflecting on the album, Tom added: "The heart of this record is about the five of us recording live together for the first time in years. We captured the energy of five friends making music. Collaborating more than ever, we brought in Josh and CMAT. Writing in an AirBnB on Anglesey's seafront with Ciara was one of our most inspiring sessions. We were listening to a lot of Bowie, Blondie, and Hall & Oates."

He also provided a glimpse into the stories behind the tracks: "The album's tracks are based on various stories, mostly personal. 'Big Star' reflects a shy moment at the Chateau Marmont, 'I Like Your Look' is a nod to Blondie's 'Rapture' and Joan Baez's 'Time Rag', exploring high fashion with a tongue-in-cheek approach. 'Mothers' is an ode to my friendship with Joe, referencing our mothers' friendship in the '80s."

Check out 'Gary' tracklist:

1. Big Star
2. What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
3. Gary
4. I Like Your Look
5. Nightclub
6. Perfect Me
7. Mothers
8. Cinnamon
9. Slow Down
10. Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me?

Blossoms are set to support Tom Grennan at London's Gunnersbury Park on August 10, followed by festival appearances at Isle Of Wight and TRNSMT. They will wrap up the summer with their biggest headline show to date at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester, on August 25. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Blossoms - Gary (music video):

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