The The announce first album in 24 years
Cult post-punk heroes The The have unveiled plans for their first full-length studio album in 24 years, bringing their endlessly original sound to an entirely new generation. Alongside the announcement of the new record, Matt Johnson’s group have also released ‘Cognitive Dissident’, the first single to be taken from the upcoming LP.
Entitled Ensoulment, this new album is set to be the first record released by Johnson’s legendary post-punk project since NakedSelf, which was released all the way back in the year 2000. However, in the intervening years, The The have released four soundtrack albums for films, including Tony and Hyena.
The new album will celebrate the history of The The’s sound, evoking some of their previous work, while also driving the band into interesting and new directions. Johnson shared that the record “was created under very happy circumstances, with a great vibe amongst the band and all the people that worked on it. There was a lot of thought, a lot of work, a lot of love, a lot of laughter”.
Speaking to the legacy of the group, the album will also feature artwork from Andy Dog, Johnson’s late brother who created the band’s iconic graphic identity. The record, along with its single releases, will proudly display previously unpublished work by the artist.
The resurgence of The The began when Johnson announced that the band would embark upon an extensive tour of Europe and North America, their first since 2018. The tour, due to take place from September to November, featured four dates across the UK, all of which sold out impressively quickly.
Since the band’s inception in 1979, Matt Johnson has been the driving force and only constant member behind The The. The newly unveiled single, ‘Cognitive Dissident’ suggests that Johnson’s talent for songwriting and composition never waned, although he might have taken some years out from releasing music under the iconic banner of The The.
Ensoulment is due to be released on September 6th, via Cinéola and earMusic. Fans of physical media will be spoilt for choice, as the album will be released on cassette, CD, and multiple different vinyl pressings.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Post-Punk Newsletter
All the latest Post-Punk content from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.