Damon Albarn makes his live return ahead of a new album

Virgin Radio

13 Jul 2021, 09:30

The legendary musician is playing his first shows since lockdown, at Manchester International Festival. Performing last night (12th July) and again this evening, he is accompanied by a band and string quartet, and his set includes new songs from his much-anticipated upcoming album, The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows.

The founder member of Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & The Queen releases his new solo record on 12th November 2021. The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows was originally intended to be an orchestral piece inspired by the landscapes of Iceland. Over the last year however, Albarn has returned to the music in lockdown and developed the work to 11 tracks which further explore themes of fragility, loss, emergence and rebirth. 

Of the album, he said, “I have been on my own dark journey while making this record and it led me to believe that a pure source might still exist.”

Albarn’s two nights at Manchester International Festival, to perform songs from The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows, make up part of a vibrant programme of original new work from across the spectrum of visual and performing arts and music by artists from over 20 countries. 

Photo credit: Mark Kaye

Running until 18th July, Manchester International Festival also features performances from artists such as Akram Khan, Arlo Parks, Cerys Matthews, Christine Sun Kim, Cillian Murphy, Deborah Warner, Forensic Architecture, Ibrahim Mahama, Marta Minujín and more.

As one of the first major public events in the city, the festival will play a key role in the safe reopening of the city’s economy. Much of the programme is free to attend, and all protocols are being followed to ensure it is a safe festival for all.

Photo credit: Mark Kaye

Manchester International Festival Artistic Director & Chief Executive, John McGrath said, “We hope MIF21 will provide a time and place to reflect on our world now, to celebrate the differing ways we can be together, and to emphasise, despite all that has happened, the importance of our creative connections – locally and globally.”

Photo credit: Mark Kaye

Damon Albarn’s return to the live arena will no doubt have whetted appetites for his new record. Alongside a digital release, there will be limited edition colour vinyl formats, plus CD and cassette releases. There will also be a deluxe version of the album, taking the form of a casebound book with additional photography, original scanned lyrics and artwork from Albarn, alongside a clear vinyl version of the album, a high quality digital file and a bonus 7” featuring an exclusive song from the recording sessions.

The album will be followed by a tour in 2022, rescheduled from this year. Damon will play at The Barbican in London on 21st and 22nd February before he heads to Europe for more dates. 

Here is a taste of The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows.