Ride reveals their latest single “Last Frontier,” marking the second preview from their upcoming seventh album, Interplay, scheduled for release on March 29 via Wichita Recordings / PIAS. With the launch of this single, the band from Oxford announces tours across North America, the UK, and Ireland. They will begin their tour in North America in May, shortly after “Interplay” is released, followed by performances in the UK and Ireland in September, featuring a notable show at London’s Roundhouse. Tickets will be available for purchase at 10am on Friday through their official website.
“Last Frontier” showcases a gradually intensifying ethereal beat, blending a rich tapestry of sounds with timeless indie craftsmanship. Guitarist and vocalist Andy Bell comments on the song’s evolution, noting it as an initially overlooked piece from their first jam session at Mark’s OX4 Studio. It was the insight of their producer, Richie Kennedy, that recognized the song’s potential, leading to a complete overhaul at Vada studio, aiming for a raw, Joy Division-like foundation.
Bell experimented with various vocal styles during recording, seeking spontaneity and innovation in his delivery. This approach, he admits, was a departure from his usual method, offering a blend of meticulous composition and on-the-fly creativity that he aims to pursue further.
“Interplay” represents Ride’s third album since their 2014 reunion, marking a period where the band has spent more time together in this second era than during their initial phase as ‘90s shoegaze icons. Following “Weather Diaries” (2017) and “This Is Not A Safe Place” (2019), the album aims to ignite the band’s legacy anew, appealing to longstanding fans while captivating a new generation. The album, co-produced with Richie Kennedy and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, bridges the gap across their career. It reimagines the energetic guitar work, mesmerizing rhythms, and melodic allure of their early days within a broader, more vibrant sonic landscape, drawing inspiration from ’80s pop icons like Tears For Fears, Talk Talk, and early U2.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
5/11 – Boston, MA @ Big Night Live
5/13 – Montreal, QB @ Theatre Fairmount
5/14 – Toronto, ON @ Concert Hall
5/15 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
5/16 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
5/17 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
5/19 – Denver, Colorado @ Gothic Theater
5/22 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
5/23 – Portland, OR @ Mission Theater
5/25 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox
9/2 – Belfast, UK @ Limelight
9/3 – Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia
9/4 – Cork, Ireland @ Cyprus Avenue
9/6 – Sheffield, UK @ Leadmill
9/7 – Newcastle, UK @ Boilershop
9/8 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG 3 TV Studio
9/10 – Liverpool, UK @ Invisible Wind Factory
9/12 – Leeds, UK @ Stylus
9/13 – Manchester, UK @ New Century
9/14 – Bristol, UK @ SWX
9/16 – Falmouth, UK @ Princess Pavilions
9/17 – Portsmouth, UK @ Guildhall
9/18 – Brighton, UK @ Chalk
9/20 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
9/21 – Wolverhampton, UK @ Wulfrun Halls
9/22 – Cambridge, UK @ Junction