Dry Cleaning is set to launch their third album, ‘Secret Love’, on January 9th, 2026.
Produced by Cate Le Bon, ‘Secret Love’ represents the South London quartet’s truest reflection of the enduring love, camaraderie, and collaboration among frontwoman Florence Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse, drummer Nick Buxton, and bassist Lewis Maynard.
Dry Cleaning positions themselves at the forefront of rock's avant-garde, merging the Reagan-era paranoia of early ’80s US punk and hardcore with Keith Richards' dry swagger, stoner rock, dystopian themes, playful no wave, and gentle fingerpicking. Florence’s delivery places her within a lineage of spoken-word artists from Laurie Anderson to Sue Tompkins of Life Without Buildings.
The follow-up to ‘Stumpwork’ was developed in Peckham, where all four members engaged in writing, playing, and responding to one another live in the studio. After interviewing various potential producers, the band chose Cate Le Bon for her unreserved positivity and openness.
“Being in a room with them and experiencing the vitality and energy that exists among them is such a distinctive expression,” she remarks.
Trust is the overarching theme of ‘Secret Love’, highlighted by the catchy single, ‘Hit My Head All Day’, which opens the album.
“The song delves into the manipulation of the body and mind. The lyrics were initially inspired by how misinformation is employed on social media by the far right. Influential figures aim to sway our behaviors for their own benefit; whether it’s to purchase certain products or to vote in specific ways. I often struggle to discern people's true intentions and determine whom to trust, even in daily situations. It’s simple to fall under the sway of a seemingly friendly yet sinister stranger.
We adopted a playful approach to the track. At one point, it included harmonica instead of vocals. During the demo phase, we drew inspiration from Sly and the Family Stone’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On.”
To celebrate the release of ‘Secret Love’, Dry Cleaning will perform their largest headline show to date at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on April 22nd, 2026. Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, October 3rd, with a pre-sale starting this Wednesday.
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Photo Credit: Max Miechowski
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Dry Cleaning is set to release their third album, 'Secret Love', on January 9, 2026. Produced by Cate Le Bon, 'Secret Love' marks the South London quartet's most genuine work yet.