blur will release their first album in 8 years, titled The Ballad of Darren and comprising ten new tracks, on July 21st via Parlophone Records. The band are now streaming the lead track, “The Narcissist.” Produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13, London and Devon, The Ballad of Darren is the band’s ninth studio album, their first since the chart-topping The Magic Whip in 2015, with artwork featuring an image by British photographer Martin Parr. Damon Albarn comments: “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now.” “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention. Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job.” – Graham Coxon “For any long term relationship to last with an...