Peter Cunnah and Al Mackenzie launch the record by sharing its title track as their new single
D:Ream announce return with new album Do It Anyway.
The title track and lead single is a buoyant electro-pop bop that artfully draws from the 80s, 90s and 2020s. Singer, Peter Cunnah, first came up with the backing track 30 years ago when he pitched a song to Kylie Minogue. That uncompleted demo remained in the archives for years until his musical partner Al Mackenzie discovered it, loved its Human League-style synths, and came up with the nostalgia-bait, no-regrets lyrics, “Smoke-filled rooms and warehouse parties” and “Four-to-the-floor and you know what the score is.”
Peter says, “It’s got that connotation of getting involved in partying. In the 90s we didn’t know what these drugs were, we didn’t know how safe they were or not. But we were anarchic in that regard, and we were just up for feeling, for that moment, for that party. And that’s reflecting back on that.”
Al adds, “It’s a great lead single because that whole 90s club thing is where Pete and I met, got our act together and formed D:Ream. We never want to wallow in the past but it was nice to bring that feeling back saying: would you have changed it? No! We’re very stubborn!”
Listen below:
Together In Electric D:Reams
The wider album – just their fifth, despite their long history – captures the pair’s hunger, defiance and ongoing creativity. Its core is dance and electronica with a pop-leaning accessibility, adorned at various points with electro-funk, trip-hop, broken beats and gospel flourishes. Recorded at Peter’s coastside studio in Donegal, it also features backing vocals from Ella B, Lisa Moorish and TJ Davis (the voice of Sonic The Hedgehog!) as well as harp from Saint Sister co-founder and recent Bono collaborator Gemma Doherty.
Collectively it’s a set which brings fresh sonic elements and contemporary cultural references into the heart of the D:Ream sound. Those themes cast their net across the modern zeitgeist. The Geek Who Rules The Rules is a satirical barb directed at the oligarchs whose wealth gives them unprecedented power, while Anthem For Change targets political corruption. There are more playful topics too. Funk U Up is pure lustful party vibes and Famous For Nothing explores the culture of celebrities whose sole skillset is being in the public eye.
Do It Anyway Tracklist
Let Our Love Shine On
Do It Anyway
The Geek Who Rules The World
Pain Never Hurt Me Like Love Did
Tell Me To My Face
Pedestal
There’s Something In The Water (Follow The Money)
Anthem For Change
Nobody’s Child
Funk U Up
Real Love True Love
Famous For Nothing
Dance Anthem
D:Ream’s classic Things Can Only Get Better has constantly resurfaced to become a cultural phenomenon: first as a mega hit with four weeks at No.1 and a BRIT Award nomination, then ushering in New Labour, before soundtracking lockdown and sneaking into Rishi Sunak’s election announcement. It then became the surprise hit of Glastonbury 2024 when they were joined by original keyboardist, Professor Brian Cox.
D:Ream’s upcoming tour dates includes:
05 July – Saffron Walden, 8 Day Weekend
08 August – Cheshire, Deva Fest
17 August – Hardwick Festival
23 August – Framlingham, The Summer Festival
26 September – Eastleigh, The Concorde
04 October – Silsden, Town Hall
For ticket information click here.
Do It Anyway, released on digital, double-vinyl and CD formats, is out on 25 July and is available to pre-order here.
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