At this time of year, I can’t wait to find out which artists’ new album campaigns will be the joy that sees me through the winter months. Sharing a new single “Cupid’s Bow” together with an album “Polari” and tour announcements. It is pop singer-songwriter Olly Alexander, leads the charge that will close out 2024 and move us forward into 2025. This huge update comes less than year, since he released his final track “A Very Bad Fun Idea” under the Years & Years moniker. As well as launching his first solo single “Dizzy.” The track which in turn saw Olly flying the flag, representing the UK at Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden.
Evidently with “Dizzy” it appears Olly was in fact teasing his collaboration with acclaimed electronic producer Danny L Harle. They similarly, joined-up for Olly’s upcoming debut solo album “Polari” out February 7th, 2025. In this brand-new solo venture, Olly explores themes of desire, intimacy, voyeurism and fate. Furthermore, he sought inspiration, from being drawn to electronic pop’s queer earliest trailblazers.
With the introduction of “Cupid’s Bow,” the track showcases a dance floor style in its music, heavily referencing the music of the 80s and early 90s. In fact, I would love to find out whether the 90s trance, club banger “Don’t You Want Me” by Felix (a track with a somewhat similar melody and beat) in any way sparked the creation of “Cupid’s Bow“.
The lead-in track is somewhat stylistically different for Olly, by the same token gloriously adds another string to his musical bow. I adore a pumping bass line, so this pulsating dance track is right up my street. It’s a huge sound for Olly. In my opinion the best way to experience it is in the performance setting of a concert venue. Therefore it is no coincidence I feel, that the tour dates are released from the get-go.
The ‘Up Close and Polari Tour’ across the UK and Europe in 2025. The tour will begin on 19th March in Luxembourg and conclude on 7th April in London. (For details see HERE)
Pre-order “Polari” Olly’s debut album HERE
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