Barry Can’t Swim has announced the release of his upcoming album ‘Loner’, to hit shelves July 11 via Ninja Tune. The announcement marks the Scottish DJ and producer’s – real name Joshua Mainnie’s – sophomore full-length effort, following on from debut LP ‘When Will We Land?’ (2023). So far, fans have been treated to two previews from the new album – singles ‘Different’ and its predecessor ‘The Person You’d Like To Be’, released earlier this week. Both tracks are out now, with the upcoming record available for pre-order.
‘Different’, released March 13, demonstrates Barry Can’t Swim’s unique contribution to the UK’s ever-evolving dance music scene. The jittery club track teeters on the edge of chaos, driven by choppy breaks, piercing synths, and distorted vocals that audibly appear alongside percussion of unusual inspiration – including sirens. Meanwhile, ‘The Person You’d Like To Be’ represents a reflective side to the genre, pairing spoken-word vocals to a slowed garage-inspired beat. The opening line ‘there is nothing permanent, except change’ sets the eerie tone, showcasing the sonically interesting sound that the producer skillfully brings to the table.
Previously released single ‘Still Riding’ (2024) is also set to appear on the upcoming record, having been launched last September under an EP of the same name, featuring other singles such as ‘Kimbara’ and ‘How It Feels’. The album’s preview tracks are also accompanied by an album trailer that shows an unenthusiastic Barry Can’t Swim dotted about various locations in a public building setting, exposing a nostalgic colour palette that purposefully contrasts the exuberant beat. See below for the visual preview.
In a press release, Mainnie spoke about the second album, saying, “If my first album was a collage of all the music I loved and was inspired by growing up, then this album is the most authentic expression I could offer of myself and my life over the past year.” The press release dives deeper, expressing that the LP will see the DJ “navigate and explore the world he’s found himself in, a highly personal album that asks profound questions of its creator and his audience.”
The 12-track LP marks the next steps forward in Barry Can’t Swim’s promising career within contemporary UK house music. Following the acclaimed ‘When Will We Land?’, the Edinburgh-born producer has since been nominated for various awards including the Mercury Prize, Scottish Album of the Year, BRIT Awards and BBC Sound of 2025. The debut’s standout track ‘Sonder’ (released as a single prior in 2022) reached the peak position of #22 on the UK Official Charts. The upcoming release of ‘Loner’ coincides with Barry Can’t Swim’s scheduled sets at numerous UK festivals this summer, such as All Points East, Bristol’s FORWARDS and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool – Fans and club-goers alike eagerly anticipate the forthcoming material from the DJ.
See below for the tracklist to ‘Loner’:
- The Person You’d Like To Be
- Different
- Kimpton (with O’Flynn)
- All My Friends
- About To Begin
- Still Riding
- Cars Pass By Like Childhood Sweethearts
- Machine Noise For A Quiet Daydream (feat. Séamus)
- Like It’s Part Of The Dance
- Childhood
- Marriage
- Wandering Mt. Moon
‘Loner’ is available for pre-order now.
