Years & Years have released their first single after the former group announced that they would be going forward as a solo project of singer Olly Alexander. Former bandmates Emre Turkmen and Mikey Goldsworthy still remain closely connected to the band.
The dance-pop group has gained popularity over the last five years with hits like ‘King’, ‘Shine’ and ‘If You’re Over Me’. Now after some weeks of teasing, ‘Starstruck’ is finally here. The vibrant new single was previewed on Tik Tok last month by Alexander who launched a dance challenge to the track.
Speaking to NME, Alexander recently revealed that he has scrapped an entire albums’ worth of songs when the coronavirus pandemic hit last year. Alexander also revealed how his starring role in Russell T Davis 1980’s AIDS crisis drama It’s A Sin influenced the music he was working on. Alexander described the shows impact as leading him to “make lots of upbeat, euphoric dance tunes”. Alexander added that “Although I don’t think its going to sound 80s, I’m trying to channel that energy and dancefloor transcendence”. ‘Starstruck’ channels that dancefloor energy in a bop that is guaranteed to be a huge summer anthem.
Alexander remarked that “‘Starstruck’ is about the rush you get when you’re with somebody you’re really into, it’s about holding on to a good feeling and not letting go Like most of us I’ve spent the past year at home, and I wanted to create something super positive and fun for people (and myself) to bop along to”. Alongside the announcement, Alexander provided a sneak peek of the music video which sees him doing what dancing around in cloud pajamas and a spotted dressing gown. The accompanying music video is due to be released on April 11.
Years and Years’ last release was 2018 ‘Palo Santo’, which received generally favourable reviews and was widely praised by critics. Although details of a third album release are yet to be announced the release of the first single has us excited for more.
Starstruck is available to stream now.
