Camera Obscura, the adored Glasgow pop band, have return and were thrilled to announce their signing with Merge Records, who they have a long history. The band’s reunion with the label is accompanied by the exciting news of their first extensive tour Camera Obscure 2024 across the UK since 2019. The band renowned for their timeless albums such as Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi, Underachievers Please Try Harder, and Let’s Get Out of This Country, hint at what is on the horizon for the bands future.
This talented group is set to embark on their highly anticipated tour, commencing May 2nd 2024 at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club. The tour will then grace the stages of other vibrant cities such as Leeds, Manchester and London’s iconic venue KOKO on May 7th. Camera Obscura will then finish their UK tour in their home city on May 11, playing at the Barrowland Ballroom, in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale November 17.
Devoted fans can eagerly anticipate the debut of fresh material from the band, who have already produced five remarkable albums, the most recent being Desire Lines in 2013. The current lineup of Camera Obscura features the enchanting vocals of Tracyanne Campbell, the guitar skills of Kenny McKeeve, the bass lines of Gavin Dunbar, and the rhythmic beats of Lee Thomson on drums. Tracyanne Campbell comments,”We’re excited to be working again with Merge Records. We are looking forward to sharing new music with our fans and to playing live in 2024.”
In 2005, the band released the non-album single “I Love My Jean,” which went on to become their highest charting single on the UK Pop charts. The band showcased a 1960s acoustic sounding vibe.
In May 2019, Camera Obscura hinted at the possibility of releasing new music in response to a tweet about their album Desire Lines. Monorail Music said “Perfect timing, with Camera Obscura playing their first Glasgow show in 5 years tonight – their 5th & final album, Desire Lines, is being re-pressed.”
The band retweeted, “It’s definitely our fifth album…..”.
It’s definitely our fifth album…..
— Camera_Obscura_ (@Camera_Obscura_) August 5, 2019
The band confirmed in May 2020 that they were working on a new album but had to postpone recording due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 23 April 2022, they released a compilation album called Making Money which included rare B-sides, covers, a session recording, and two remixes. This album was dedicated to the memory of former band member Carey Lande.
The band took to their social media platforms to address their fans and share their delight to be back. They said, “We are very excited” and “We are also very pleased to announce that we’ll be playing some shows next year too. Tickets on sale on Friday”.
Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as Camera Obscura showcases their signature blend of baroque pop, infusing it with their unique musical skills and heartfelt lyrics. With their return to Merge Records and the promise of new material, this tour is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for both the band and their devoted fanbase. Fans showed their support and delight at the bands return and UK tour announcement and commented on social media. One fan commented, “Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now”. Another added, “Awesome“.
Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now
— Richard Coulthard (@RichardBajor) November 14, 2023
Awesome! — Tim Thompson (@timothompson) November 14, 2023
Tour dates are listed below and tickets can be purchased here.
02/05/24 – The Trades Club – Hebden Bridge
04/05 – Stylus – Leeds
06/05 – Academy 2 – Manchester
07/05 – KOKO – London
09/05 – Concorde 2 – Brighton
10/05 – O2 Academy 2 – Birmingham
11/05 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow
