After a month or so of out-of-context photoshoots, postcards being sent to fans, and mysterious artworks appearing around the country, art-pop giants The 1975 confirmed the release date for their 5^th LP Being Funny In A Foreign Language. A few weeks ago, the band shared the album’s first single, “Part of the Band”, and next Wednesday (August 3^rd) the band will release single number 2, “Happiness”.

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Most of the teasing in the leadup for the album began over a month ago, In true 1975 spirit, June 1^st continues to be a bit of an in-joke amongst the fandom. After deriving their name from an inscription in a poetry book that read “1st June, The 1975″, June 1^st just seems to be the date where things happen. This time around, the posters started popping up and they also started sharing new images on their socials with the caption “Your new album. Your new era. Your old friends. The 1975”. A handful of other cryptic images and captions later, we come to the present, with the promise of a new album set for release in… October. That’s right, October 14^th. You can pre-order the record here. You’ll have forgotten you’d even ordered it by the time the release date actually comes around. Treat yourself. You can watch the video for single 1, “Part of the Band” below.

The 11-track album may come as a warm surprise to some fans as their previous 2 records – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships and Notes On A Conditional Form – were well received by critics and fans, have been described as a little bloated, and a few too many unnecessary interludes and throw away tracks. Aside from the recurring “The 1975” intro, there’s hardly any space for filler. If the lead single is anything to go by, their now practically trademarked blend of slick and shiny pop-production meets Beach Boys-esque instrumentals has very much been adhered to. You can see the album’s tracklist, as shown on the band’s twitter, below.

Being funny in a foreign language track list #the1975 pic.twitter.com/XCVAx18yCk

— The 1975 (@The1975Updates) June 29, 2022

As of yet, the band are only scheduled to make 2 appearances in the foreseeable future. This August, both Tokyo and Osaka will be hosting Japan’s own Summer Sonic Festivals. But, that being said, traditional marketing would suggest that they’ll probably announce a few smaller dates, probably around the UK, quite soon. Before embarking on the usual world tour situation… you know the drill. Watch this space.

Photo Credit: Mara Palena