Deaf Havana today announce the highly-anticipated news that they will be releasing their sixth studio album, The Present Is A Foreign Land on 15th July. Comprising of 12 tracks written and performed entirely by brothers James and Matty Veck-Gilodi, the album explores themes such as imposter syndrome, conquering arduous life obstacles and self-discovery.
In 2020, Deaf Havana were ready to go their separate ways after a decade together, but then the pandemic hit and they had no choice but to stop. Despite the band making the tough decision to call it a day, Matty continued to write songs and it was this that brought him and brother James back together after a turbulent few months. The two-piece decided to continue as Deaf Havana, and holed themselves up in a studio in Hastings with producer Mike Horner (Hot Chip, Jess Glynne, YONAKA and more). The result is The Present Is A Foreign Land; a mature and accomplished body of work. Pre-order here.
Alongside their album announcement, the duo have also released single, Going Clear. The honest and vulnerable track showcases frontman James’s raw yet soaring vocals, which are complemented by his signature heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Alongside the release, Deaf Havana have also revealed the official video for Going Clear. Directed by Anthony Neale (who has art-directed videos for the likes of The 1975, Liam Gallagher and James Arthur), the video sees both James and Matty appear amongst several different atmospheric scenes, including being surrounded by shards of broken mirror. Each scenario helps illustrate the themes presented in the song, such as vulnerability and thus ‘hanging in the void’. Watch the video for Going Clear here.
James explains, “Going Clear is a song I started writing a long time ago but it wasn’t until recently that I really realised it’s a song purely about addiction and the effect it has on loved ones and family members. It’s a very straight forward and simple song but having gone through the years of substance abuse and seen the pain it brings first hand, this one really hits home.”
Fans who pre-order The Present Is A Foreign Land here, will receive a special access code which will allow them to buy tickets to see the band play an exclusive and intimate show! The venue is yet to be announced, but will be in London and take place on 22nd February.
Last year saw the band confirm they will play one of the most loved and regarded UK rock festivals this Summer. Deaf Havana will appear at Slam Dunk Festival on 3rd and 4th June, alongside Alexisonfire, The Wonder Years and Meet Me At The Altar, plus many more. Tickets are on sale now here.
Deaf Havana have risen through the ranks during their time as a band, earning themselves coveted accolades including three Top 10 albums in the Official Charts with Rituals, All These Countless Nights, and Old Souls. 2018 saw them play their biggest headline show to date at Brixton Academy, alongside appearances at festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Mad Cool and Pukkelpop. Since then, Deaf Havana have played a sold out German headline tour, their biggest UK headline tour and their debut festival headline slot, at 2000 Trees.
