Back in 2018, Bandcamp began hosting the catalog of Sarah Records, giving folks a new opportunity to check out one of the most beloved indie labels of all time. One of Sarah Records’ most celebrated acts was Blueboy, who were known for immaculate pop arrangements and Keith Girdler’s sensitive lyrics and vocals. (If you doubt me, just give 1994’s Unisex a spin.)
Blueboy broke up after 1998’s The Bank of England, which was released on Shinkansen Recordings (Sarah Records’ spiritual successor), and the members went on to other projects like Lovejoy and Trembling Blue Stars. Sadly, Girdler died from cancer in 2007, but several of the remaining members had an unlikely reunion at the 2023 launch party for Jane Duffus’ These Things Happen: The Sarah Records Story and subsequently released the “One” single this past May.
The revived Blueboy’s latest single is “Deux,” a lovely bit of shoegaze pop that recalls Lush’s 4AD glory days with shimmering guitars a-plenty and Gemma Townley’s still-effortless vocals. B-side instrumental “Fading From View” is even dreamier, with acoustic guitars and Townley’s cello creating a soft sonic environment that you just want to sink down into.
Both of Blueboy’s new singles are currently available via Precious Recordings of London. Later this month, the band will perform at Jakarta’s Joyland Festival alongside St. Vincent, Air, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Mono.