D:Ream Return with New Album ‘Do It Anyway’ and Unveil New Track ‘The Geek Who Rules The World’

D:Ream’s classic ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ has constantly resurfaced to become a cultural phenomenon: first as a mega hit with four weeks at #1 and a BRIT Award nomination, then ushering in New Labour, before soundtracking lockdown and sneaking into Rishi Sunak’s election announcement.

It then became the surprise hit of Glastonbury 2024 when they were joined by original keyboardist, Professor Brian Cox. But there was far more to them than just that, with two further Top 10 hits and another six Top 40 singles – plus two Top 5 albums, including their Platinum-certified debut.

Now D:Ream are set for rediscovery as they today release their new album ‘Do It Anyway’ via a new deal with Chrysalis. The duo – Peter Cunnah and Al Mackenzie – launch the record alongside the new focus track ‘The Geek Who Rules The World’. Listen BELOW:

‘Do It Anyway’ – just their fifth album, despite their long history – captures the pair’s hunger, defiance and ongoing creativity. Its core is dance and electronica with a pop-leaning accessibility, adorned at various points with electro-funk, trip-hop, broken beats and gospel flourishes. Recorded at Peter’s coastside studio in Donegal, it also features backing vocals from Ella B, Lisa Moorish and TJ Davis (the voice of Sonic The Hedgehog!) as well as harp from Saint Sister co-founder and recent Bono collaborator Gemma Doherty.

Collectively it’s a set which brings fresh sonic elements and contemporary cultural references into the heart of the D:reamsound. Those themes cast their net across the modern zeitgeist. The new focus track ‘The Geek Who Rules The Rules’ is a satirical barb directed at the oligarchs whose wealth gives them unprecedented power, while ‘Anthem For Change’ targets political corruption. There are more playful topics too. ‘Funk U Up’ is pure lustful party vibes and ‘Famous For Nothing’explores the culture of celebrities whose sole skillset is being in the public eye.

The album was previewed by the title track and lead single, a buoyant electro-pop bop that artfully draws from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2020s. Peter first came up with the backing track thirty years ago when he pitched a song to Kylie Minogue. That uncompleted demo remained in the archives for years until Al discovered it, loved its Human League-style synths, and came up with the nostalgia-bait, no-regrets lyrics, “Smoke-filled rooms and warehouse parties” and “Four-to-the-floor and you know what the score is.”

Overall, the record is a triumph of never losing sight of the childhood wonder that first inspired them, and using that as the basis for a fresh new album.

In addition to its digital release, double-vinyl and CD formats of ‘Do It Anyway’ are available to buy HERE.

Peter Cunnah & Al Mackenzie Talk Do It Anyway | XS Noize Podcast #237 – Listen Now

D:Ream’s upcoming tour schedule includes the following dates. Please see HERE for ticket details:

AUGUST
8th – Cheshire, Deva Fest
17th – Hardwick Festival 
23rd – Framlingham, The Summer Festival

SEPTEMBER
26th – Eastleigh, The Concorde

OCTOBER
4th – Glasgow, Crowne Plaza
18th – Silsden, Town Hall

‘Do It Anyway’ tracklist:

1. ‘Let Our Love Shine On’
2. ‘Do It Anyway’
3. ‘The Geek Who Rules The World’
4. ‘Pain Never Hurt Me Like Love Did’
5. ‘Tell Me To My Face’
6. ‘Pedestal’
7. ‘There’s Something In The Water (Follow The Money)’
8. ‘Anthem For Change’
9. ‘Nobody’s Child’
10. ‘Funk U Up’
11. ‘Real Love True Love’
12. ‘Famous For Nothing’