Peter Cunnah & Al Mackenzie: Reigniting D:Ream with ‘Do It Anyway’ | XS Noize Podcast #237

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Peter Cunnah and Al Mackenzie — the pioneering duo behind D:Ream — to discuss their vibrant and defiant new album, Do It Anyway.

Best known for their iconic #1 hit “Things Can Only Get Better,” D:Ream became a cultural phenomenon throughout the ’90s and beyond — from chart domination and BRIT Award nominations to political soundtracking and, most recently, going viral again at Glastonbury 2024 with Professor Brian Cox back on the keys.

Now, with Do It Anyway — their first album in over a decade, out August 8 via Chrysalis — D:Ream return with a record bursting with fresh energy, clubland spirit, and sharp cultural commentary.

Do It Anyway is a genre-hopping ride through electro-pop, trip-hop, gospel, broken beats, and dancefloor nostalgia. From the title track — rooted in a long-lost Kylie demo from the ’90s — to politically charged cuts like The Geek Who Rules the World and Anthem for Change, the album bridges past and present with fearless creativity and purpose.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Peter and Al open up about reconnecting with the rave-fuelled energy that first brought them together — and how they’ve kept that spark alive through decades of transformation. They explore the club culture that shaped their early sound, the stubborn creative drive that still fuels them, and the joy of collaborating with voices like Lisa Moorish, Ella B, TJ Davis, and Gemma Doherty.

Tune in to Episode #237 of the XS Noize Podcast for a candid, funny, and inspiring deep dive into D:Ream’s legacy, evolution, and bold new chapter. Listen below:

Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests include legends and trailblazers such as Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

‘Do It Anyway’ is now available to pre-order HERE. It will be released on digital, double-vinyl and CD formats. 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 – 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’