The Proclaimers have shared “You May Offend,” the title track from their forthcoming new album, out September 11 via Cooking Vinyl.
The album is Craig and Charlie Reid’s first since 2022’s Dentures Out and marks the Scottish duo’s 13th studio record.
Written in Edinburgh and recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth with producer Dave Eringa, You May Offend features The Proclaimers’ live band — Steven Christie, Garry John Kane, Zac Ware and Clive Jenner — alongside frequent guest guitarist James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers.
The title track is described as a lament for the state of free speech, with Charlie Reid noting that the title can be read in more than one way.
“As in: ‘Look, careful what you do, you may offend someone.’ Or: ‘OK children, you may now offend.’ Is it an instruction or an invitation? Or a warning?”
The accompanying video was created by Emmy and BAFTA award-winning director Douglas Mackinnon in partnership with Peter Anderson Animation. The surreal clip explores fear, surveillance, free speech and tolerance through imagery of listening machines, silent operators and dangerous thoughts.
The album opens with “Knock It Down,” a punchy track driven by raw guitar energy, while “Till The Ink Dries” moves from its original acoustic beginnings into a rousing post-punk shape. Elsewhere, “The Grooming” offers a hymnal meditation on the militarisation of Britain’s children, while “There’s No Plan” critiques a country where nobody in power takes responsibility.
Another key track, “But It Is,” has already received a strong response at recent live shows. The song takes aim at Western hypocrisy and the changing global balance of power.
Since emerging with their 1987 debut album This Is the Story, The Proclaimers have built a career around politically charged, emotionally direct and raucously melodic songwriting. Across You May Offend, they continue that approach with songs that are fast, funny, furious and sharply focused on modern Britain.
The Proclaimers – You May Offend tracklist
1. Knock It Down
2. But It Is
3. Easy Rhyme
4. You May Offend
5. Till The Ink Dries
6. The Grooming
7. A Little Bit Late
8. Anything
9. The Talent Show
10. There’s No Plan
11. In A Year Or Two
12. When You Get There
You May Offend is released on September 11 and will be available on CD, limited edition red vinyl, limited edition gold vinyl, cassette and digital download.
The Proclaimers are currently on a seven-month, 61-date tour, which includes a Belfast Custom House Square show on August 16 and a Dublin National Stadium date on November 19.
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