The new Bleachers album, self-titled, released on March 8th, marked the band’s first release since signing with the independent label Dirty Hit. This album delves into Bleachers’ roots as a band while also hinting at what we might anticipate from them in the future.

Bleachers’ lead singer Jack Antonoff has climbed higher and brighter than ever in the three years since the band’s previous album, ‘Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night’, released back in 2021. He’s won Producer of the Year at the Grammys three years in a row, worked with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde on songs that dominated the cultural debate, and has been a continuous presence in pop.

‘Bleachers’ is the collective’s most distinctly “them” release to date. It ushers in a new era, but it is also inextricably linked to previous releases, the result of a decade spent developing their dynamic and sound. The album opens with ‘I Am Right on Time,’ a title that seems appropriate considering the record’s anticipated release. The track features a statacco synth sound that heightens anticipation for what is to come next.

As expected, the production is flawless throughout. Antonoff does what he does best: everything is in its proper place. From the synths at the start of the album to the saxophone virtuosity of ‘Alma Mater’- which features none other than the icon Lana Del Rey. The duo have previously collaborated, most notably on Lana’s album ‘Did You Know There Is A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard’. Lana’s eerie vocals dominate the track, setting it apart from the rest of the album. Antonoff makes perfect use of her distinctive vocals.

It’s no secret that Jack Antonoff idolises fellow Jersey boy Bruce Springsteen, with The Boss even making a surprise appearance with Bleachers in New York City in 2022. As a result, it’s no surprise that Springsteen influences can be identified within ‘Bleachers’, particularly in hit single ‘Modern Girl’- a feel good track about “going out and shaking ass”.

‘Bleachers’ is a complex album that, despite shifting direction at times, retains a sense of cohesiveness and never veers off course. It’s exciting to hear the varied textures weaved throughout, as Antonoff illustrates why he’s one of the most successful producers around.

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Bleachers Upcoming Gigs:

Tuesday March 19th 2024 – London O2 Forum
Wednesday March 20th 2024 – London O2 Forum
Friday March 22nd 2024 – Manchester O2 Ritz
Saturday March 23rd 2024 – Birmingham O2 Institute
Monday March 25th 2024 – Glasgow Barrowland
Wednesday March 27th 2024 – Kingston Upon Thames Pryzm Kingston

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