The Streets announce first album since 2011 and huge Manchester show

UK garage and hip-hop band The Streets are back with a new album after more than a decade away, as well as a huge gig in Manchester.

Frontman Mike Skinner has announced his first full length album since Computers and Blues in 2011. The Streets’ new album is called The Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light and is due to be released this autumn.

Alongside the album, the rapper will be releasing a feature film of the same name to be released on 679 Recordings/Warner Music UK Ltd on October 20th.

The group have announced a massive UK tour kicking off in Nottingham on October 26th before heading to Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse on October 27th.

About the record, Mike Skinner of The Streets said: “It has been seven long years working on this film and album. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and after dipping my toe in with some shorts and music videos, I felt I was ready.

“I tried to go the traditional route for a bit, but it’s always served me better to follow my instincts and just get on with it myself, so I’ve directed it, acted in it, edited, sound mixed, funded, produced it all as well as written it. The album doesn’t exist without it.

“Ultimately it’s all the fruits of a decade on the DJ circuit, watching people in clubs and back rooms, testing out beats and basslines to see what connected – and putting it all together into The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light.”

The Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light promises to have a classic Streets sound, echoing past records including Original Pirate Material and A Grand Don’t Come for Free filled with Skinner’s signature lyrical wizardry.

All songs are written by Skinner but will feature vocal contributions from the likes of Kevin Mark Trail and Robert Harvey, as well as a track featuring Teef. 

The feature film will be a tripped-out murder mystery based in London’s clubland, to be screened at Everyman Cinemas across the UK.

The Streets UK Tour Dates are:

26th Oct – Nottingham @ Rock City

27th Oct – Manchester @ O2 Victoria Warehouse

28th Oct – Sheffield @ O2 Academy

2nd Nov – Glasgow @ O2 Academy

3rd Nov – Newcastle @ O2 City Hall

4th Nov – Leeds @ O2 Academy

9th Nov – Liverpool @ The Mountford Hall

10th Nov – Birmingham @ O2 Academy

13th Nov – Norwich @ The Nick Rayns LCR

14th Nov – Bournemouth @ O2 Academy

16th Nov – London @ Alexandra Palace

For anyone who pre-orders the new Streets album, they will receive access to the UK tour pre-sale.

The Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light is due for release on October 20th.