The South London four-piece Dry Cleaning is set to return with their third studio album, Secret Love, on January 9, 2026. The new record was produced by acclaimed artist and producer Cate Le Bon, known for her work with Wilco and Deerhunter. To mark the announcement, the group has shared the first single, “Hit My Head All Day,” which is accompanied by a dynamic visualiser featuring movement from the choreographer duo BULLYACHE.
Secret Love is presented as the definitive expression of the deep collaborative bond among frontperson Florence Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse, drummer Nick Buxton, and bassist Lewis Maynard. The album firmly plants the band in the rock avant-garde, blending a diverse range of influences—from early ’80s US punk and stoner rock to playful no wave. Le Bon was chosen as producer for her positive and open approach, helping the band evolve the music from initial rehearsal sessions to recording at studios in Chicago, Dublin, and finally at Black Box in the Loire Valley. The central theme of the album is trust, introduced compellingly on the compulsively catchy lead single.
Of the single, Shaw describes,
The song is about manipulation of the body and mind. The lyrics were initially inspired by the use of misinformation on social media by the far right. There are powerful people that seek to influence our behaviour for their own gain; to buy certain things, to vote a certain way. I find it hard to read people’s intentions and decide who to trust, even in everyday life. It’s easy to fall under the influence of a sinister stranger who seems like a friend.
We took a playful approach to the song. At one point it had harmonica on it instead of a vocal. At the demo stage we were inspired by There’s a Riot Goin’ On by Sly and the Family Stone.
To celebrate the release, Dry Cleaning has announced the largest headline show of their career at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on April 22, 2026. Tickets for the event will go on general sale on Friday, October 3rd, with a pre-sale beginning two days earlier. Secret Love will be released across various formats, including digital, CD, and multiple limited-edition vinyl colours.
