Blur have shared the first single, “The Narcissist”, off what will be their new album “The Ballad Of Darren” out July 21st via Parlophone.

The album was produced by James Ford who’s worked previously with Albarn on the album “The Now Now” by Gorillaz.

Each band member released a statement on the album and what has lead them to this point in their long career.

Graham Coxon shared this: “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention. Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job.”

Damon Albarn had this to say: “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now.”

Alex James said this: “For any long term relationship to last with any meaning you have to be able to surprise each other somehow and somehow we all continue to do that.”

Dave Rowntree shared: “It always feels very natural to make music together. With every record we do, the process reveals something new and we develop as a band. We don’t take that for granted.”