Everything But The Girl Feels Young on New LP
After a significant hiatus, Everything But the Girl has made a much-anticipated return to the stage, finding themselves revisiting the core elements of their sound: guitars, close harmonies, and the direct, unadorned songwriting that defined their most influential work.
This renewed focus on simplicity was catalyzed by a series of sold-out performances at London’s 300-capacity MOTH Club in 2025, which marked their first live shows together in more than two decades. These sessions were more than just concerts; they were a journey back to the immediacy of their early music.
“There was an intensity and simplicity to the MOTH shows that took us back to how we started out,” Tracey Thorn shared. “It felt fresh and real, rooted deeply in guitar and voice, with just a few extra colors.”
Inspired by this experience, Ben Watt sought new sonic inspiration. He acquired a Spanish nylon-string guitar in January 2026, an instrument he had long admired but never owned. For Watt, it became an emotional springboard, finding a voice he felt he had lost.
The creative burst followed swiftly. The songs for their eleventh studio album, Blue Reservoir, emerged in a flurry of creativity, with nine tracks written on guitar and one on piano. The recording process itself was a collaborative affair, taking place over ten days at London’s RAK Studios in July. They joined forces with longtime collaborators Rex Horan on double bass and Evan Jenkins on drums, alongside Brazilian percussionist Babo Moreno. Even their son, Blake Watt, contributed vocals to two tracks, performing as Family Stereo and signed to Bella Union.
Blue Reservoir is set to arrive on February 19 via Buzzin’ Fly/Virgin Music Group, with the single “Young and Dumb” already available. The album features a compelling ten-track journey, including songs like “Forward,” “Scala,” and “The Great Unknown.”
The momentum continues, with the duo already scheduled for more performances. They will be back at the MOTH Club on December 13-15, and two shows at the larger, 900-capacity Union Chapel are slated for November 29-30, inviting fans to experience the rediscovered depth of their sound once more.
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