Blood Orange Announces First New Album In Six Years With Essex Honey And Drops Singles ‘Mind Loaded’ And ‘Somewhere In Between’

Dev Hynes' journey has been thwarted with hardship, setbacks, but ultimately, he has found redemption. It begins with his nascent punk roots in Test Icicles in the early 2000s, to having a song ‘Champagne Coast’ - go gold in 2024 courtesy of the social media platform TikTok.

His mainstream success has captivated millions of followers who crave more of his honest and raw sounds. And Blood Orange has obliged to deliver on their wishes.

His new project Essex Honey is set to be released on August 29th via RCA Records and is written, produced, and recorded by Hynes. Essex Honey is a soundtrack that narrates his journey working through grief. It is also an album about growing up in Essex and the way music has inspired, healed, and interwoven itself through Hynes’ life. 

In celebration of the release, he has released two new songs, ‘Mind Loaded’ and ‘Somewhere In Between’. The former is elegantly crafted with cascades of beautifully assembled rhythms, harmonies and sounds. It replicates that of a prayer. A calming, reflective piece which feels incredibly intimate. Along with a feature from Lorde, this link-up presents the listener with an open reflection on acceptance and the importance of togetherness.

However, 'Somewhere In Between' feels more upbeat, but still loaded with a melancholy atmosphere, which again combines multiple elements to produce something significantly eye-opening and mercurial. It is expressive, tentative and richly littered with identity.

Essex Honey also welcomes a wide list of recognised collaborators, including Daniel Cesar and Mustafa, giving an indication that this album will not be short of experience, excellence and heart.

Overall, what we can expect from Essex Honey is a tribute to those who have inspired him, from friends to musicians, creating a natural and sincere listening experience. Careful listening reveals refrains from some of Hynes’ influences growing up, including Elliott Smith, The Replacements, and more, allowing him to feel comfortable in his work and flex his creative muscles consistently.

An album which is certainly making noise and is set to be Blood Oranges’ most powerful and thought-provoking yet. 

Listen here