"Saint Etienne reflects on lasting unity, studio advancements, and the recording of their final album, titled 'International,' without fame causing animosity or disagreements among them."
In a heartfelt announcement, the British band Saint Etienne has revealed that their upcoming album, International, due for release in September, will be their final one together. The trio - Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, and Pete Wiggs - have been a fixture in leftfield pop circles for over three decades[1][3].
The creative process behind International has been a collaborative effort, involving several notable figures in the music industry. "Glad" features Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers) and Jez Williams (Doves), while "Two Lovers" showcases a collaboration with Vince Clarke[1]. Nick Heyward lends his voice to "The Go Betweens," and "The Last Time" is another highlight on the album[1].
The band's creativity has always been restless, continually evolving and shifting, often arriving ahead of Britpop[3]. This is evident in the distinctly different sonic flavor of International, which was made concurrently with their previous album, The Night[2]. For instance, "Take Me To The Pilot" is a fusion of electonica and Sarah Cracknell's distinctive vocals, accompanied by a breakdancing-themed music video by Alasdair McLellan[3].
The band's debut album, Foxbase Alpha, released in 1991, propelled them into the limelight, earning them a Mercury Prize nomination the following year[4]. Their new album, International, is their thirteenth and follows The Night, released in November 2024[5].
Throughout their career, Saint Etienne has amassed a colossal body of work, including numerous soundtracks and compilations[6]. They have also collaborated with a variety of producers, writers, and engineers, experimenting with production inspired by house music and hip hop[7].
The band's friendship has been the cornerstone of their longevity. After the album's release, they plan to focus on spending more time together as friends rather than just as a band[8]. They will continue to focus on live shows and projects in film and other media, moving away from making new studio albums[1].
Saint Etienne's final album, International, is a vibrant, celebratory closing chapter of their recording career, featuring numerous collaborations that highlight their diverse influences and long history[1][3]. The closing track, "Last Time," is a tear jerker that reflects on their journey and serves as a goodbye to their fans[3].
References:
- The Guardian
- NME
- Pitchfork
- BBC News
- Billboard
- Discogs
- Resident Advisor
- Rolling Stone
The collaboration on the track "Glad" involves Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers) and Jez Williams (Doves), demonstrating Saint Etienne's diverse influences in the entertainment realm. For music enthusiasts, the final album, International, will offer a general-news worthy celebration of the band's lifestyle, featuring collaborations that span three decades of pop history.
