Liverpool figureheads of the original indie/dance crossover scene, DIY-driven eighties post-punks The Farm have announced the release of their fifth studio album, Let The Music (Take Control), their first since 1994.
Along with the announcement they’ve also shared their beatsy, feelgood lead single, Forever & Ever. The record, written and performed by all five original ‘heyday’ members, is out on May 2, 2025 via Modern Sky. Pre-order your copy here.
The Farm, formed in 1984, rose to prominence after their 1991 No. 1 album, Spartacus. The record included their hit singles Groovy Train and All Together Now.
Returning to the independent spirit that saw them release their own singles and albums up until household recognition found them at start of the nineties, the band’s comeback began earlier this year with the self-release of BBC Radio 2 playlisted album title track, Feel The Love. This year’s Glastonbury Festival marked the band’s return to the forefront of UK music, with hits and new songs performed to a crowded Leftfield Stage.
Singer, Peter Hooton, says of Forever & Ever:
“When I first heard the new music in rehearsals, I knew I had to match the infectious nature of the music, so went for lyrics that aim straight between the eyes. I went for the timeless theme of everlasting love. It’s about love, obsession and infatuation.
Guitarist and keyboard player, Steve Grimes continues:
“We were listening to some cool dance tracks and liked the feel of them at 126bpm. “We started using a couple of Apple Loops beats in that style, added a keys melody and chords from a previous track we’d worked on. Keith played the guitar chords in the Nile Rodgers style.”
Since their fourth album, Hullabaloo (1994), The Farm has rarely returned to the studio, although have toured often since 2004. Sessions with producer, Mike Cave (The Charlatans, Bloc Party) quickly captured that fresh energy.
Get “Forever & Ever” here and take a listen below.
The Farm hold a distinct place in British popular culture, crossing through football terrace culture via Hooton’s influential The End fanzine of the 1980’s, the emergent North West indie/dance scene of the 90’s, alongside Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, and meeting Balearic dance culture via their appearance in the era-defining documentary A Short Film About Chilling.
Photo courtesy of the band
The Farm ‘Let The Music (Take Control)’
