Thirteen years after they first burst through the industry doors, The Hoosiers are back and "swaggering" with more purpose than ever. The duo, comprised of Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland, have officially announced their sixth studio album, Compassion, set for release on May 15, 2026. Following the success of 2022’s Confidence, the band is doubling down on their signature jubilant sound, refined with a more "adult" perspective.
The inspiration for the new record came from a simple, yet profound realization. "On a personal and political level, it’s apparent that we could all do with more compassion," says drummer Al Sharland. The album explores how the way we talk to ourselves influences our interactions with the world, featuring tracks like "Permission to Rest" and the poignant "Everybody Is A Little More Broken Than They Pretend To Be."
Lead singer Irwin Sparkes describes the project as a direct response to their dedicated community. "We love playing in this band more than ever... this album is a big, stanky hug back to the fans," he clarifies. The title track, "Compassion," specifically grapples with the challenge of showing empathy toward those who don't share our values—a timely theme for 2026.
Hit the Road: In-Stores and Autumn Tour
To celebrate the launch, the band has released the new single "Lonely Together" and announced an extensive two-phase tour:
May In-Store Tour: Kicking off May 10 at Esquires, Bedford, the band will hit record shops across the UK, including stops at Rough Trade East (London) and The Great Escape (Brighton), offering fans an intimate way to experience the new tracks.
October Headline Tour: A full-scale venue tour begins October 6 at the O2 Academy, Oxford, moving through major cities including Manchester, Glasgow, and a headline show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on October 13.
As Al Sharland puts it, the band doesn't just want to leave the world with better music: "We want to leave it a more confident, compassionate spinning orb."
