Iconic Manchester band Inspiral Carpets have announced the upcoming release of Burn Like The Sun, their first studio album in 12 years. Scheduled for release on January 29th, 2027, via Scruff of the Neck Records, the album represents a major new chapter for the band following a period shaped by loss, reflection, and renewal.
To mark the announcement, the group unveiled a special promotional video narrated by renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox. The collaboration bridges a connection stretching back to the late 1980s Oldham music scene, where Cox played keyboards for a local rock band. It also serves as a nod to the band’s historic relationship with the space community, which includes a 1993 invitation from NASA to film their "Saturn 5" music video at the Johnson Space Center.
The lead single, "Drag The Bag," is available now. Produced by Jagz Kooner, who has previously worked with Primal Scream, Oasis, and Kasabian, the track captures the classic immediacy of the band's signature sound while firmly establishing a contemporary edge.
Recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, Burn Like The Sun arrives 43 years into the group's storied career. Rather than a nostalgia exercise, the 11-track record is framed as the sound of an evolving, ambitious lineup determined to create something fresh and emotionally honest. The writing process was heavily influenced by the band's journey through grief and perseverance following the tragic passing of drummer Craig Gill in 2016.
The album also solidifies a local partnership with independent label Scruff of the Neck, which was initially teased during a sold-out show at Manchester Albert Hall. The entire project reflects the enduring culture of independence and musical reinvention synonymous with the city.
In tandem with the album announcement, Inspiral Carpets are embarking on an extensive touring schedule. The band will perform numerous headline shows and festival slots throughout the summer before launching a major co-headline autumn tour alongside The Wonder Stuff, concluding with a massive date at London’s O2 Academy Brixton.
