Dry Cleaning reschedules tour after visa delays, returns to Boston
Dry Cleaning will be returning to the US to kick off a North American tour. A renowned London post-punk band, Dry Cleaning consists of Florence Shaw, Tom Dowse, Lewis Maynard, and Nick Buxton. Their three-year tour for the Grammy-winning album “Stumpwork” and previous EPs was highly successful. However, complications arose when organizing a tour for their new album, “Secret Love.” Originally scheduled for January and February, the North American leg had to be postponed due to delayed US visas. Rushing the visa process would have imposed additional financial burdens on the band, leading them to cite increasing hostile economic conditions that govern modern tours as the primary reason for the delay.
Despite these setbacks, Dry Cleaning will be making a stop in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club on May 5. Their latest Cate Le Bon-produced album, “Secret Love,” maintains the band’s distinctive style, characterized by Shaw’s spoken-word vocals and new musical elements. In anticipation of their Boston performance, Dry Cleaning opened up to discuss their creative process, challenges, and inspirations.
Reflecting on their past experiences opening for Nick Cave and the Grammy win for “Stumpwork,” the band expressed mixed feelings towards the period. Shaw mentioned receiving advice from Simon Le Bon, suggesting they take a break, which led to well-deserved rest. Shaw also touched on the impact of working with Cate Le Bon during the recording of “Secret Love,” highlighting her unique insights into their music.
Analyzing Shaw’s lyrics, a mix of discontent towards the world’s direction and an emphasis on positive outlooks is prevalent. Shaw revealed that her writing process often involves subconscious themes emerging later on. Writing quietly in rooms where vocals were muffled due to band dynamics allowed for a private environment conducive to sensitive writing.
The decision to incorporate more singing in “Secret Love” was influenced by an unexpected encounter in Austin, where a stranger commended Shaw’s singing voice. This feedback prompted Shaw to experiment with singing more on the album, leading to a unique blend of spoken-word and melodic vocals. While Shaw is open to suggestions, the band draws the line at unsolicited advice, emphasizing their autonomy in creative decisions.
Dry Cleaning, along with YHWH Nailgun, will take the stage at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, offering fans a taste of their latest album. The band’s resilience in the face of visa delays and economic challenges showcases their dedication to bringing their music to fans worldwide. As Dry Cleaning prepares to embark on their North American tour, fans can expect a thoughtful blend of their signature style, captivating vocals, and innovative musical arrangements on stage.