You know what you're getting with Desire. Together, Montreal vocalist singer Megan Louise and former Chromatics leader Johnny Jewel make shimmery, whispery, glamorous synthpop. They've been doing it ever since their self-titled debut came out in 2009. Desire haven't exactly been the most prolific act over the years, but they released their album Games People Play last year, and they're already planning on following it with another LP this year.
Desire claim that they've got a new album called Physical ready to drop later in 2026. They've haven't given us a release date or any proper details yet, but they do have a new single. "Summer Skin" has the same neon-smeared atmosphere as plenty of past Desire tracks, but this one is a little bolder and bouncier than usual. As the title and cover art imply, you can listen to this one during the daytime without breaking the spell. It's got percolating percussion and house pianos, and I hear a hint of Bananarama in Megan Louise's multi-tracked vocals. In a press release, Johnny Jewels says:
"Summer Skin" opens with the sound of light from our nearest star dancing across the water. Yesterday is here to stay...That cyclical motif echoes the past lives we all carry with us, but each day is new & anything is possible. Summer brings us a recurring romantic optimism. Let's celebrate & live in the moment. If the world feels like it's ending...Turn the radio on & dance. Drip Drip...
Below, check out "Summer Skins" and the dates for the UK/European tour that Desire just announced.
TOUR DATES:
11/15 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Bike Jesus
11/17 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ Hotel Cecil
11/18 - Berlin, Germany @ Frannz Club
11/20 - Groningen, Netherlands @ Simplon Poppodium
11/21 - Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotown
11/23 - Brussels, Belgium @ Beursschouwburg
11/24 - Lille, France @ La Grand Mix
11/25 - London, UK @ Colour Factory
11/27 - Manchester, UK @ White Hotel
11/28 - Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
11/30 - Paris, France @ Petit Bain
12/01 - Grenoble, France @ L'Ampérage
12/02 - Bern, Switzerland @ Dachstock
12/04 - Ravenna, Italy @ Bronson
12/05 - Rome, Italy @ Monk
12/08 - Zagreb, Croatia @ Mochvara
12/09 - Belgrade, Serbia @ Zappa Baza
"Summer Skin" is out now on Italians Do It Better.
