English indie-dance outfit Saint Etienne released their last album Words And Music By Saint Etienne all the way back in 2012. Thankfully, the trio are finally set to return this year with their first new full-length since then, entitled Home Counties and out early this summer. After sharing the dramatic teaser track “Heather,” today they’re offering up the first official single from from the forthcoming album.

A romantic, wistful synth-pop track, “Magpie Eyes” embraces reedy keyboards and softly pattering drums to great effect. Vocalist Sarah Cracknell delivers her dreamy melodies with an airy radiance, sounding positively heavenly as she sings the hook, “Now all I want to do is spend more time with you.” It’s a lovely and inviting listen, one that should get you amply excited about Saint Etienne’s return. Some background from the band’s Pete Wiggs:

The title was inspired by a book about Creation records “my Magpie Eyes are hungry for the prize” which in turn was taken from “Up The Hill Down The Slope” by The Loft. I often find myself being so deep in thought that I’m not really listening to what my children are saying to me and I extrapolated guilty feelings over that into the story of someone who for a combination of personal ambition and commuter journey time ends up missing out on his kids growing up and not really knowing them or the “Herberts” they might be hanging out with.

Listen to “Magpie Eyes” and check out the band’s upcoming tour dates below.

Tour dates:
09/24 – Boston, MA @ Somerville Once Ballroom
09/25 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
09/26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
09/27 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
09/29 – Chicago, IL @ Park West
10/02 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune
10/04 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/05 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10/06 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre

Home Counties is out 6/2 via Heavenly Recordings. Pre-order it here.