Last year was grim, and the forces of evil are still up to their malevolence even in this first month of 2026. However, here's some news that will make you smile: Heavenly are back! The legendary indie outfit will be returning in late February with a new album, and a lead single and video are up as of today!
"Excuse Me" is a breezy gem, one which sounds like something Heavenly would have recorded three decades ago. This track bounces between vocals from Amelia Fletcher and Cathy Rogers, as a crunchy hook or two keeps this thing soaring. The video is a delight, featuring an array of indie stalwarts -- Mike from Slumberland Records, Gail from Chickfactor, Beth from Jetstream Pony, Manda from bis, and on and on. See who you can spot in there!
While acknowledging the past, the video and track itself remind a listener how timeless this kind of material can be. The same sort of song that sounded great in 1996 sounds as good here in 2026! Heavenly always made it sound so effortless, as if tunes like "Excuse Me" just dripped from their pens. I never thought I'd be raving in 2026 about new music from Heavenly, but I'm so glad they've come back to give us all a little something to smile about. And sing along with too!
Highway to Heavenly by Heavenly will be out on February 27 via Skep Wax. More details via Bandcamp.
[Photo: Alison Wonderland]