Divorce Unveils Deluxe ‘Drive To Goldenhammer’ with New Single ‘Wendolene’

Embrace the alt-country spirit as Divorce expands their debut album with fresh tracks and heartfelt new vibes.

A Surprise Drop: Deluxe Edition Brings More Heart and Depth

There’s something magical about stumbling upon a surprise release from a band you already love. Divorce, those alt-country stars who have been quietly capturing hearts, just dropped a deluxe version of their debut album, Drive To Goldenhammer. And it’s not just a rehash — this expanded edition delivers three brand-new songs, including the powerful single “Wendolene.”

The original album, launched earlier this year on March 7 via Gravity/Capitol, was recorded at the iconic Real World Studios in Wiltshire. Producer Catherine Marks, known for her work with Boygenius, Foals, and Wolf Alice, helped shape the record’s evocative soundscape.

New Tracks and Nostalgic Demos: A Richer Goldenhammer Experience

If you thought Drive To Goldenhammer had said all it needed, think again. The deluxe edition adds three fresh tunes: “Wendolene,” “Chip,” and “O Calamity.” Fans got a taste of “O Calamity” last month — their first new material since the album’s debut — and now the full expanded album invites listeners to explore even further.

Alongside these new songs, the deluxe edition offers early demos of the original album tracks. Plus, it includes BBC Radio Sessions with a standout live cover of Queen’s classic “I Want To Break Free.” It’s a treasure trove for fans who crave both raw beginnings and polished performances.

Inside the Band’s Journey: Felix Mackenzie-Barrow Reflects

“On our debut album ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’, we sought to build a makeshift place and home within the songs and each other amidst the transience of our lives on the road over the last few years.”

Felix Mackenzie-Barrow, Divorce’s singer and guitarist, opens up about the album’s heart and the new deluxe experience:

“With the ‘Drive to Goldenhammer Deluxe Edition’, along with live versions of some of the album tracks, you’ll hear unreleased songs and demo recordings that landed somewhere on the outskirts of ‘Goldenhammer’, like ‘O Calamity’ and ‘Chip’ or ‘Pretty Lights’ and ‘Tiny Animals’.”

It’s a beautiful concept — music as a home, a refuge, and a communal space built amidst the chaos of touring life.

Watch: The Enigmatic New Single “Wendolene”

To bring the new single “Wendolene” to life, Divorce released a captivating music video that deepens the track’s mystique. The song captures a sense of embarking on a new journey, a step beyond the familiar comforts of Drive To Goldenhammer.

Felix describes “Wendolene” as:

“Beginning the journey onwards, towards wherever it is we feel we want to go. It hints at what lies beyond ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’, bridging a gap toward our next chapter. And whilst we tried to maintain the surrealism of the record, this edges into something darker than most of our debut record.”

Here’s a quirky tidbit for the eagle-eyed fans: the song’s title nods to Wallace And Gromit, specifically the short film A Close Shave. Felix revealed they even sang to pictures of Wendolene and Cilla Black while recording, which you might just catch in the vocal performance if you listen closely.

Stream the Full Deluxe Edition on Spotify

Ready to dive into the full expanded album? The deluxe Drive to Goldenhammer is available now for your listening pleasure.

Touring Life: Divorce Takes Their Music Across Continents

After making waves on this year’s festival circuit and opening for The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club, Divorce is gearing up for a busy fall. Their North American headline tour kicks off in September, followed by a UK return in November and December.

September

• 17 – The Rockwell, Somerville, MA, USA
• 18 – Elsewhere Zone 1, Kings County, NY, USA
• 19 – Pie Shop, Washington, DC, USA
• 20 – MilkBoy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
• 22 – The Sound Garage, Toronto, ON, CA
• 25 – Schubas, Chicago, IL, USA
• 27 – Baba Yaga, Seattle, WA, USA
• 29 – Brick & Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco, CA, USA

October

• 2 – Gold-Diggers, Los Angeles, CA, USA

November

• 28 – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, UK
• 29 – The Grove, Newcastle, UK

December

• 3 – The Globe, Cardiff, UK
• 4 – Papillon, Southampton, UK
• 5 – Arts Centre, Norwich, UK
• 6 – The Lido, Margate, UK
• 9 – Crookes Social Club, Sheffield, UK
• 10 – Academy 2, Manchester, UK
• 11 – Trinity Centre, Bristol, UK
• 13 – Rock City, Nottingham, UK

Roots and Reflections: The Nottingham Connection

Back in the spring, Divorce shared insights about their beginning in Nottingham’s vibrant grassroots music scene. Felix reminisced about the camaraderie and self-sustaining spirit that drove their early days:

“When you don’t get a lot of outside interest, you don’t have much choice but to make it yourself. Sitting in the van on your way to a show and looking around at these friends that you have, sitting in the garden in the house where we wrote the songs, having dinner together. Those are the moments that feel like success.”

That sense of community and DIY passion is the beating heart behind Drive To Goldenhammer and its deluxe companion.

Wrapping It Up: More Than Just a Deluxe Edition

Divorce’s deluxe Drive To Goldenhammer isn’t just a repackaging — it’s a heartfelt extension of their journey, offering fans new songs, raw demos, and glimpses into their evolving story. Whether you’re new to their sound or a longtime devotee, this release feels like a warm invitation to settle in and listen close.

What’s your favorite track from the deluxe edition? Does “Wendolene” hint at a new direction for them? Drop your thoughts and let’s chat!

FAQ

• What new songs are on the deluxe edition of Drive To Goldenhammer?
  The deluxe version includes three new songs: “Wendolene,” “Chip,” and “O Calamity,” plus early demos and BBC Radio Sessions.
• Who produced the album Drive To Goldenhammer?
  The album was produced by Catherine Marks, known for her work with Boygenius, Foals, and Wolf Alice.
• Where was Drive To Goldenhammer recorded?
  It was recorded at Real World Studios in Wiltshire, England.
• Does the deluxe edition include any covers?
  Yes, it features a live cover of Queen’s “I Want To Break Free” recorded during BBC Radio Sessions.
• When and where is Divorce touring in 2025?
  Their headline tour spans September to December, covering venues across the USA, Canada, and the UK.

For those who appreciate the art of music as much as the sound, why not bring a piece of Drive To Goldenhammer into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and let the music inspire your walls.

Shop album cover posters here