Dry Cleaning Drops ‘Cruise Ship Designer’ Single and Announces Intimate UK Outstore Shows

Dive into Dry Cleaning's deadpan post-punk vibes with their new single ‘Cruise Ship Designer’ and catch their cozy UK gigs this January.

When a band perfectly blends sharp wit and edgy post-punk, you know you’re in for a ride. Dry Cleaning, London’s own purveyors of wiry, deadpan sounds, have just unleashed their latest single, ‘Cruise Ship Designer.’ Alongside that, they’ve announced a series of intimate outstore shows across the UK that fans won’t want to miss.

Dry Cleaning performing live, captured by Max Miechowski

Fresh Tracks from Dry Cleaning’s Upcoming Album

For those keeping tabs, Dry Cleaning are gearing up for the release of their third studio album, Secret Love, set to drop on January 9 via 4AD. This record will follow their critically adored 2022 album Stumpwork. If you’re eager, you can pre-save or pre-order your copy to get in on the action early.

They’ve already given us a taste with the lead single ‘Hit My Head All Day’—a track that struts with subtle confidence—and now they’ve hit refresh with ‘Cruise Ship Designer.’ This new track showcases everything we love from the band: Florence Shaw’s signature deadpan spoken-sung delivery and those twitchy, post-punk guitar riffs that feel just off-kilter enough to keep you hooked.

A Closer Look at ‘Cruise Ship Designer’

What’s this song really about? Florence Shaw explains it beautifully: “The song is about a cruise ship and hotel designer who’s skilled and paid well, but who doesn’t believe his role has real worth. He tries to enjoy it, and invests himself in meeting the challenges of the job.” It’s a wonderfully dry, introspective glimpse into the mundane wrapped in a wiry soundscape.

And the video? It’s a treat. Bassist Lewis Maynard dances through the track with choreography by BULLYACHE, bringing an unexpectedly playful energy to the band’s typically sardonic tone. Check it out here:

Touring Plans: From North America Back to the UK

Last month, Dry Cleaning revealed a robust schedule of headline shows across the UK, Europe, and North America for 2026. Kicking off in Chicago on January 23 and winding through various cities, this tour is a testament to their growing reach.

But wait—there’s more for UK fans eager for an up-close experience. The band just added a special batch of outstore shows in January, taking them to Brighton’s Chalk, London’s Rough Trade East, Bristol’s Strange Brew, Leeds’ Brudenell, and Nottingham’s Metronome. These intimate gigs will offer fans a rare chance to connect with the band in smaller settings before the big tour rolls out.

UK Outstore Dates for January 2026:

• January 3 — Bognor Regis, Rockaway Beach Festival
• January 9 — Brighton, Chalk (Resident)
• January 10 — London, Rough Trade East
• January 13 — Bristol, Strange Brew (Rough Trade)
• January 14 — Leeds, Brudenell (Crash)
• January 15 — Nottingham, Metronome (Rough Trade)

Behind the Tracks: Collaboration and Growth

The Secret Love album was crafted in various practice rooms, where Florence Shaw worked closely with guitarist Tom Dowse, drummer Nick Buxton, and bassist Lewis Maynard. The production was handled by none other than Cate Le Bon, known for her work with Deerhunter, Devendra Banhart, Wilco, and Horsegirl—an impressive pedigree that elevates the band’s sound to new, experimental heights.

Florence shared how this album process felt different for her: she opened up to suggestions from her bandmates more than before, letting go of a rigid plan. “If I want things to be more open or blunter, a bit less sophisticated, that would be helped by not allowing myself to ringfence the whole thing,” she explained. This collaborative spirit injects a fresh rawness into their evolving sound.

Cate Le Bon, producer of Dry Cleaning’s upcoming album

Accolades and Critical Acclaim

It’s worth noting that Stumpwork, Dry Cleaning’s previous album, didn’t just impress fans—it snagged the Grammy for Best Recording Package. The album’s artwork, as compelling as their music, added another layer to their artistic identity.

Critics have raved about the band’s previous work, with one five-star review describing Stumpwork as “a record that, when given the requisite time and attention, offers unfathomable depths to explore.” It’s a fitting testament to a band that thrives on subtlety and nuance.

Looking Forward

With Secret Love on the horizon and a series of intimate and larger shows planned, Dry Cleaning is poised to continue carving out their unique niche in the post-punk world. The wiry, deadpan charm of ‘Cruise Ship Designer’ is just the latest chapter in their evolving story—a story that’s as dryly humorous as it is musically intriguing.

What do you think about Dry Cleaning's new single and upcoming shows? Are you planning to catch them live at one of their cozy outstore gigs?

FAQ

• What is the new single by Dry Cleaning called? The new single is titled ‘Cruise Ship Designer.’
• When is Dry Cleaning’s new album releasing? The album Secret Love is set for release on January 9, 2026.
• Who produced Dry Cleaning’s upcoming album? Cate Le Bon, known for her work with Deerhunter and Wilco, produced the album.
• Where can I watch the music video for ‘Cruise Ship Designer’? The video featuring bassist Lewis Maynard’s dance can be watched through the embedded link above.
• Are there UK shows planned for Dry Cleaning in early 2026? Yes, several intimate outstore shows across the UK are scheduled for January 2026.

Love Dry Cleaning’s artistic vibe? Bring a piece of their world into your space—shop your favorite album cover posters and more at Architeg Prints. Perfect for fans who want to keep the music close, even when the show’s over.