Dry Cleaning – ‘Secret Love’ Review: Idiosyncratic Excellence from London’s Punk Poets

An intimate dive into Dry Cleaning’s evolving sound and poetic punch on their third album, Secret Love.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the charm of London’s post-punk scene, Dry Cleaning has likely whispered to your soul with their sharp, spoken word style and compelling rhythms. Their latest album, Secret Love, proves they’re not just a flash in the pan but a band with depth, wit, and a surprising folk twist. Let’s unpack this idiosyncratic gem, shall we?

Breaking Away: A New Chapter with Secret Love

Dry Cleaning’s unique blend of spoken word and propulsive post-punk remains as magnetic as ever.

From the get-go, Dry Cleaning grabbed attention with Florence Shaw’s distinctive spoken word vocals, backed by a band that crafts jolty, kinetic post-punk soundscapes. Their first two albums, New Long Leg and Stumpwork, dropped in quick succession in 2021 and 2022, setting a high bar for their artistry. But Secret Love—their third studio effort—arrives with a bit more breathing room and a fresh sense of direction. The band wants to show the world there’s far more to their musical palette than what they’ve previously offered.

A New Producer, A New Sound

Instead of teaming back up with their usual producer John Parish, Dry Cleaning took an exciting turn by inviting the brilliant Cate Le Bon to helm production. Her influence is immediately noticeable. Folkier elements creep in like the steely mandolin that winds through the title track or the dizzying finger-picked acoustic guitars leading ‘Let Me Grow And You’ll See the Fruit’. The album subtly nods to folk without losing the band’s sharp post-punk identity.

Even more fascinating? Cate Le Bon seemed to coax the usually silent band members into singing. Their deadpan vocal contributions on the quirky ‘Cruise Ship Designer’ add a fresh layer of droll humor that fans will adore.

Balancing Familiarity with Boldness

The album kicks off with “Hit My Head All Day,” a six-minute-plus journey wrapped around a relentless drum loop that calls to mind the hypnotic groove of Iggy Pop’s ‘Nightclubbing’. Lewis Maynard’s bass work channels the cool, understated vibe of Tina Weymouth, weaving between Nick Buxton’s precise bongos and Shaw’s wry vocal delivery. Her lyrics, like “When I was a child / I wanted to be a horse,” are as dry and funny as ever, drawing you deeper into the band’s world.

And then there’s “Rocks,” where Tom Dowse unleashes some of his rawest, most aggressive guitar riffs alongside a pulsing industrial snare. It pushes boundaries in a way that might have surprised even the band during their Boundary Road Snacks And Drinks era. This track perfectly balances experimental noise with tight rhythmic control.

Florence Shaw: The Heart and Soul

Through all these sonic twists and turns, Florence Shaw remains the constant beating heart of Dry Cleaning. Her spoken word style, sometimes bordering on timid singing, continues to evolve. Interestingly, her softer vocal moments turn out to be some of the most catchy parts of the album.

Yet it’s when she slips back into her signature beat-poet style that she truly shines. Take the jangly standout “Blood,” where she muses with opaque beauty:

“Pilgrimage / Private life / Mortality / Deep shock felt in the body.”

Her words float over jangling guitars, carrying a poetic weight that invites listeners into her vivid internal world.

An Album That Defies Expectations

Secret Love is an accomplished, assured record that both honors Dry Cleaning’s roots and boldly flips the script. Where many bands with such a distinct style might risk becoming one-note, Dry Cleaning continue to surprise and impress with their artistic growth. Even on the edge of their sound, they’re finding new terrains to explore—an exciting prospect for long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Album Details

The striking cover art for Dry Cleaning’s Secret Love.

• Record label: 4AD
• Release date: January 9, 2026

FAQ

• What makes Dry Cleaning’s sound unique?
  Their blend of spoken word poetry by Florence Shaw and propulsive post-punk instrumentation sets them apart from typical punk or indie bands.
• Has the band changed producers for this album?
  Yes, Secret Love was produced by Cate Le Bon instead of their previous collaborator John Parish, introducing folk elements to their sound.
• Which track features the band members singing?
  The track “Cruise Ship Designer” includes some delightful deadpan vocals from the usually silent band members.
• How does Florence Shaw’s vocal style evolve on this album?
  Shaw experiments with her timid singing voice, delivering some of the album’s catchiest moments alongside her signature spoken word style.
• Where can I find the album Secret Love?
  It’s available on all major streaming platforms and physical formats through the label 4AD.

If Secret Love has you hooked on Dry Cleaning’s compelling mix of punk poetry and folk influences, why not bring a piece of that vibe into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and keep the music close every day.