Heavenly Releases First New Song in 29 Years: ‘Portland Town’

Celebrate the comeback of cult indie band Heavenly with their fresh single ‘Portland Town,’ marking their first music release in nearly three decades.

Heavenly’s Long-Awaited Return

After a long silence lasting 29 years, the beloved Oxford indie band Heavenly is back with new music. Their latest single, ‘Portland Town’, drops a fresh spark into the indie scene, stirring excitement among fans old and new.

Known for their unique “riot twee” sound, Heavenly originally released four studio albums in the 1990s. Their last record, Operation Heavenly (1996), came out just before drummer Matthew Fletcher tragically passed away, which led to the band’s disbandment.

From the Past to the Present: A Bit of History

The band members, including the Fletcher siblings alongside guitarist Peter Momtchiloff and bassist Robert Pursey, were earlier part of the iconic C86 group Talulah Gosh. After Matthew’s passing, Heavenly retired their name but continued to make music as Marine Research, releasing Sounds From The Gulf Stream in 1999. Later projects included Tender Trap, with four more albums, and Amelia Fletcher and Pursey also played in The Catenary Wires and Swansea Sound.

Reunion and Revival

Fast forward to 2023, Heavenly reunited for a much-anticipated show at London’s Bush Hall. They have since performed several shows, with Death In Vegas’ Ian Button stepping in on drums for Fletcher. This revival was accompanied by the reissue of all four of Heavenly’s studio albums, starting with Heavenly vs. Satan (1991).

The New Single: ‘Portland Town’

Their comeback single is a brilliant dose of catchy, sharp indie pop. Frontwoman Amelia Fletcher’s vocals shine as she sings lines that resonate deeply:

“I’ve never been brave, I’ve never been tough / But sometimes you have to say, that’s enough.”

The song’s vibrant energy and poignant lyrics showcase Heavenly’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with infectious melodies.

Listen to ‘Portland Town’ here:

B-Side Track: ‘Someone Who Cares’

Alongside ‘Portland Town’, the band released the B-side ‘Someone Who Cares’—a more introspective and reflective tune that balances the single’s upbeat vibe with thoughtful calm.

Check out ‘Someone Who Cares’ here:

Both tracks are available now on a 7” vinyl released by Skep Wax Records. You can explore and purchase the album on their Bandcamp page here.

Upcoming Performance

Exciting news for fans: Heavenly will be playing live on July 19th at London’s Islington Assembly Hall. This is a golden opportunity to experience their timeless charm and new material in person.

Grab your tickets here.

A Quote From Amelia Fletcher

“I’ve never been brave, I’ve never been tough / But sometimes you have to say, that’s enough.”
— Amelia Fletcher, Heavenly

Conclusion

Heavenly’s return with ‘Portland Town’ is not just a nostalgic revival but a fresh chapter filled with heartfelt songs and infectious indie charm. Are you ready to embrace the sounds of the ‘90s reinvented for today?

FAQs about Heavenly’s New Release

• What is the significance of ‘Portland Town’ for Heavenly?
  It marks their first new song in 29 years, signaling the band’s revival after a long hiatus.
• Who replaced Matthew Fletcher on drums since the reunion?
  Ian Button from Death In Vegas has been filling in as the drummer.
• Where can I listen to Heavenly’s new single and B-side?
  Both tracks are available on YouTube and the 7” vinyl can be purchased via their Bandcamp page.
• Are Heavenly performing live soon?
  Yes, they have a show scheduled for July 19th at London’s Islington Assembly Hall.
• What other bands have the members of Heavenly been involved in?
  Besides Heavenly, members have played in Talulah Gosh, Marine Research, Tender Trap, The Catenary Wires, and Swansea Sound.

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