Scottish indie legends Teenage Fanclub return with ‘Do Not Dare To Dream’

Nearly four decades in, Teenage Fanclub are still doing the thing they do best — and doing it beautifully. The Scottish indie-rock lifers have announced their 13th studio album, ‘Do Not Dare To Dream,’ out October 9 via Merge Records. Alongside the news comes the album’s lead single and video, Day In The Sun — a warm, melodic meditation on renewal that’s available now on all digital platforms.

A New Chapter, Recorded on the Edge of the World

Written and led by founding members Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley, ‘Do Not Dare To Dream’ follows 2023’s acclaimed ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ and finds the band refining their signature blend of melodic guitars, warm harmonies, and reflective songwriting. The album’s title comes from Blake’s wryly-named track I Do Not Dare To Dream, and gently pushes back on hollow optimism while still holding onto quiet hope. As Blake puts it: “Those ‘dare to dream’ sentiments are kind of ridiculous — I don’t think the world works that way.”

The record was tracked at Black Bay Studio on the remote Scottish island of Great Bernera — the band’s most far-flung recording location yet — where they found inspiration (and a Domus church organ) surrounded by crashing sea and ancient ruins. That organ shows up prominently throughout, including on album highlight Over And Over.

Joined by longtime members Euros Childs, Francis Macdonald, and David McGowan, this five-piece has been playing together long enough that nothing feels forced. As McGinley reflects: “We can still be cheerful and optimistic in the face of things not being great.“

Watch & Stream “Day In The Sun”

The video for Day In The Sun was filmed on location at Black Bay Studio by Donald Milne. Watch it on YouTube and stream the single on all digital platforms now.

What the Critics Are Saying

“It’s just so comforting to see a band that’s been around as long as the Scottish indie-rock lifers stay so consistent.” — Stereogum

“The simple joys of writing songs and sharing them remain the driving forces for indie pop veterans Teenage Fanclub.” — PopMatters

“Timeless pop classicism…” — Uncut

‘Do Not Dare To Dream’ track list

1. There Was You
2. Tomorrow People
3. Over And Over
4. Be With You Tonight
5. The Same Air
6. I Do Not Dare To Dream
7. Take Time
8. Day In The Sun
9. Somewhere To Land
10. Young And Wise

‘Do Not Dare To Dream’ is out October 9 on Merge Records. Pre-order is available now.