Home Counties announce second album ‘Humdrum’

Out October 24 via Submarine Cat Records

London six-piece Home Counties are back with a bang. They’ve just announced their second full-length album, ‘Humdrum,’ due out October 24th via Submarine Cat Records, and it’s shaping up to be anything but dull. The title track is out now – a wonky, synth-fueled anthem for the overthinkers, the self-sabotagers, and anyone who’s ever cringed at themselves in the shower.

Produced by Al Doyle (yes, that Al Doyle – Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem), ‘Humdrum’ takes everything Home Counties built with their acclaimed debut ‘Exactly As It Seems’ and turns the temperature down a few notches. It’s colder, leaner, sharper. More edge, less polish – and it sounds all the better for it.

‘Humdrum’ the Track: Overthinking Never Sounded So Fun

The single ‘Humdrum’ almost didn’t make the cut. Originally shelved, it morphed through krautrock and bedroom pop before landing in its final form – a twitchy, synth-heavy beast full of jittery energy and killer hooks. Vocalist Will Harrison puts it simply: “It’s about saying the wrong thing and hating yourself for it later. And also being jealous of people who chat absolute shit and somehow win.”

The lyrics simmer with passive-aggressive charm: bitterness, frustration, social misfires, and that post-convo mental spiral we all know too well. It’s not all gloom, though – there’s self-awareness, reflection, and a self-deprecating wink in the chorus that brings it all together: “I want dumb luck!”

Stream Humdrum here

The Album: Communication Breakdown Never Looked So Good

Where their debut played up eccentric charm, ‘Humdrum’ goes in the opposite direction. It’s taut, direct, and absolutely wired. Across its 10 tracks, the album explores the everyday failures of communication — talking too much, not enough, saying the wrong thing, and envying those who somehow always say just the right (dumb) thing.

Dual vocalists Will Harrison and Lois Kelly lead the charge, weaving sharp social observations through tight grooves, freaky synths, and an addictive sense of unease. This is pop with a panic attack. Post-punk for people who over-analyze texts. Art-rock for doomscrollers.

They credit producer Al Doyle for helping them pull it together. “We made full use of his insane vintage synth collection,” the band says. “He knew exactly when to rein us in, when to let it breathe. It led to more human-sounding performances from our electronic setups – and way more collaboration than we’ve done before.”

From 2024 Debut to 2025 World Domination?

The new album follows on the heels of 2024’s ‘Exactly As It Seems,’ which landed the band critical praise, a sync on the EA Sports FC 24 soundtrack, and a run of sold-out shows across the UK – including three in London. They’ve built a reputation for electric live sets and smart, danceable chaos – and they’re taking it even further this winter on their headline tour, wrapping up December 2 at Scala in London.

Want In? Here’s What You Need to Know:

• New album ‘Humdrum’ drops October 24 via Submarine Cat Records
• Title track/single ‘Humdrum’ is out now and streaming everywhere
• UK headline tour kicks off in November, closing at Scala, London on Dec 2
• Pre-order the album: https://subc.at/HumdrumAlbum

Catch Home Counties Live:

July

• 27 – Truck Festival, Oxford

August

• 01 – Waldstock Festival, Steinhausen
• 03 – Y Not Festival, Pikehall

September

• 13 – Schippersweekend, Belgium

October

• 04 – Night Currents, Portsmouth
• 11 – Shiny New Model, Cambridge
• 17 – Wild Paths, Norwich

November

• 22 – Rough Trade, Bristol
• 23 – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
• 24 – Green Door Store, Brighton
• 27 – Bodega, Nottingham
• 28 – Flying Duck, Glasgow
• 29 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
• 30 – YES Pink Room, Manchester

December

• 01 – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield
• 02 – Scala, London

‘Humdrum’ track list

1. Take You Back
2. Humdrum
3. Spain
4. New Best Thing
5. When In Rome
6. Meet Me In The Flatroof
7. Ravelling
8. Cheeseball
9. Roundabout
10. Like That

Meet the Band

Home Counties are:

• Will Harrison (vocals/guitar/keys)
• Lois Kelly (vocals/keys)
• Conor Kearney (guitar/vocals)
• Dan Hearn (drums)
• Barn Peiser Pepin (synth/percussion/guitar/vocals)
• Bill Griffin (bass/vocals)

What the Critics Are Saying

“A beautifully peculiar, joy-inducing triumph” – The Skinny
“Bursting with character and attitude…a grin-inducing call to arms” – Dork
“Maximalist soundscapes…some of today’s brightest musical minds” – The Line of Best Fit
“Home Counties are one of the most exciting new bands in the UK scene right now” – Clash Magazine

And yeah, Elton John digs them too.

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Follow Home Counties for more:

• Instagram: @homecountiesband
• Facebook: /homecountiesmusic

Get ready for an album that celebrates awkward energy, social gaffes, and the sweet relief of letting it all go. ‘Humdrum’ is anything but boring.