Blossoms have returned with their first new single since 2024, unveiling the jaunty indie pop track “Joke About Divorce” as the opening salvo of a new musical era. The Stockport-formed band, known for their melodic guitar-driven sound and chart-topping albums, released the song via ODD SK Recordings and Distiller Music on April 3, 2025. Frontman Tom Ogden both wrote and directed the accompanying music video, which features a theatrical, pink-washed aesthetic that mirrors the track’s bittersweet lyrical theme.
The single marks a notable moment in the band’s trajectory, arriving after their fifth studio album Gary achieved a fourth UK Number One position in early 2024. Since then, Blossoms have maintained a steady presence on the live circuit, completing a European headline tour in early 2025 and securing festival slots at Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington (May 23–25) and Tramlines in Sheffield (July 24–26). The release of “Joke About Divorce” signals renewed creative momentum, with the band confirming additional new music is expected later in 2025.
Lyrically, the song explores the fragile dynamics of interpersonal conflict, with Ogden singing: “I guess this argument’s not the place for a joke about divorce / My intention’s are just a playful thing to make you laugh of course.” In interviews, the singer-songwriter has described the track as stemming from a personal misstep during a disagreement, where an ill-timed attempt at humour backfired and instead intensified the tension. “During every argument, no matter how big or compact, there’s always that moment where humour could completely disarm you both and diffuse the whole thing,” Ogden explained. “On this occasion, I thought joking about divorce would do exactly that… I just got the timing completely wrong. Instead, it made things worse, and that moment ended up immortalised in a three-and-a-half-minute pop song.”
Produced by Shawn Lee, a musician and composer known for his work with artists such as Karen O and Danger Mouse, the track blends bright indie pop instrumentation with a danceable rhythm section. Critics have noted its resemblance to the band’s earlier uptempo singles like “Charlemagne” and “There’s a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls),” while also highlighting a maturation in lyrical introspection. The song’s release was accompanied by limited-run vinyl and cassette formats, alongside digital distribution across major streaming platforms.
Blossoms’ Continued Chart Success and Industry Support
Blossoms’ return to new music comes amid sustained recognition for their impact on the UK indie scene. Their album Gary, released in February 2024, not only topped the UK Albums Chart but also earned a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales exceeding 60,000 units. The record followed a string of successful predecessors, including Cool Like You (2017) and Foolish Loving Spaces (2020), both of which also reached Number One on the UK chart.
In 2024, the band was among 58 acts selected to receive funding through the UK government’s Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS), administered by the BPI. The initiative, launched in 2021 to support British artists in expanding their international reach, allocated £1.6 million across its third funding round. Blossoms joined recipients such as Beabadoobee, Dave, Bicep, and Wolf Alice in receiving grants designed to cover touring, marketing, and promotional costs abroad. According to the BPI’s official announcement, the scheme has facilitated over 1,200 international performances since its inception, helping UK acts perform in more than 50 countries.
The funding played a direct role in enabling Blossoms’ 2024–2025 touring activity, including their European headline run and appearances at major summer festivals. Band members have previously credited such support with allowing them to maintain rigorous performance schedules without compromising creative development. In a September 2024 interview with NME, Ogden emphasized the importance of evolution, stating: “It does feel like we’ve really stepped it up again… That’s important due to the fact that I don’t want to drift off into the abyss like so many other bands do. This album is helping us stand out from the crowd a little bit.”
Creative Direction and Visual Identity
The “Joke About Divorce” music video, self-directed by Tom Ogden, continues the band’s tradition of pairing their music with distinctive visual storytelling. Shot in a pastel-drenched studio setting, the video features the band performing amid oversized props and stylized choreography, evoking a surreal domestic tableau. The aesthetic draws clear inspiration from 1970s television variety shows and contemporary art installations, blending humour with emotional undertones.
Ogden has increasingly taken creative control over Blossoms’ multimedia output, having directed videos for previous singles including “The Honeymoon” and “My Vacant Days.” His approach often blends narrative vignettes with performance footage, using colour palettes and set design to reflect the emotional core of each song. For “Joke About Divorce,” the pink-and-white colour scheme serves as a visual metaphor for the fragility and artifice sometimes present in romantic conflict.
The video premiered on the band’s official YouTube channel on April 3, 2025, and was simultaneously promoted across their social media platforms. Within its first week, it garnered over 250,000 views, with particular engagement noted in the UK, Germany, and Japan — regions where Blossoms have cultivated strong fanbases through prior touring and media exposure.
Live Performances and Festival Appearances
Following the single’s release, Blossoms have integrated “Joke About Divorce” into their live setlist, debuting it at a warm-up show in Manchester on April 5, 2025. The track has since been performed at subsequent UK dates, including appearances at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton (May 13–17) and as part of their Neighbourhood Weekender set. Festival organizers have highlighted the band’s ability to draw diverse crowds, citing their broad appeal across indie, pop, and alternative audiences.
At Tramlines in Sheffield, Blossoms are scheduled to perform on the main stage on July 25, sharing billing with headliners Courteeners, Wolf Alice, and Fatboy Slim. Their Neighbourhood Weekender appearance on May 24 places them alongside acts such as Richard Ashcroft, DMA’s, and Kaiser Chiefs. Both festivals have confirmed the band’s participation through official press releases and lineup announcements posted on their respective websites.
Beyond the UK, Blossoms have expressed interest in expanding their international touring footprint in late 2025, potentially targeting North American and European markets. While no official tour dates have been announced outside of Europe, industry sources suggest discussions are ongoing with promoters in regions where the band has previously performed, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada.
What’s Next for Blossoms?
With “Joke About Divorce” now available across all major streaming platforms, Blossoms have indicated that further new music will arrive before the end of 2025. The band has not confirmed whether the single will be part of an upcoming EP or a full-length album, but Ogden has described the current creative phase as “the most exciting we’ve had in years.” Recording sessions are believed to have taken place at their longtime studio base in Stockport, with additional work completed at facilities in Manchester and Wales.
Fans seeking updates are encouraged to follow the band’s official channels, including their website and verified social media accounts, where tour announcements and release details are typically shared first. As of April 2025, no official statements have been issued regarding delays or changes to the planned rollout of new material.
The return of Blossoms with a track that balances infectious melody and lyrical honesty underscores their enduring relevance in the modern indie landscape. By blending personal reflection with accessible songwriting, they continue to deliver music that resonates both on the dance floor and in quieter, reflective moments.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for ongoing coverage of Blossoms’ upcoming releases and tour developments. Share your thoughts on “Joke About Divorce” in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the word if you’re enjoying the new sound.
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