The iconic UK electronic pop band Ladytron has been one of the most influential groups of the last 25 years. Following the 20th anniversary celebrations of their 2005 album Witching Hour, the band is back with exciting news: their eighth studio album Paradises will be released on March 20th, 2026, via Nettwerk.
The Comeback Single: “Kingdom Undersea”
After teasing fans with the enigmatic track “I Believe in You” and the infectious “I See Red” last October, Ladytron has dropped another electrifying single, “Kingdom Undersea.” The track combines propulsive machine funk with a balearic piano riff and booming bassline, creating a sound that feels fresh and futuristic while remaining unmistakably Ladytron. Vocals by Helen Marnie and Daniel Hunt come together in a rare duet, offering a nautical lament that weaves through abstract imagery and longing, accompanied by a haunting choir of Fairlight voices.
The release is accompanied by a visually striking performance video shot within an analogue video installation, originally created for the acid house pioneers, The KLF. The clip features not only the core trio of Marnie, Hunt, and Aroyo, but also percussionist Peter Kelly and new live member, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Hunt (known for his work with Dialect and Outfit).
Paradises: A New Era for Ladytron
After over two decades of defining new musical boundaries, Ladytron—now comprising Helen Marnie, Daniel Hunt, and Mira Aroyo—has created something truly special with Paradises. The album, which will be their most dancefloor-focused record since Light & Magic, is set to mark a significant evolution in their sound. It’s a vibrant collection of high-tech disco, spectral soul, and balearic noir, capturing the essence of a surreal beach at the end of the world.
Produced by Daniel Hunt and mixed by Grammy-winning producer Jim Abbiss (known for his work with Adele), Paradises is set to be a monumental return. Abbiss, who worked on their Velocifero and Gravity the Seducer albums, was impressed by the demos. “It reminded me of Witching Hour but with a whole new atmosphere,” he said. “There’s a fresh energy in this album, and that was something I wanted to capture.”
Recording Process and Inspirations
The creative process behind Paradises was rapid and intense, recorded over a span of five months starting in late 2023, with the final touches completed in early 2025. The album was crafted across multiple locations, including Liverpool, São Paulo, Montrose, Dalston, and finished at the famous Dean Street Studios in Soho, where Tony Visconti recorded Bowie’s Scary Monsters.
Mira Aroyo reflects, “We approached this with the same free-spirited attitude we had in the late ’90s when we first started—no pressure, just creativity.” Helen Marnie adds, “The chemistry in the studio was incredible; we were all in sync, and it felt like a homecoming.”
As the band moves forward, the core motivation is clear: fun. Paradises marks a return to their dance roots, but with a modern twist. “We’ve always flirted with dance music—proto-house, electro, and disco,” says Daniel Hunt. “But we’ve never made a ‘disco’ record before. This is our take on it, and it’s something completely different.”