Southend alt-rockers Nothing But Thieves are wasting no time launching their next era. Hot on the heels of their roaring new single ‘Evolution’, the five-piece have officially confirmed that their highly anticipated fifth studio album, 'Stray Dogs', will land on 25th September via RCA/Sony Music. To top it off, the band are mapping out their largest live venture yet with a colossal headline world tour scheduled for 2027.
The announcement caps off a whirlwind week of cryptic fan interactions, including guerrilla street posters, a mysterious four-day YouTube countdown, and a secret underplay at Newcastle’s Think Tank under the pseudonym 'stray dogs' right after their storming set at Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Musically, the journey into 'Stray Dogs' represents a deliberate homecoming. The band hunkered down at Oxfordshire's Angelic Studios—the very space where they tracked their self-titled debut a decade ago—to focus on a raw, unified writing process. Stepping away from the habit of assembling sketches on the road, the musicians spent five dedicated months in the studio together. The resulting record focuses heavily on themes of camaraderie and finding a home amongst outsiders.
Giving fans a taste of what is to come, the lead single ‘Evolution’ debuted as Jack Saunders' Hottest Record on Radio 1. It is a high-octane, guitar-driven alt-pop anthem featuring a sentimental lyrical nod to the hometown venue that birthed their career. Discussing the track's ethos, the band share:
“It's a song that's not too concerned about finality. I think imperfection and authenticity is becoming ever more valuable and it's definitely something we're drawn to.”
“We've spent some time trying to work out what's real and tangible about who we are and how we use our time. The people we travel the world with, the human moments on stage, the connection we make with those who come to our shows. That's real.”
“It's a bit of a love letter to the people in our world in that way.”
Following the chart-topping success of 2023’s 'Dead Club City', which secured the band their first UK Number 1, the upcoming 2027 arena run is a testament to their massive global growth. The tour kicks off in January 2027 and features landmark stops at London’s O2 Arena, Manchester’s Co-Op Live, and a double-night residency at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.
You can blast the incredible new single ‘Evolution’ right now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms, and keep your eyes peeled for the official music video premiering this Thursday. Make sure to follow Nothing But Thieves on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok to get the latest pre-sale links and album updates ahead of the September release.
