British indiepop legends Heavenly, led by Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey, have been back in action since 2022, first with a few shows (including NYC in 2024), and now new music. They’ll release their first album since 1996 in early 2026, and as a taste, they’ve got a 7″ single that will be out July 18 via their own Skep Wax label.
“Portland Town,” which they played in NYC last year, is Heavenly through and through, jaunty, just a little crunchy, and instantly catchy. They call it “a song about finding a place to fit in.” Amelia sings, “I don’t have to be where people love me / They don’t have to care where I’ve been / I just want to be where no one stares at me / I just want to feel I fit in.” You can watch the video for “Portland Town” below.
Meanwhile, Heavenly are reissuing their 1996 album, Operation Heavenly, on July 25 via Skep Wax. The label says:
Operation Heavenly is the fourth album by cult 1990s Heavenly. It is the band’s own favourite, but its original release in 1996 was totally overshadowed by the sudden death of drummer Mathew Fletcher. The promotional tour was cancelled, the surviving members of the band went into emotional and musical hibernation. No-one could bring themselves to celebrate these new songs in the face of such tragedy.
So, this release by Skep Wax Records, nearly thirty years on, is more like an album launch than a re-issue. Time has healed most wounds, and the songs on Operation Heavenly feel as fresh now as they did then, with Mathew’s spirit very much alive in his effervescent witty drumming. These tracks are gleeful, melodic, sophisticated and knowing. The tough riot grrrl edge that Heavenly had developed a year before with seminal singles P.U.N.K. Girl and Atta Girl, has been blended with a deliberate quantity of Britpop styling. Heavenly were clearly listening to what was going on, liked the energy, but didn’t necessarily feel the need to join in. Some of the tracks (eg Ben Sherman) are as jaunty as early Blur, but the lyrics, mocking a narcissistic boyfriend for his obsession with hair, clothes and his own erections, show that Heavenly didn’t need or want to be part of the lad – or even ladette – herd.
Heavenly are also hosting Skep Wax Weekender, which happens July 17-20 at The Lexington & Assembly Hall in London and includes performances by The Orchids, Would-Be-Goods, Jeanines, Lightheaded, Swansea Sound, The Gentle Spring and more. Check out the full lineup below.