Electronic Sound Magazine announces its latest issue featuring beloved British electronic pop trio Saint Etienne as the cover story, coinciding with the band's announcement that their upcoming album 'International' will be their final studio release. The special issue includes an exclusive limited edition transparent blue vinyl seven-inch, marking a poignant celebration of the group's remarkable 35-year career.
After three and a half decades of crafting innovative electronic pop music, Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley, and Pete Wiggs are preparing to close the chapter on Saint Etienne's recording career with 'International', their 14th and final studio album, due September 2025. The wonderfully upbeat collection represents a triumphant conclusion to a journey that began in 1990 with their groovy reimagining of Neil Young's 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'. It's incredible to think that it's 35 years since Saint Etienne released their debut single, and their forthcoming album will conclude a recording career that's been both tirelessly eclectic and deeply indebted to their love of classic pop music.
The limited edition seven-inch, pressed on striking transparent blue vinyl and housed in a special "Paint Etienne" sleeve, bridges Saint Etienne's storied past with their contemporary sound. The A-side features 'Glad', the summery opening track from 'International', showcasing collaborations with Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers and Jez Williams from Doves. The B-side presents the group's career-launching cover of 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart', which sounds every bit as good today as it did more than three decades ago, complete with that enormous bassline that defined their early sound.
'International' features an impressive roster of guest collaborators, including electronic music legend Vince Clarke, pop icon Nick Heyward, and beloved television personalities Katie Puckrik and Colin Murray, making it a splendid way for the trio to bow out. The Electronic Sound issue delivers an extensive and entertaining interview with the band alongside coverage of other electronic music luminaries including Cosey Fanni Tutti, Ultramarine, Peter Baumann, and Matt Johnson discussing The The's 'This Is The Day'. The magazine also celebrates Editions Mego label and ambient pioneers O Yuki Conjugate, with additional features on Demise of Love, AM Boys, Hologram Teen and plenty more elsewhere in the mix.
