Blur Confirm New Single, Announce Twitter Webcast

Published Jun 25, 2012

Confusion over the long-term future of Britpop heroes Blur hasn't really been cleared up, but we now know that the group will be releasing a new single this summer.After teasing Twitter followers with cryptic Instagram photos and hashtags #thepuritan and #underthewestway all week, Blur have revealed that they will indeed be releasing "The Puritan" and "Under the Westway" as a limited-edition double-A-side seven-inch single. This comes in addition to the previously announced 21 box set The new single is due out in the UK on August 6 via Parlophone , though a North American release seems rather unlikely.The band have also announced that on July 2 at 6:15 p.m. BST they will debut the two new tracks live for a worldwide webcast, set to be live-streamed on Twitter. "Under the Westway" will go live at 6:15, followed by an interview with the band and then the live debut of "The Puritan" at 7:15.In addition, Blur released a video trailer for the new material, narrated by bassist Alex James. He explains that the new single explores both sides of Blur, describing "The Puritan" as a "big and bouncy, up and at 'em sing-along special" and "Under the Westway" as more of a hymn. James also discusses the foggy future of the band after their scheduled appearance at the London Olympics closing ceremonies.Watch the trailer below.