Saint Etienne - "International" : their new release is on the way (5/9)

Saint Etienne, the British indie pop trio formed by Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs, and Sarah Cracknell, rose to prominence in the early '90s with a blend of nostalgic yet stylish pop inspired by decades of European culture. Their music was filled with cinematic samples, literary flair, and a deep appreciation for pop history, which helped them stand apart from the typical Britpop scene. Their debut invitation to "Join Our Club" in 1992 set the tone for a career built on charm and creative enthusiasm.

Now, over 30 years later, the band releases what they announce as their final album, International. Though not a formal breakup, this record acts as a celebratory farewell, gathering contributions from friends and collaborators like Vince Clarke, Nick Heyward, and Confidence Man. Spoken word interludes by various artists connect the songs in a style reminiscent of the band’s early albums, creating a nostalgic, affectionate atmosphere that honors their history.

Tim Powell, known for his work with pop giants like Sugababes and Pet Shop Boys, produces the album with polish and flair. The music includes nods to Saint Etienne’s dancefloor roots while embracing cinematic pop arrangements and collaborations with notable figures like Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers and Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. The result is a blend of disco, electro-funk, and bittersweet indie pop that stays true to their signature sound while evolving it.

The album closes with reflective, emotionally rich tracks like "The Last Time," and joyful, upbeat songs like “Brand New Me.” Even as they say goodbye, Saint Etienne remain inventive and sincere, ending their run not with a whimper, but with a confident and heartfelt expression of everything they’ve always loved about pop music. International is a graceful and fitting farewell to a band that never lost its creative spark.