Declan Mckenna is back with latest track, ‘Sympathy’

Premiering today as Radio 1’s Hottest Record, ‘Sympathy’ is the first we’ve heard from Declan McKenna this year. Giving a hint of what we can expect from his next album - the follow up to 2020’s sophomore effort ‘Zeros’ - the track is a slice of bouncy alt-pop full of laid-back grooves, lilting organ, and Declan’s signature falsetto.

Explaining his writing inspirations, he says: “‘Sympathy’ doesn’t have a complex message, and, in itself, encourages simplicity and directness. It feels like a dream about love and compassion, it wants us to let go of inhibitions and allow ourselves to truly connect with others rather than overthinking and hiding your feelings away. Or put even simpler, it’s about peace and love”.

It arrives alongside a playful music video of Declan jamming on the beach - shot on location at the south coast’s Camber Sands - while making friends with some suspiciously friendly seagulls. Check it out below: