The Ballad of Darren (Deluxe)

Of the album title, Albarn says: “Darren is many people. It is directly one person. But do we want to spoil who Darren is yet? There’s a picture of Daren in the album. Not on the front cover. It was going to be but then we put it on the inner sleeve because it’s not the sort of attention Darren will want.”

On returning with new material, Albarn referenced the band’s forthcoming shows at Wembley Stadium, noting: “What’s the point of doing all of this unless there’s something that represents in some way how we all feel now?” He claimed the album’s "purpose” was to reflect the band’s generation, but said: “I think also it has enough of the modern world in it to kind of be relatable to people younger as well.”

Bassist Alex James added: “The fact that we’ve made a record is a surprise to me… [but] looking back it’s what we actually do.”

Blur announce new album The Ballad of Darren and new single The Narcissist — Radio X

The Britpop legends' first record in eight years will be released on 21st July, with its lead single The Narcissist out now.