Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) has unveiled his highly anticipated seventh studio album, Glory, set to release on March 28th via Matador Records, his trusted creative home. Teaming up once again with visionary producer Blake Mills, Glory promises to expand on Hadreas’ lush and emotional sonic world, adding another gem to his already impeccable discography.
The announcement arrives with the release of the album’s first single, “It’s a Mirror,” accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Cody Critcheloe. Critcheloe, known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Robyn, Kylie Minogue, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, first collaborated with Hadreas on the iconic “Queen.” Their reunion in “It’s a Mirror” results in a visual masterpiece that underscores the single’s haunting themes.
Hadreas describes “It’s a Mirror” as a reflection of his inner battles, stating:
“I wake up overwhelmed even when nothing is going on. I spend the rest of the day trying to regulate… But why? They are mostly bad. They also haven’t really changed for decades. I wrote ‘It’s a Mirror’ while stuck in one of these isolating loops, seeing that something different and maybe even beautiful is out there but not quite knowing how to venture out.”
The forthcoming Glory features contributions from a stellar lineup of musicians, including Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Jim Keltner, and Aldous Harding, alongside Hadreas’ longtime collaborator and co-writer, Alan Wyffels. Unlike previous albums, where Hadreas leaned into solitary introspection, Glory welcomes a more collaborative approach, resulting in a wiry, driving soundscape that mirrors the raw, untamed beauty of its themes.
Exploring familiar subjects—love, decay, domesticity, and the weight of personal history—Hadreas approaches these topics from a place of reckoning and resolution. This is a Perfume Genius who has weathered the storm and now dares to explore the stillness that follows. Glory is a bold, uncharted journey into a space of acceptance and rediscovery.
Perfume Genius will take Glory on the road with an extensive North American tour kicking off May 12th in Healdsburg, CA, and culminating June 27th at Portland’s Revolution Hall. Highlights include iconic venues like The Fillmore in San Francisco and The Brooklyn Paramount. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 17th, at 10 AM local time, with presale access available starting January 16th at perfumegenius.org.
With Glory, Perfume Genius seems poised to redefine his artistry yet again, crafting a poignant narrative that feels simultaneously universal and deeply personal. Prepare to be captivated.
