Normandie have returned with the announcement of their new album, Dopamine. It’s the latest in the band’s long line of records that have helped them build up an atmospheric rock empire. 2021’s Dark & Beautiful Secrets found vocalist Philip Strand delving into parts of his past that he has never spoken about before. The result was a cathartic listen that touched the hearts and minds of all who let it wash over them. And with Dopamine, it feels as though they are looking towards a future that is much more bleak than anything we could have predicted.
The album is set for release on February 9 2024, via Easy Life Records. Philip has spoken about what inspired the record. Specifically, he dials in on the feeling of whether we have pushed our minds and bodies beyond the limit. He states:
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“The whole album is about the chase for different highs and natural chemicals: oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline…
“What if dopamine had to be clinically provided because we’ve burned through our receptors?”
“Making this album futuristic and dystopian came very naturally when we started discussing the current state of the world. We’re all on overdrive. We’re upping the stakes all the time, and everybody has a higher tolerance now for stress in a way that nobody saw coming.
“Back in the old days you were sowing potatoes and that was your one goal for the day – we were hunter-gatherers and we were just there to provide for our families. Today, we have so many things going on. We’re taught to chase our dreams, but chasing something in the future means you might miss the moment.”
Normandie will be releasing a song on the first day of every month leading up to the album’s release. They are calling this the ‘Dopamine Clinic’, so prepare yourself for five tasters from the 11-track record. One of those songs, called “Hourglass”, will also feature Bury Tomorrow’s Dani Winter-Bates. They have also already released “Blood In The Water“, which will be Track 4.
For today though, we have “Flowers For The Grave“. An irresistibly catchy and vibrant piece of pop-rock brilliance, it’s everything that makes Normandie so brilliantly. Dark, thoughtful and inspiring in its own unique way, it’s an incredible place to begin this new chapter in their story.
Philip had this to say about it:
“Flowers For The Grave is a song about not saving the best for last. Live your life on the daily and appreciate things taking their time! We’re taught to chase our dreams, but chasing something in the future means you might miss the moment.”
