Formed in South London in 2017, Dry Cleaning have carved out a singular place in contemporary post-punk. The quartet—vocalist Florence Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse, bassist Lewis Maynard and drummer Nick Buxton—have become known for their distinctive blend of deadpan spoken word, sharp wit and propulsive rhythms.
Their third album, Secret Love, was released in early 2026 on the legendary 4AD label. The record took shape across a series of inspiring locations: from creative sessions at Wilco’s studio, The Loft, in Chicago, to recordings in Dublin with Alan Duggan and Daniel Fox of Gilla Band. The final pieces fell into place at Black Box Studio in France alongside Welsh musician and producer Cate Le Bon. The collaboration proved such a natural fit that the band quickly decided to continue working with her, drawn to her infectious enthusiasm and open-minded approach. Le Bon’s production credits include acclaimed records by Deerhunter, Devendra Banhart, Wilco and Horsegirl.
On stage, Dry Cleaning are utterly captivating. Florence Shaw delivers her observations and fragmented narratives in a cool, detached voice that contrasts beautifully with the band’s taut, driving sound. Angular guitars, muscular basslines and restless rhythms create songs that constantly shift between tension and release. The result is both intellectually stimulating and physically immersive: a performance that feels less like a conventional rock concert and more like a piece of live art unfolding before your eyes.
The most important British guitar band of their generation.
