The Manics return with a new album and UK tour.

The Welsh godlike geniuses (as per last year's NME Awards) will release their new material, (well, not so much so, as all lyrics were written by their deeply missed guitarist Richey Edwards), on May 18th. On their website they posted the following message: "All 13 songs on the new record feature lyrics left to us by Richey. The brilliance and intelligence of the lyrics dictated that we had to finally use them. The use of language is stunning and topics include The Grande Odalisque by Ingres, Marlon Brando, Giant Haystacks, celebrity, consumerism and dysmorphia, all reiterating the genius and intellect of Richard James Edwards".

The album, entitled 'Journal for Plague Lovers', was produced by Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Stooges, Pixies, PJ Harvey...), and its artwork designed by leading Young British Artist, Jenny Saville.

Soon after the record comes out, The Manics will embark on a UK and Ireland tour, kicking off in Glasgow on May 25th, via Llandudno Cymru (May 26th) London (with three consecutive dates at the Roundhouse, May 28th to 30th), Wolverhampton (June 1st), Brighton (June 2nd) and Dublin (June 4th), before ending in Belfast on June 6th.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9.30 AM and will be available here.

Solange Moffi