Mike Hadreas, known artistically as Perfume Genius, has announced his next album entitled Glory. This new work, produced by Blake Mills, will be the successor to Ugly Season (2022) and will be released on March 28th on Matador Records. As a preview, the musician has released today the album’s lead single, “It’s a Mirror”, accompanied by an evocative video directed by frequent collaborator Cody Critchloe. You can watch it at the bottom of this article.
An introspective look at “It’s a Mirror”.
In a press release, Hadreas reflected on the emotional process behind “It’s a Mirror,” highlighting his struggle with emotional self-regulation:
“I wake up overwhelmed even when nothing is going on. I spend the rest of the day trying to regulate myself, something I prefer to do at home, alone with my thoughts. But why? They’re mostly negative. Besides, they haven’t really changed in decades. I wrote It’s a Mirror while stuck in one of those isolation loops, seeing that something different and maybe even beautiful is out there, but not quite knowing how to venture toward it. I got a lot more practice keeping the door closed.”
This track encapsulates a mix of introspection and longing, recurring themes in Perfume Genius’ work, and marks a new chapter in his ongoing emotional and artistic exploration.
The return of Perfume Genius to the stage
To celebrate the release of Glory, Perfume Genius will embark on an extensive North American tour. The tour will kick off on May 12 in Healdsburg, California, and conclude on June 27 at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon.
Last year, Hadreas was active with reinterpretations of classics like Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” and Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy.” He also re-released his influential 2014 album Too Bright for its 10th anniversary, cementing his legacy as a key indie pop figure.
A preview of what is to come
Glory promises to be a testament to Perfume Genius’ ability to transform vulnerability into deeply moving art. With production by Blake Mills, a regular collaborator with artists such as Fiona Apple and Laura Marling, the album is destined to take Hadreas to new creative heights.
If It’s a Mirror is a reflection of what is to come, Perfume Genius fans can expect an album that not only explores the darker corners of the mind, but also finds moments of beauty and transcendence.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for March 28th and get ready to dive into Glory’s universe. In the meantime, enjoy “It’s a Mirror”, available now along with its stunning video.
