Groove Armada

Andy Cato and Tom Findlay, better known together as Groove Armada, will release their sixth studio album, Black Light, February 23, 2010 in the U.S. The album, which features an impressive list of guest artists, represents a bold new phase in the duo's artistic evolution, while maintaining a signature Groove Armada style that fans have come to know and love.

Drawing inspiration from Lovebox - their award-winning London festival featuring bands like the Friendly Fires, Klaxons, LCD Soundsystem, Ladyhawke, and MGMT - the band has taken their songwriting in an unexpected and original direction. “We could've knocked out an album of reggae-influenced house bangers and a couple of chill-out tunes, and that would've been a much easier life," explains Andy. “But we needed a new challenge. Neither of us was interested in just repeating ourselves."

The bands at Lovebox, however, played a large part in bringing the band back towards their influences. “They're the ones really leading the charge, making genuinely exciting, dance-informed music. And that sound really pushed us back towards people like David Bowie, Gary Numan, New Order, Fleetwood Mac, and Roxy Music."

Listening to Roxy Music's classic “Love Is A Drug" on repeat during the recording sessions for Black Light led to the ultimate coup for Groove Armada, as Roxy Music's vocalist Bryan Ferry lends his vocals to the track “Shameless." Other standout guest stars on Black Light include SaintSaviour, who has been described as a cross between Kate Bush and Anthony & The Johnsons, as well as Brooklyn She Keeps Bees songstress Jess Larabee, and Nick Littlemore from the Aussie electronic sensation Empire of the Sun, who collaborates vocally on several of the album's tracks.

Groove Armada couldn't be more proud of Black Light. “It's amazing to make a record at this point in your career that you're viscerally excited about," says Tom. “But that's honestly how I feel." Andy is quick to agree, “I think even people who've hated everything we've ever made before could absolutely love this record. I'm incredibly proud of it. If I could leave just one album of ours behind, there is absolutely no question as to which one it would be."

“I Won't Kneel," the first single from Black Light, features a scintillating vocal from SaintSaviour, The track is currently available on iTunes, along with remixes by Mock & Toof, Bloody Beetroots, and more.

Groove Armada tour dates available here. And for more on Groove Armada, see our exclusive feature/interview here.