La Luz Shares Surreal New Single ‘Poppies’

Dream pop group La Luz shared the blissed-out single, “Poppies.” The track appears on the band’s forthcoming new album, News Of The Universe.

Set for release on May 24, News Of The Universe will be the first La Luz album issued by venerable Seattle-based record label Sub Pop Records. Described as “La Luz’s most brutal record to date but also their most blissful,” the 12-song News Of The Universe was informed by original founding guitarist/lead singer Shana Cleveland’s experience being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer two years after the birth of her child.

Regarding “Poppies,” Cleveland stated:

“‘Poppies’ is about the surreal feeling of going through the horror and isolation of a cancer diagnosis and treatment and then suddenly being out in the bright world again, trying to make sense of it all, feeling like I’m walking through a waking dream, seeing the first wildflowers come out and feeling a similar sense of rebirth.”

News Of The Universe is the last La Luz album recorded with former members, bassist Lena Simon and keyboardist Alice Sandahl, who appear alongside Cleveland and, for the first time on a La Luz album, current drummer Audrey Johnson. The forthcoming album was recorded at Tiny Telephone in Oakland with producer Maryam Qudus, who is now a member of the band. La Luz’s present lineup consists of Cleveland, Johnson, Qudus and bassist Lee Paige.

The follow-up to their 2021 self-titled LP also features the previously shared single, “Strange World.” La Luz will tour in support of News Of The Universe beginning in Europe in May. Find a full list of tour dates and stream the hauntingly nostalgic single, “Poppies” below: