Caribou’s New Album 'Honey' Drops Soon—Here’s What to Expect
Is Caribou lowkey the best recording artist of our era? It’s a question worth asking. Alongside a few other proto-chillwavers, Dan Snaith’s impact is undeniable, with his influence reverberating through so much of the music we hear today. His reach seems boundless. And now, Caribou fans, brace yourselves—Snaith is back with some sweet news. The electronic maestro, known for his hypnotic blend of house, psychedelic pop, and indie electronica, has just announced a new album named Honey, set to drop on October 4. If you've been vibing to his work over the years, especially his last album Suddenly, then get ready for what seems to be another evolution in his sound.
What We Know So Far
Honey is already shaping up to be a deep dive into Caribou's signature mix of lush melodies and rhythmic precision. The album will feature 12 tracks, including some intriguing singles that offer a glimpse into the sonic landscape Snaith is crafting.
Here’s the lowdown on the singles we’ve heard so far.
Broke My Heart introduces a twee beat that throws back to vintage UK garage, with a splash of day-glo PC Music influences. As the first single, it was definitely a curveball—not what you might typically expect from the Dan man. It’ll be interesting to see how representative it is of the entire album.
Volume explores a plinky-plunky IDM sound reminiscent of Four Tet, layered with atmospheric vocals. This track is closer to the vibe most people associate with Caribou, yet it remains singular and fascinating in its own right. What I love about Snaith is his ability to reinvent himself, constantly experimenting and exploring different dance music genres from one album to the next.
Honey feels like another fresh exploration of a classic UK genre. This track blends sections with intimate, plucky synths, and a drop that’s pure drum and bass madness. I can’t wait to see this one performed live—people will freak.
Come Find Me is the latest single, and it just dropped today. It’s a more introspective track, combining Caribou's characteristic electronic production with an intimate vocal hook and ethereal synth melodies that evoke a sense of longing. The beat is understated but effective, providing a steady foundation for the song's emotional core. The accompanying video, directed by Richard Kenworthy, adds an extra layer of visual charm, making it a must-watch.
The Making of Honey
Dan Snaith, who has been crafting music as Caribou for over two decades, shared some insights into the making of Honey. Staying true to his roots, Snaith continues to create in a small basement studio—a setup he says keeps him connected to the raw excitement of music-making.
Despite the minimalist environment, the process is anything but simple. Snaith spoke about the meticulous work behind the album, particularly in capturing that French Touch vibe on Come Find Me, which he describes as a real labor of love.
Yet, he remains as passionate as ever. Of his new single, he says: “When I play that one in DJ sets, when it drops down to just the singing and then suddenly it’s a song that surges back in—I know for a fact no one in the crowd has heard it before, and yet people always respond in this really emotionally charged, euphoric way.… Thats always the best litmus test that a track has come together in the right way.”
If you want to know more about Caribou’s process in the studio, listen to his Tape Notes episode. No hyperbole, it’s literally my favorite thing ever.
Why This Album Matters
Caribou’s music has always resonated with those who crave depth in their electronic music—tracks that don’t just make you move but also make you feel. With Honey, Snaith seems to be doubling down on that emotional connection. The album's title alone hints at something sweet, nourishing, and perhaps even sticky—a collection of tracks that will linger with you long after the music stops. Much like Winnie the Pooh, I can’t wait to get my hands on Honey. (Also, I’m currently wearing a red t-shirt with no pants on.)
This is an album made by someone who loves music as much as they love the music-making process. That genuine enthusiasm is felt throughout his body of work.
Check out what he had to say about it:
“One thing that hasn’t changed for me from the very beginning is a manic curiosity of seeing what I can make out of sound. Not so much what someone can make out of sound—a “professional” with a host of collaborators and resources at their disposal—but me in my little basement studio. There’s more equipment in here than there used to be, but essentially it’s the same as ever: still chasing that thrill of when something hits really hard, and I find myself jumping up and down or the hairs standing up on my arms in excitement.”
“How lucky am I that that’s never gone away? That the chance of making something new and exciting is still as exhilarating as ever, and as much fun as ever? Starting the day with nothing (and finishing most days with nothing good) but occasionally having something that didn’t exist before stuck in my head by the end of the day. It still seems like a kind of alchemy.”
Caribou will bring the excitement to a four-night live residency at London’s The Waiting Room in September, where fans can expect to hear these new tracks in an intimate setting. If you're anywhere near London, it’s definitely something to check out. I have a half mind to quit everything and become a mind-sweeper just so I have an excuse to be there. I’m not kidding.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been following Caribou’s journey, Honey is likely already on your radar. But even if you’re new to his music, this album promises to be a perfect entry point into his rich and varied catalog. Whether you’re looking for something to groove to on the dance floor or a soundtrack for your late-night introspections, Honey is shaping up to be an album that delivers on all fronts.
So, mark your calendars for October 4th, because Caribou is about to make your autumn a whole lot sweeter. And in the meantime, go check out Come Find Me—it's the kind of track that reminds you why Dan Snaith is still one of the most compelling voices in electronic music today.
Honey
01 Broke My Heart
02 Honey
03 Volume
04 Do Without You
05 Come Find Me
06 August 20/24
07 Dear Life
08 Over Now
09 Campfire
10 Climbing
11 Only You
12 Got to Change