Ten years on from his deal with Domino Records, Eugene McGuinness is back with his eagerly awaited new album, ‘Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe’. Being released to the world on 24th April 2026 on Docklands Speed Shop and Mellowtone Records, the brand new album will be officially launched at Rough Trade, Liverpool with a special performance from Eugene on Saturday 21st March.
After his deal with Domino ended, a difficult self-released album followed which saw his personal dreams and ambitions slowly slip towards the horizon. Along with a new chapter of fatherhood and life in general, the absence of making music and the joy the process brought left a noticeable hole. However, this time of great change also resulted in McGuinness embracing his new work and family life, happy to leave the ugliness of the ‘music biz’ behind him.
Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe
Following the release of his affecting 2025 comeback single ‘Seascape’, and its follow up track – the beautiful widescreen romance of ‘London’, ‘Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe’ picks up where ‘The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness’’ left off.
A return to playfulness, rawness, and mysterious off-kilter pop from a more mature Eugene McGuinness, the album is another fine addition to McGuinness’ discography and reflects his evolution as an artist – unafraid to experiment and never playing to the gallery, following a tradition of songwriters – Bob Dylan, Shane MacGowan, Randy Newman, Rufus Wainwright – with voices and interior universes that are all their own.
‘A nimble lyricist and a cheerfully wordy raconteur of contemporary nightlife’
The Guardian
Docklands Speed Shop
Recorded at Liverpool’s Docklands Speed Shop with friend and producer Gajo Paco. Encouraging spontaneity, Eugene, Gajo and a host of old friends and acquaintances were ‘feeling it out’ along the way, trusting the process and welcoming a series of ‘happy accidents’ to contribute to the record’s warm and organic sound.
Of Irish heritage, the idiosyncratic McGuinness began crafting songs in his teens and gained recognition with debut EP ‘The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness’ – released in 2007. His self-titled debut album was released in 2008 on Domino Records followed by ‘Glue’ (2009, as ‘Eugene and The Lizards’), ‘The Invitation to the Voyage’ in 2012 and ‘Chroma’ (2014). ‘Suburban Gothic’ (2018) was released independently and marked his departure from Domino Records.
Next single – Icarus
Eclectic, personal, experimental and collaborative – and flaunting McGuinness’ compelling gift for melody – the new LP spans a range of styles, from the intimate atmospheres of ‘Drag’ to the Gospel-infused ‘There’s Always Next Time’. The next single to be lifted from the record is ‘Icarus’ (released on 20th February) featuring McGuinness’ trademark wry lyrical flair with lush vocal harmonies, a bevy of vintage guitars and sweeping strings coalescing into a swirling epic.
Of Irish heritage, the idiosyncratic McGuinness began crafting songs in his teens and gained recognition with debut EP ‘The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness’ – released in 2007. His self-titled debut album was released in 2008 on Domino Records followed by ‘Glue’ (2009, as ‘Eugene and The Lizards’), ‘The Invitation to the Voyage’ in 2012 and ‘Chroma’ (2014). ‘Suburban Gothic’ (2018) was released independently and marked his departure from Domino Records.
The new LP
Eclectic, personal, experimental and collaborative – and flaunting McGuinness’ compelling gift for melody – the new LP spans a range of styles, from the intimate atmospheres of ‘Drag’ to the Gospel-infused ‘There’s Always Next Time’. The next single to be lifted from the record is ‘Icarus’ (released on 20th February) featuring McGuinness’ trademark wry lyrical flair with lush vocal harmonies, a bevy of vintage guitars and sweeping strings coalescing into a swirling epic.
‘Eugene McGuinness Verses the Universe’, which is being released via Docklands Speed Shop’s label and fellow Liverpool based outfit Mellowtone Records, sees McGuinness coming full circle in many ways. The very day he signed his first record deal with Domino, McGuinness was booked to play a show for Mellowtone in a tiny café in Liverpool. The two Docklands Speed Shop founders were in attendance at the show that night, and were also members of the legendary Derry/Liverpool band The Prelude – who also played Mellowtone shows and shared the stage with McGuinness on many occasions. ‘Eugene McGuinness Verses the Universe’ is the result of long-lasting friendships cemented together by the mutual need for creativity and collaboration.
Album launch show
Join Eugene McGuinness, Mellowtone and Docklands Speed Shop for a special performance to celebrate the launch of the new album at Rough Trade, Liverpool on Saturday 21st March 2026.