Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Release ‘Council Skies

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have today released ‘Council Skies (The Reflex Revision)’, a remix of Noel's latest single ‘Council Skies’ by French DJ Nicolas Laugier aka The Reflex. Listen here and watch the lyric video here. ‘Council Skies’ was released last month as the new single and title track from the eagerly anticipated new studio album, due for release 2nd June via Sour Mash Records.

This remix follows on from the reworking of ‘Pretty Boy’ by The Cure’s Robert Smith, the latest in a long line of remixes that speak to Noel's roots in electronic music and the Hacienda scene. The Reflex, a long-time collaborator with Noel, has also previously remixed singles for music legends such as Nile Rodgers, Bono and Paul Weller.

Speaking on the track, The Reflex recalls “Long before I knew this was going to be the album title, I was instantly drawn to ‘Council Skies’, as I too have dreamt underneath those council skies in my youth. Most importantly, it just sounded like a modern masterpiece to me. I hope my remix brings out the gloriousness of it all!’”

Council Skies is currently receiving widespread national daytime radio airplay and follows the singles ‘Pretty Boy’ featuring Johnny Marr and ‘Easy Now’, plus ‘Dead To The World’ which Noel says is, “by some distance my favourite tune on the album.” All tracks have received critical acclaim from media and fans alike, building anticipation for the new record.

A decade since the formation of High Flying Birds and having achieved four UK Number One albums, ‘Council Skies’, produced by Noel and Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey, is the bands fourth studio album and Noel’s most complete solo statement to date.

The artwork, shot by renowned Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, sees Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ live equipment set up in the original centre spot of what was Maine Road Football Stadium. 2023 marks 100 years since the ground was opened and forever remains Manchester City FC's spiritual home.

‘Council Skies’ is available to pre-order now on CD, heavyweight vinyl with bonus 7”, LP picture disc plus various digital formats including a Dolby Atmos spatial audio version. The previously released Robert Smith remix of ‘Pretty Boy’ is featured on deluxe limited-edition triple vinyl and 2CD formats which also include a stunning live session version of ‘Live Forever’ and a remix from Pet Shop Boys. A printed handwritten lyric sheet of title track ‘Council Skies’ will be included with all album pre-orders via the official store.

The release of ‘Council Skies’ will kick start a huge live season for the band, starting with a 26 date USA tour, co-headlining with US alternative rockers Garbage which will begin on 2nd June. The band then return to the UK to play an array of UK outdoor shows & headline festival performances, including a massive homecoming gig at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park on August Bank Holiday weekend. Also recently announced – a full UK arena tour throughout December 2023. Tickets are on sale here.