Video: Blur

Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon performed a brand new Blur song during the War Child benefit concert at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire last night.

With a new album from the Britpop pinups confirmed as in the works, Albarn introduced the new track, called ‘Under The Westway’, as written “up the road a couple of weeks ago”.

Our verdict? Well, it’s a Lennon/Bowie-esque piano ballad that’s as pretty as only Albarn can be. But, and we say this with all due sense of reverence and respect, what price a banger?

Looking to the longer-term future from the formerly Essex-based group, and the outlook is rather less certain. Finger-lickin’ bassist Alex James has said the band’s reunion “may be their last bow”, adding that he felt like they were “reassembling the A-Team for one last job”.

Writing in The Sun, James said of the band’s forthcoming performance at the Brits, where they will receive an Outstanding Contribution To Music Award: “There is always a feeling that this may be Blur’s last bow, which I suppose makes it all the more exciting.

“We’ve been asked to perform five songs. I met up with the band last week and we discussed what we will play. I’m more excited about playing a few of the old hits again than winning. Winning prizes is nothing compared to the feeling of playing music.”

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