Indie Giants Unite: Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, and Kae Tempest Debut ‘Flags’
Following the surprise return of Arctic Monkeys with 'Opening Night', the anticipation for the 'Help (2)' charity compilation has reached a fever pitch, that momentum continues with the release of the album's second single: the captivating and atmospheric 'Flags'.
Credited to the powerhouse trio of Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, and Kae Tempest, the track serves as a centrepiece for the upcoming album, scheduled for release on March 6th.
A Legacy Reborn
The album, set for release on March 6th, serves as the spiritual and ambitious successor to the landmark 'Help' album. Originally released in 1995 to aid children caught in the Bosnian War, the first record became a piece of music history by being recorded and released in a staggering 24-hour window. It featured a definitive "who's who" of the Britpop and Trip-hop eras, including Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Orbital, Portishead, Massive Attack, Suede, Sinéad O’Connor, Manic Street Preachers, and The Boo Radleys.
That original effort didn’t just top the charts; it raised over £1.25 million for charity and proved that the music industry could mobilise with incredible speed for a common cause. Now, thirty-one years later, 'Help (2)' seeks to recapture that same lightning in a bottle. While the recording process at Abbey Road Studios was slightly more expansive than the original's 24-hour sprint, the sense of urgency remains. By bringing together the pioneers of the 90s with the definitive voices of 2026, the project bridges two generations of British musical rebellion, all aimed at supporting children in conflict zones once again.
The new album is produced and stewarded by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz, Florence + The Machine, Blur, Pet Shop Boys), and was recorded through “a close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios” mostly during one week in November 2025.
Inside the Track: ‘Flags’
Another preview of the album has been shared in the form of ‘Flags’. It sees Blur and Gorillaz icon Damon Albarn come together with Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten and British poet and artist Kae Tempest.
The song is driven by an upbeat, yet slightly melancholic piano melody, and opens with Albarn’s signature vocals. “Now you left yourself there on the wall/ Looking up, painted on teeth, powdered concrete/ Here on earth, the sun in the sky, between my teeth/ Looking down, shaking some hand, older than mine,” he sings, before Chatten takes over vocal duties.
“The sun cries tears/ And they land inside ya/ You feel the fear where you once felt pride.”
The production credits are as heavy-hitting as the vocalists, with Albarn, James Ford, Marta Salogni, and Toby L at the helm. The sonic landscape is further enriched by:
- Guitars: Johnny Marr and Adrian Utley (Portishead)
- Rhythm Section: Seye Adelekan (Gorillaz) and Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective)
- Instrumentation: Dave Okumu
- The Choirs: A 43-piece children’s choir joined by an "all-star" ensemble including Jarvis Cocker, Carl Barât, Declan McKenna, and members of Black Country, New Road.
"A Fever Dream" at Abbey Road
For the artists involved, the session was about more than just the music. Damon Albarn reflected on the unique atmosphere of the recording:
“Recording ‘Flags’ was a genuinely joyful two days, with a strong sense of purpose throughout the building,” Albarn shared. “I was particularly struck by the decision to employ children to do all the filming in the studio, it felt inspiring and directly reinforced the point we were trying to make about communicating with kids, by involving them in the process itself.”
“I feel honoured to be a part of this project. I loved writing this song and collaborating with the other artists; it was like a fever dream that day at Abbey Road. Couldn’t believe how good it felt and the sheer force of will that shepherded all those energies together and directed them towards this beautiful conclusion,” Tempest added. “It was a true collaboration. It’s a great album, and I hope we can raise lots of funds and energy. For the children.”
Grian Chatten also added that “to be gifted the chance to collaborate with such talented artists as Damon and Kae in aid of such an important cause was really special, and that “it’s a rare occasion that you feel the energy for change in such a tangible way and from so many, but that is exactly how it felt in the room that day.”
A Tracklist Without Equal
'Help (2)' is rapidly shaping up to be one of the most culturally significant releases of the decade, boasting a lineup that bridges indie royalty with the vanguard of modern pop. Beyond the release of ‘Flags’, the album features a breathtaking array of global talent, including Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Beck, and Pulp.
The record also shines a spotlight on contemporary pioneers like Sampha, Arlo Parks, Young Fathers, and The Last Dinner Party, alongside seasoned icons such as Beth Gibbons (Portishead), Graham Coxon (Blur), and Bat For Lashes. The sheer diversity of the project is reflected in appearances from Big Thief, Beabadoobee, Wet Leg, King Krule, and Arooj Aftab, creating a sonic tapestry that spans genres and generations.
A Poignant Tribute from Fontaines D.C.
The collaboration doesn't end with Grian Chatten’s work on the new single. In a moving nod to the original 'Help' contributor, the entirety of Fontaines D.C. have recorded a cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 protest anthem, ‘Black Boys On Mopeds’.
The band described the session as a “unique and life-affirming experience,” capturing the raw, political spirit of the original while grounding it in the contemporary urgency of the 'Help (2)' project. It stands as a centrepiece of the record, a bridge between the legacy of the 1995 album and the mission of 2026.
The album is available for pre-order here