It's been quite some time since we've heard anything from the UK post-punk rockers The Membranes; 26 years to be exact. The band's last studio effort, To Slay the Rock Pig came out in 1989. But in some of the more exciting and unexpected news we've had in some time, the group have announced a new LP, Dark Matter/Dark Energy, set for release this year as well as a few supporting tour dates in the UK!

The Membranes, fronted by John Robb, were pioneers of the post-punk noise rock scene, their influence ranging from artists like Big Black and Sonic Youth to Mercury Rev and My Bloody Valentine. A press release for the album announcement says the new music "weaves noise, drones, percussion, feedback, discord, melody, free jazz, dub, dark dub, free punk, heavy rhythms, classical music, orchestras, percussion, near silence, death to trad rock noise and freedom into a unique whole of beauty and noise and enjoys all the contrasts."

The album will be preceded by a 7" release of 'Do the Supernova' on Record Store Day, and you can also listen to new track 'The Universe Explodes Into A Billion Photons of Pure White Light' here.

Dark Matter/Dark Energy hits shelves June 22. Have a look at the tour dates below!

May 22 - Lexington, London

May 23 - Liverpool Sound City
June 6 - Fibbers, York
June 12 - Citrus Club, Edinburgh
June 13 - Broadcast, Glasgow
July 4 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds