Arlo Parks Celebrates Queer Euphoria on New Album 'Ambiguous Desire'

The British singer-songwriter's third album draws inspiration from the vibrant nightlife of New York City.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract close-up image of shattered disco ball fragments reflecting dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conveying a sense of glitzy, high-energy nightclub atmosphere.Arlo Parks' new album 'Ambiguous Desire' captures the transformative power of nightlife and queer self-discovery.Los Angeles Today

Arlo Parks' powerful third album 'Ambiguous Desire' is a 12-track exploration of queer identity, self-expression, and the euphoric energy of nightlife. Recorded in New York City, the album blends Parks' signature lyricism with influences ranging from UK garage to techno, capturing the artist's personal journey of embracing her queerness and finding confidence on the dancefloor.

Why it matters

As one of the UK's most acclaimed young singer-songwriters, Arlo Parks has built a reputation for vulnerable, introspective indie-pop. 'Ambiguous Desire' marks a bold creative evolution, as Parks embraces a more experimental, club-inspired sound that celebrates queer joy and the transformative power of nightlife spaces.

The details

Recorded with producers Baird and Paul Epworth, the album draws inspiration from the vibrant underground scenes of New York City, where Parks spent time immersing herself in clubs and finding new creative inspiration. Tracks like 'Get Go' and 'Floette' blend electronic textures with Parks' emotive vocals, exploring themes of queer identity, healing, and the thrill of losing oneself on the dancefloor.

  • Arlo Parks will be touring 'Ambiguous Desire' extensively from Autumn 2026.
  • Several smaller, more intimate shows are planned for the end of 2025, as well as forthcoming club-focused remixes.

The players

Arlo Parks

A 25-year-old British singer-songwriter who has won the Mercury Music Prize and been nominated for Grammys and Ivor Novello Awards. 'Ambiguous Desire' is her third studio album.

Baird

A producer who has worked with artists like Brockhampton and Kevin Abstract, and collaborated closely with Parks on 'Ambiguous Desire.'

Paul Epworth

A veteran producer who has worked with Adele, Florence and the Machine, and Rihanna, and contributed additional production to 'Ambiguous Desire.'

Sampha

A South London-based musician who is featured on the introspective track 'Senses' and has been a key influence on Parks' sound.

Kelly Lee Owens

A DJ whose music inspired the techno-influenced track 'Heaven' on 'Ambiguous Desire.'

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What they’re saying

“I fell in love with nocturnal spaces over the past two years of writing this album. These were places where I could be whoever I wanted to be on that night, from staying on the fringes to throwing myself into it completely and escaping for hours on the dancefloor.”

— Arlo Parks, Singer-songwriter

“I wrote him a letter about the song and he held it so gently and completely understood what I was trying to say.”

— Arlo Parks, Singer-songwriter

What’s next

Parks will be touring 'Ambiguous Desire' extensively from Autumn 2026, while several smaller, more intimate shows are planned for the end of 2025, as well as forthcoming club-focused remixes from producers like Jacques Greene and John Glacier.

The takeaway

With 'Ambiguous Desire', Arlo Parks has crafted a bold, genre-blending album that celebrates queer identity, self-expression, and the transformative power of nightlife. The album marks a confident creative evolution for the acclaimed British artist, as she embraces a more experimental sound inspired by the vibrant underground scenes of New York City.