the cost of touring in the US, difficulty obtaining visas, and the band's low profile in North America prevented them from including tour dates there. Band members say they now consider playing together as Fat Freddy's Drop their first musical priority, and spend less time playing with other bands. Blackbird: 2013 In early 2013, the band revealed a new album was in the works, and eventually the first single, Silver and Gold was released as a vinyl and free online download. The single received significant radio airplay following its release. The album, Blackbird was released on 21 June in Ireland and in most regions, and on 24 June in others. The album debuted in the number-one position on the New Zealand album chart and remained in that position for four weeks. The band went on a national tour of Australia in late August/early September where they appeared at the Splendour in the Grass festival, and will head to Europe for a string of dates immediately after. Bays: 2015 New material was teased in early in October 2014 on NZ radio and Fat Freddy's Drop released Slings and Arrows 17 October 2014. Starting with an 8-bit intro the song blossomed in to what they said was their most reggae track thus far. The subsequent album Bays was released the following year on 23 October 2015, reaching the number 1 in New Zealand and 12 In Australia. The album title is derived from their home base in Wellington where the majority of the album was written. Widening the sphere of influence which colours their music the new album features more electronic flavour in Wheels and Cortina Motors, which seems like a true evolution, and more soulful moments in Makkan where Dallas already resides. Special Edition Part 1 On 20 July 2018, the single Trickle Down was released and fifth studio album confirmed. Following this, a tour of Europe commenced, which included tease performances of three new songs: Special Edition, 114, and Kamo, Kamo. On 10 October 2019, the single Kamo Kamo was released, along with an official name and release date for the upcoming album. Special Edition Part 1 was released digitally on 15 November with physical formats to follow. Musical style and influences Improvisation, live and in the studio, has been the basis for Fat Freddy's Drop's music since the beginning of their career. "Live performance is the most natural state