Hear Blondie’s Roaring New Song ‘Fragments’

Blondie unveiled a sprawling and exhilarating rendition of “Fragments,” the closing track from their upcoming LP, Pollinator, out May 5th. Vancouver indie artist an Unkindness ”“ the musical project of Adam Johnston ”“ released “Fragments” in 2010, though it was first heard at the end of his YouTube movie reviews. 

On their version, Blondie flip Johnston’s folk ballad into a prog-tinged epic that begins with a spaced-out intro and morphs suddenly into a driving rocker. While a rollicking piano recalls the stripped-down instrumentals of Johnston’s original, Blondie inject their rendition of “Fragments” with delirious synths, roaring guitar and gritty bass while Debbie Harry unleashes a vocal performance packed with plenty of potent theatricality.

“Fragments” follows previously released Pollinator tracks “Fun,” a collaboration with TV On the Radio’s Dave Sitek, and “Long Time,” which was co-written with Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes. Pollinator will also feature contributions from Sia, Charli XCX, Laurie Anderson, Joan Jett, former Smiths/Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr and the Strokes’ Nick Valensi.

Blondie will embark on a co-headlining summer tour with Garbage July 5th in Saratoga, California.