Lankum have released their version of The Specials’ national anthem Ghost Town which they created for Oona Doherty’s dance show ‘Specky Clark’ earlier this year. The stand-alone single recreates the 1981 number one as only Lankum could, with a devastatingly powerful and otherworldly interpretation of the enduring Two Tone anthem.

“Ghost Town came to us through some curious circumstances. Oona Doherty, who we were familiar with through her phenomenal dance work on the video for Gilla Band’s ‘Shoulderblades’, contacted us and told us about a new show she was putting together. It was about her great-great-grandfather being sent to Belfast as a child to live with his aunts and work in an abattoir. She wanted a new piece of music for the show, for a party scene set on Halloween night, and told us she wanted it to start out indistinguishable and woozy, before developing into the very recognisable track by The Specials.

At first we were slightly reticent, since a cover of a ska tune wasn’t something we’d usually ever consider, but after a bit of deliberation we decided we’d give it a shot, and the result took us on an incredibly enjoyable journey that had us gleefully playing with synthesisers and drum machines in Hellfire Studios, trying to come up with the scaldiest 90s sounding techno for the outro section of the track.”

We’re very excited with the end product and delighted that Oona approached us and challenged us to step out of our comfort zone. It’s an honour to be releasing a version of this iconic tune, and it feels eerily relevant to be referencing yet again themes of urban decay, economic hardship and working class frustration. Enjoy responsibly.”

Lankum’s amazing re-imagination of Ghost Town is accompanied by an equally stunning video shot in location in County Wicklow by the renowned director Leonn Ward, with cinematography by Robbie Ryan.

‘Ghost Town’ will be released on 12” vinyl format in January 2026 featuring an elaborate etching on the b-side. Rough Trade Records are also excited to share the news that Lankum have now extended their contract with the label for multiple future albums and releases.