Downes Braide Association, the studio collaboration between keyboardist Geoff Downes and songwriter-vocalist Chris Braide, will release its sixth album, ‘Trauma’, on 25 September through Cherry Red Records. The pair describe it as a return to the project’s expansive style, combining long-form pieces with melodic rock and cinematic songwriting, while exploring resilience, inherited wounds and recovery.

The album was developed across locations including Richmond, Los Angeles, Gloucestershire, South Wales and Devon. Its first single, ‘Wonderland’, has been released with a video; Downes says it conveys hope amid change, while Braide links it to breaking away from restrictive family and institutional structures. Returning musicians include guitarist Dave Bainbridge, bassist Andy Hodge and drummer Ash Soan, with additional drums by Tim Weller.