Pete Doherty has released a new track titled The Day The Baron Died, the latest preview from his forthcoming solo album Felt Better Alive, which lands on 16 May via Strap Originals.

The new song is a quirky, jazz-leaning piece filled with melancholy charm and poetic mischief, accompanied by a striking, gothic-inspired video filmed in Normandy. Directed by Thad and Numa, the video stars Pete as The Baron alongside Katia deVidas Doherty as The Lady, with surreal seaside backdrops lending a theatrical flair to the song’s mood.

Speaking about the track, Doherty said he always thought it was a weird jazz number with a silly, catchy little melody. It is a kind of homage to John Lennon's Instant Karma, not the lyrics but the weird off-time drum fill in the chorus. And, true to form, he adds he is not going to explain what the song is about because he is working on a follow-up.

The Day The Baron Died joins previous singles Calvados and Felt Better Alive on the album’s 11-track lineup. The record, his fifth solo release, sees Doherty weaving together indie folk, orchestral flourishes, country tones and classic Doherty lyricism, part romantic rambler, part poet laureate of life’s messy middle bits.

Fans across Europe will be able to catch him live throughout April and May, including shows in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands but no date in Luxembourg this time. Adding extra excitement to the run, Mike Joyce of The Smiths will be joining Doherty’s band on drums for select dates.

Felt Better Alive will be available in multiple formats, including limited edition coloured vinyl, cassette, CD, and a deluxe double LP with exclusive items available via Doherty’s official store.

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Want more? Here's Pete's take on the Song 2 Theory:

Song 2: The Libertines (S.3 Ep.25)