The Aces have released Gold Star Baby: After Hours, a deluxe edition of their 2025 album that expands their signature queer disco-pop sound with new songs and renewed momentum heading into a major 2026 tour run. The Gold Star Baby: After Hours deluxe album is out now and features three additional tracks, including “Square One,” “Can’t Wait,” and a club remix of “The Magic” by guitarist Katie Henderson.
The Gold Star Baby: After Hours deluxe album builds on the band’s original concept, a stylized, anything-goes nightlife universe rooted in queer identity, escapism, and connection. Where the first release captured the anticipation of stepping into that world, the deluxe edition explores what unfolds deeper into the night, when energy shifts from carefree to reflective without losing its pulse.
Originally released in August 2025 via SoundOn, Gold Star Baby marked a defining moment for The Aces, earning praise for its balance of disco-pop production and emotionally sharp songwriting. The album positioned the band within a growing wave of queer pop artists reshaping the genre with more explicit, unapologetic narratives.
The new tracks sharpen that identity. “Square One” introduces tension and bite, while “Can’t Wait” leans into release and forward motion. The remix of “The Magic” shifts the album further into club territory, reinforcing the project’s after-hours framing and its connection to dancefloor culture.
Beyond the music, The Aces continue to scale their presence globally. With over 250 million streams and a touring history that spans festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the band has steadily evolved from indie breakout to a defining voice in modern pop. That growth continues this summer as they join Louis Tomlinson on his 2026 North American arena tour, including major stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Red Rocks Amphitheater, along with a festival appearance at Summerfest.
The Gold Star Baby: After Hours deluxe album reinforces The Aces’ position within queer pop, offering a project that feels both fully realized and still in motion, designed for late nights, repeat listens, and a fanbase that continues to grow with them.
Featured image credit: Dana Trippe
