SCARED TO DANCE

The Tubs were formed in 2019 by Owen “O” Williams and George Nicholls, formerly of much-loved Welsh pop band Joanna Gruesome. The two hunkered down in rural North Wales to expand on the fuzzy, hook-laden sounds they propagated in their former outfit, this time incorporating elements of post-punk and guitar jangle. They were soon joined by Max Warren and Matt Green to record the critically acclaimed Names EP.

They are set to release their debut album Dead Meat in January on Trouble in Mind with the first single “Sniveller” lauded by Stereogum as a “jangly, propulsive pop song”. Dead Meat is resplendent in hi-fidelity strum and thrum, but the group’s penchant for traditional British folk and Canterbury folk-rock takes a noticeable, caffeinated step forward. Echoes of Fairport Convention’s decidedly English chime cross swords with William’s lyrics. Many songs urgently soar under Williams’ acerbic lyrics, recalling a younger, fiery Richard Thompson.

Bloody Death began as the solo project of Ted Foster, who took inspiration from experimental lo-fi indie, slacker and alternative music to write emotive lo-fi rock. Originally based in Brighton, Bloody Death has evolved and changed shape alongside Ted’s travels. A summer spent working on a remote farm in Spain has brought a theme of isolation to his music. He then continued to write and explore this direction from Saltburn and now London.