The track itself is brilliantly bizarre – thunderous, pounding, angular math rock. The driving drums and guitar are intertwined with softer piano and brass, but noodled riffs and industrial bass sounds make the track a fascinating listen. At times, Black Midi sound like someone has thrown their instruments down some stairs – in the best way you could imagine. The frantic nature of the track and its wide range of instruments really shouldn’t work, but it does and ‘Slow’ is easily one of their strongest tracks to date.

The drumming is a real highlight, Morgan Simpson absolutely shines. He is able to fit complex fills into gaps that seem too small and keeps the frenetic rhythm rumbling on. He’s clearly an exceptional talent, Simpson is one of the many factors that make Black Midi such an interesting prospect.

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There is an accompanying music video, which continues the erratic and chaotic themes. Flicking between animated and live action, the crescendo of the video is planets colliding amongst kaleidoscopic, psychedelic imagery.

The band have also announced details of a huge list of shows. There is a two-legged UK & Ireland tour, taking them the length and breadth of the country. From here, they go on to play numerous dates across Europe plus a long US tour.

Before they hit the road in the winter, Black Midi will play two socially distant shows at Hackney Church next month. The grandiose venue will doubtlessly suit BM’s gothic, colossal sound.

Black Midi’s upcoming tour dates are:

31/08/2021 – BRISTOL Trinity
01/09 – BRISTOL Trinity
02/09 – MANCHESTER O2 Ritz
05/09 – BIRMINGHAM Mill
06/08 – GLASGOW QMU
09/10 – DUBLIN Vicar Street
11/10 – LONDON Alexandra Palace Theatre
14/10 – BATH Komedia
15/10 – CAMBRIDGE Juction
16/10 – SHEFFIELD Corporation
17/10 – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Wylam Brewery
21/10 – LEEDS Brusenell Social Club
22/10 – LEEDS Brusenell Social Club
23/10 – LEEDS Brusenell Social Club
24/10 – BRIGHTON Chalk
25/10 – PORTSMOUTH New Theatre Royal

Squid are one of the kingmakers in the post-punk-revival scene, their sound and fanbase was nurtured in the legendary Windmill / Wunderground scene in Brixton, along with Black Midi and Black Country, New Road. They’re hot off the back of two superb new singles ‘Narrator’ and ‘Paddling’, with debut LP ‘Bright Green Field’ due out on May 7th.

Since recording the album last summer we’ve been keeping busy working on new music together. To road test some of this new ‘work-in-progress’ material, we’ve decided to do a small, socially distanced tour in venues we’re not usually able to play at. https://t.co/UJuOJns5iA pic.twitter.com/tG5LP2CRM6

— Squid (@squidbanduk) April 20, 2021

Squid aren’t the sort of guys to rest on their laurels- they’ve announced this tour to showcase new and ‘work in progress’ material, having spent the third period of lockdown writing. Squid really embody the post-punk scene perfectly, their chaotic noise-rock incorporates elements of post-rock, math-rock and traditional punk.

They have worked closely with Speedy Wunderground’s Dan Carey on the new record: his fingerprints are apparent throughout Squid’s impressive back-catalouge, jagged guitars, driving rhythm and vocals that mix spoken word, beautiful harmonies and lung-busting shouts. Based on the strength of the two lead singles (not to mention 2019’s EP, ‘Town Centre’), Squid’s debut LP is bound to turn some heads.

If you’ve had the foresight to pre-order the LP, you will be due to receive a presale ticket link in the next 48 hours, whilst the masses will have to wait until Friday 30th. The tour takes Squid up and down the country, as well as a flying visit to Wiltshire hometown, Chippenham. These shows are bound to sell out fast, so a number of the venues have two shows on one day.

Squid’s debut LP is expected to be an exciting release, they are one to watch for sure.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that in order for these measures to be allowed, fines will get harsher on those who break the rules with fines of up to £3,200 for people repeatedly refusing to wear a mask in places where masks are compulsory. Organisers of illegal raves of more than 30 people could also face a £10,000 penalty, the prime minister said.

From 15 August, we’re making changes to the lockdown restrictions in England.

Find out more here: https://t.co/V5ffEF4o5b pic.twitter.com/91wnDPIYgT

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 14, 2020

Regarding the new rules, Boris Johnson has said; “At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus. Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.”

Other places opening up include casinos, bowling alleys, soft play and skate rinks. Weddings will now be allowed to have a sit-down meal with up to 30 people. Close contact beauty treatments including eyebrow threading, waxing, microblading and makeup applications will also be allowed.  The government will be testing out having an audience at sports fixtures by allowing a small audience at the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre over the weekend.

From 15 August in England, indoor performances can restart with social distancing in place. pic.twitter.com/TzvfMKd4mC

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 14, 2020

These new guidelines have been announced just a few days after the Sam Fender played the UK’s first socially distanced show in the new Virgin Money Unity Arena, a venue created with the purpose of hosting socially distanced events. Speaking to Radio X, Sam said; “I just think the most important thing about today and about this time is reassuring people that this is going to end.  We will get back to our lives. We will be in fields, absolutely steaming, drinking lukewarm cider in the boiling sun, listening to some rock band.”

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Let’s go again tonight! #letthemusicplay @afishout0fwater

A post shared by Sam Fender (@sam_fender) on Aug 13, 2020 at 5:50am PDT