Fresh from hitting #4 on the iTunes Alternative chart, landing on the Absolute Radio playlist and making their TV debut on Soccer AMwith the emotive cosmic indie rock of their recent EP ‘Chasing Nebulas’, Spangled now introduce something completely different with their new double A-side single ‘UNDERPANTS’ // ‘CHARLIE HILLS’. 

If you think you know what to expect from Spangled, think again. ‘UNDERPANTS’ immediately spins your preconceptions around, with frontman Ben Johnson’s sneering vocal delivering absurdist, Monty Python-esque lyrics to a rattling backdrop of spiky indie guitars reminiscent of Blur circa ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish’ and a pummelling power-pop bounce. ‘CHARLIE HILLS’ then immediately races up the gear(s) with a frenetic flurry of punk attitude and rambunctious rhythms in a style that recalls early Supergrass meets prime Buzzcocks. It’s also most definitely not about anyone named Charlie Hills. 

Spangled commented, “We thought, let’s just make some tunes that are outrageously catchy with proper rock ‘n’ roll guitars, pounding drums and buttery bass lines. The best way to describe it is like Buzzcocks and the Rolling Stones got battered and wrote some tunes for a Monty Python sketch. We also added a dash of Supergrass into the pot to push the whimsical nature of the tunes even further. And so without further ado – it’s time for something completely different.” 

Ben wrote both songs with guitarist Jamie Halliday before they were produced by Gareth Nuttall (The Lottery Winners, The K’s). Both tracks emerged in curious ways. Jamie’s initial demo of ‘UNDERPANTS’ was slower, but took on a wired, whirlwind intensity after he heard Ben’s lyrics. And drummer Nathan Kenyon hadn’t even heard ‘CHARLIE HILLS’ until he turned up for its recording session. But after half-a-dozen listens and twice as many energy drinks later, his manic percussion fuelled the track’s relentless energy while Niall McGovern anchored the song with his slick, precise bassline. 

TL;DR: in the course of two songs spanning 4 minutes and 50 seconds, Spangled prove that their genre-expanding sound now breaks further boundaries with a cheeky rush of punk influences. 

This summer has seen Spangled hit festivals including the Isle of Wight, Y Not? and Tramlines. Their remaining plans for the year include a co-headline trek with The Chase on the Double Up tour, a homecoming show at Manchester’s Neighbourhood Festival, and representing This Feeling at Viva Sounds festival in Gothenburg, Sweden. They have just announced details of their biggest headline show to date as they get 2023 underway with a gig at Manchester Academy 3. Tickets for the show are now on sale HERE. 

OCTOBER 

1st – Manchester, Neighbourhood Festival – This Feeling / scotts menswear stage at The Breadshed 

21st – Leeds, Royal Park (with The Chase) 

22nd – Liverpool, Jacaranda (with The Chase) 

29th – London, The Star of Kings (headline shows – SOLD OUT) 

NOVEMBER 

3rd – Birmingham, Dead Wax (with The Chase) 

DECEMBER 

2nd / 3rd – Gothenburg, Viva Sounds 

MARCH 2023 

3rd – Manchester, Academy 3 (headline show)