Educatable started life in 2002 as a school band called 24/7, with Ricky Barson on drums. Over the years, the group went through the usual name changes (The Remedies, then Educatables) before settling as a duo with Dom Slone handling vocals and songwriting. They built a decent following, playing hundreds of gigs, getting BBC airplay, and even performing at football stadiums.

When the duo eventually parted ways, Barson decided to keep the project going as a solo endeavour, picking up guitar and vocals himself. The result is something that keeps the spirit of what they built together while moving into new territory.

“Thank You,” the latest single, does exactly what Educatable has always done well: catchy indie pop rock with enough melody to stick in your head. You can hear bits of Coldplay and U2 in there, some Vampire Weekend bounce, maybe a touch of Two Door Cinema Club’s energy. There are also hints of African rhythms woven through, giving the track a bit more texture than your standard indie fare.

The song is upbeat and warm, the kind of thing that works just as well on a summer playlist as it does in a sweaty venue. Barson has built what fans call the Educatable Army, and he’s been selling out shows at theatres and venues across the UK. His live performances lean into connection rather than spectacle, which probably explains why people keep coming back.

“Thank You” feels like both a nod to the past and a statement that this version of Educatable has legs. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, just doing what it does with confidence.

You can listen to “Thank You” here.