We Speak Music
The Maddocks Strike Gold with Anthemic New Single ‘Benny Says’
The Maddocks have carved a well-deserved place in the indie scene, and their latest single, “Benny Says,” solidifies their reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK. With its pulsating rhythms, swirling guitars, and an explosive crescendo, this track is a heady mix of post-punk grit and psychedelic flair that’s impossible to ignore.
The band—hailing from Stockport and consisting of George Edwards (vocals & lead guitar), Siobhán Lally (bass), Ed Gibbins (drums), and Alex Tollerfield (rhythm guitar)—channels influences from Fontaines D.C., Tame Impala, and The Strokes, while still managing to craft a sound distinctly their own. “Benny Says” is a testament to this: raw, rebellious, and brimming with unfiltered emotion. The song dives deep into the psyche of its protagonist, weaving a tale of self-reflection through layers of infectious melody and a rhythm section that commands attention.
The track’s high-octane energy isn’t just a studio creation—it has long been a standout in the band’s live performances, where it has become a crowd favorite since 2022. This energy is part of what sets The Maddocks apart; their live shows are electric, bursting with a palpable chemistry and a rare authenticity that makes their music resonate even more powerfully.
“Benny Says” also serves as a precursor to their forthcoming EP, The Mind Palace, hinting at a bold evolution in their sound. It’s clear that the band is unafraid to experiment, pushing boundaries while staying grounded in the gritty Northern ethos that has defined their music thus far. The Maddocks’ ability to balance experimentation with accessibility is particularly noteworthy, ensuring that their music connects deeply with both loyal fans and new listeners.
The single arrives at a pivotal moment for the band, as they prepare for their biggest headline show yet at Manchester Academy 3 in March 2025. If “Benny Says” is any indication, The Maddocks are poised to deliver not just an unforgettable performance but a lasting impact on the indie music landscape.
With its anthemic quality and euphoric energy, “Benny Says” is more than just a song—it’s a declaration of intent. The Maddocks are here, they’re evolving, and they’re ready to take 2025 by storm. If you’re looking for the next band to dominate your playlist, look no further.
‘Wild for the Weekend’ is the 2nd single from Zkeletonz’ forthcoming debut album ‘OUT!’—self-produced and featuring mixing and mastering by Sam Wheat (Nile Rodgers) and Alex Gopher (Chromeo, Ed Banger).
This is independent electro-disco at full power, channelling the spirits of Breakbot, Phoenix, Daft Punk’s Homework, and classic Ed Banger French Touch, but from the UK scene. The band blend synth-pop, disco, and indie and create music designed for movement, with a distinctively stylish and ironic edge.
DIY-built, the band is bringing synth pop to a new generation and selling out 500-capacity London venues 100% independently. Gracing festival stages in their hometown of Coventry and across the UK for BBC Introducing in addition to touring internationally in Berlin, Amsterdam and Malta, as well as hitting radio airwaves like BBC 6Music’s Fresh Finds and John Kennedy’s X-Posure, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances, sharp visuals, and an uncompromising artistic vision.
Debut Zkeletonz album ‘OUT!’ is a sonic love letter to London club culture and late-night events. But with a focus on the unique and unforgettable experience only live music can provide. As the band continue to crowdfund the Vinyl / CD production of the Album, the album’s full supporting campaign for the album will launch Fri 30th May with an explosive free Gig at The Finsbury, in advance of in-store appearances and a physical Vinyl drop in August, before finally a huge show at Camden Underworld (500 capacity) on Fri 12th Dec.
This incredible achievement from Zkeletonz with no label, management or agency will follow self-promoted headline gigs at Highbury Garage and Hackney OSLO, plus regular slots at huge UK festivals like Feastival with CHIC & Nile Rodgers; All Points East, London alongside Foals and Jamie XX; and in Camden with Shalamar and Soul II Soul.
On the new single, Zkeletonz said, “”Wild for the Weekend” means the world to us. It’s the final track on ‘OUT!’—an epic, emotional closer that captures the essence of our recent experiences exploring music together. We’re lucky to be 3 best friends who have persevered for years as a creative collective, since high school. But this is the first song we’ve ever made entirely through a studio-based process, layering up that classic Korg M1 synth while we were deep-diving into Detroit Techno, Chicago House, and the many legends from postmodern French electronica. Lyrically it’s about how partying—those wild, crazy weekends—can sometimes be something that fixes or stabilises a turbulent romance. It’s raw, it’s alive, and we absolutely cannot wait to share this one with a crowd.”
As always, production by the band’s own electronic drummer and multi-instrumentalist member Ed Trotsky (also Runrummer, Coin Operated Boy) forms the centrepiece of Zkeletonz as a creative project and endeavour, weaving sonically from 1980s and 2000s synth influences including classic pop by the Pet Shop Boys and Human League, and tasteful, contemporary blogwave, alternative and indie sounds similar to Confidence Man, Sofi Tukker and The Dare.
Upcoming 2025 Zkeletonz tour dates:
FRI MAY 30th @ THE FINSBURY, ISLINGTON for GoToBeat, free entry:
https://gotobeat.com/gig/zkeletonz-live-in-finsbury/
FRI JUN 13th @ PAPER DRESS VINTAGE, HACKNEY with Concrete Natives:
https://paperdressvintage.co.uk/
SAT JUN 21st @ DASH THE HENGE record shop, CAMBERWELL, 5pm
https://dashthehengestore.com/
SAT DEC 12th @ CAMDEN UNDERWORLD (self-promoted Headline).
-
We Speak Entertainment7 days agoThe Unconventional Path of a Musician Without Boundaries
-
We Speak Music5 days agoDead Tooth Drops New Single ‘You Never Do Shit’
-
We Speak Comedy5 days agoLil Duval & Cupid Drop Hot New Anthem “Go Auntie” Today- A Celebration for the Culture
-
We Speak Sports1 week agoLA Rams Bolsters Defense With Bold Move to Draft Ole Miss Linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul