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.
We Speak Music
Unethical Dogma Pull Back The Dark Curtain For A Carefully Engineered Descent into Technical Melancholy
Unethical Dogma return on Behind The Dark Curtain feels less like a standalone EP and more like the final act of a deliberately constructed psychological arc. Across its runtime, the band commits fully to its horror-driven narrative framework, closing the conceptual thread that began with DUSK. The result is a release that feels cohesive, intentional, and structurally disciplined rather than loosely assembled.
Instrumentally, the EP leans heavily into polyrhythmic complexity and tightly wound djent grooves, but what stands out most is how often the band resists pure technical display in favor of atmosphere. Piano passages and choral textures are not ornamental—they function as emotional anchors, giving the heavier sections a sense of collapse rather than just aggression. The contrast between brutality and fragility is handled with noticeable care.
The vocal performance is equally dual-layered. Screamed vocals carry the narrative’s psychological deterioration with intensity, while clean vocals are used sparingly to emphasize moments of reflection or detachment. This dynamic avoids predictability by making restraint as important as force, especially in transitions where the story shifts perspective.
Lyrically and conceptually, the EP benefits from its unusual writing process, which begins with short stories before being translated into music. That foundation is audible in how scenes unfold rather than verses simply progressing. The storytelling feels cinematic, as if each track is a chapter viewed through unstable memory.
Overall, Behind The Dark Curtain succeeds most when it trusts its atmosphere over its technical ambition. It is a dense, carefully designed work that prioritizes immersion, and while it demands patience, it rewards listeners who engage with its narrative structure rather than just its surface complexity.
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