SQUID are back with their first music of 2020, the widescreen new single SLUDGE, which also marks the band’s first release for Warp Records since signing with them in late 2019.
Richly percussive and sonically evolving, on SLUDGE the quintet not only open up their sound but they do so without abandoning the experimentation and playfulness that made them such an exciting prospect when they burst onto the scene just over a year ago.
Thematically, previous SQUID releases have been more character-driven songs like The Cleaner, Match Bet and Houseplants, all of which saw SQUID looking at the people around them and how the world affected them. But on SLUDGE we see the band in a more introspective state of mind; simultaneously seeking a wider commentary but approaching it with an idiosyncratic precision and a playfulness that doesn’t allow it to become morose.
The musical thrust of SLUDGE was initially conceived during a soundcheck whilst supporting seminal post-punk group Wire. For a band who have built so much of their reputation on their impeccable musical taste and incendiary live shows, it is a fitting way to begin this new chapter. The track sees them team up again with recently-awarded Producer of The Year Dan Carey.
SQUID rounded off a hugely successful 2019 with inclusion on the prestigious BBC Sound of 2020 longlist and have now revealed details of their rescheduled March tour dates as follows:
JULY
Wed 22 LONDON Scala
AUGUST
Mon 24 BRIGHTON Chalk
SEPTEMBER
Tue 01 BEDFORD Esquires
Wed 02 OXFORD Bullingdon
Thu 03 SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
Tue 08 BIRMINGHAM Castle & Falcon
Wed 09 YORK Crescent
Thu 10 HEBDEN BRIDGE Trades Club
Sat 12 MANCHESTER White Hotel // matinee show
Sat 12 MANCHESTER White Hotel // late show
Sun 13 EDINBURGH Summerhall
Mon 14 NEWCASTLE Cluny
Wed 16 NORWICH Arts Centre
SQUID are in a constant, energetic state of evolution which is reflected in the intense and infectious spectrum of sound contained in their propulsive songs. This wild and restless creativity points the way forward for a band with no limits on what they might do next. Keep an ear out for more releases later this year. You can follow what they are up to here www.squidband.uk
