“Despite its name, Middle Finger isn’t about swearing or hand gestures. It’s a song about acknowledging that even when life goes the way you want it to some of the time, it’ll never go the way you want it to all of time, and that’s ok. I did have a cyst at the base of my middle finger (but it miraculously disappeared), I do have astigmatism in both eyes, and I probably don’t have the world’s most physically healthy heart. But despite those things, life is alright, you know? The earliest iPhone demos of this song were way back in 2022. It’s gone through the mill a few times since then. Alex took the song in the synth-heavy 80s inspired direction that you hear on the final version, and we’re really happy he did that. We think this song showcases another different sound that’s present on our 3rd album “Idealism”, and there are several other new flavours to come.” – Songwriter Ronan Van Kehoe
I previously wrote about this dynamic band when I shared their first single, and I am excited to announce that their upcoming album, Idealism, will be released on the esteemed Specialist Subject Records on July 18, 2025. The first single left a lasting impression on me, and if you want to delve deeper into my thoughts, you can find my earlier piece online.
The press quote provided above serves as a compelling introduction to their latest track, which resonates powerfully with the listener. If that doesn’t entice you to explore this song, I’m not sure what will!
The accompanying press release offers intriguing insights into the album’s themes. Idealism encapsulates the complexities of navigating life as millennial adults in the 2020s, tackling the myriad difficulties and uncertainties we face—like the stark realization that home ownership may forever seem out of reach and the escalating costs of everyday necessities. Yet, the album isn’t solely focused on the negatives; it also highlights the joys of contemporary life, advocating for self-kindness, compassion towards others, and resilience amidst adversity.
These themes resonate deeply with me and those around me, making the album feel profoundly relatable. I was particularly struck by the intense, angsty vocals paired with a classic indie rock sound in their new single, Middle Finger. The song conveys a powerful message: your circumstances do not define who you are.
Living in a world where unexpected challenges arise week after week can be overwhelming. I’ve personally faced a tumultuous start to the year, where it often felt like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. However, the song’s message struck a chord with me. Life can indeed be good, even in the midst of chaos. For me, faith serves as a guiding light in a world often overshadowed by greed, anger, and negativity, offering a sense of meaning in what can feel like a meaningless existence. Whether your source of assurance comes from faith, hope, or another belief, we all need reassurance that it’s okay—even when it doesn’t appear that way.
The newest single from this talented Essex/London-based band is yet another remarkable addition to their discography. After the impact of their last release, this track intensifies my excitement for the album even more. I’m honestly thrilled and cannot wait to immerse myself in this gem while counting down the days until the album drops!
Written by Filip Zemcik
