As a fellow North West kid who grew up blasting T-Shirt Weather on repeat, it feels genuinely good to have Circa Waves, Liverpool’s own indie powerhouse, formed back in 2013, back doing what they do best: delivering the anthems that soundtrack long days, late nights, and those windows-down drives to summer festivals.
Their new album, Death & Love Pt.2, is out 24th October, and it’s the second chapter of their most personal project yet, packed with indie bangers, emotional depth, and that carefree, life-affirming energy we all need right now.
‘Cherry Bomb’: made for mates and road trips
Leading the charge is ‘Cherry Bomb’, a breezy, Strokes-style indie gem tailor-made for blasting en route to your next big weekend. It’s all about that person, your ride-or-die, your leveller, the mate who shows up no matter what. As Kieran Shuddall puts it:
“We all need a cherry bomb in our life.”
Musically, it’s classic Circa Waves but with an extra laid-back slacker vibe: loose, freewheeling verses melting into a sweet, arms-around-your-mates chorus. The accompanying video — directed by guitarist Joe Falconer, adds a fun, playful DIY touch.
An indie comeback with heart
In case you missed it: back in early 2023, Kieran was hit with the shock news that his heart’s main artery was severely blocked. Just two days later, he was in hospital having surgery, a life-changing moment that paused their touring plans and sparked a furious period of songwriting.
The result? A two-part record that reflects both sides of the experience. While Pt.1 wrestled with fear, grief and uncertainty, Pt.2 feels like stepping into the light. As Kieran says:
“It almost feels like if the first record was before the operation and death and fear of dying, then this one is coming through the other side. It’s about love, life, survival and euphoria.”
Celebrating with fans: a proper indie knees-up
The band are marking this new chapter with a launch party on 16th July at Signature Brew, Haggerston: expect Cherry Bomb cocktails, a Death vs Love DJ set, a confessional booth and on-the-spot patch customising (bring your best denim, obviously). This isn’t just an album launch, it’s a celebration of bouncing back and choosing joy.
Pre-order Death & Love Pt.2 now, and if you’re in London, grab a ticket to their album launch party, because Circa Waves are back and it’s time to celebrate life properly.
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