Ventrelles – It’s In The Papers (2025)
Last month, we came across the UK-based foursome Ventrelles with their well-received single, ‘Emily’s Song’. A track that brimmed with 90s Britpop, but with the heavier, edgier rub of alternative rock peeping from its underbelly. Nostalgic but contemporary, confident but wistful, bold but subdued – ‘Emily’s Song’ presented Ventrelles as a no-nonsense band capturing the grittiness of the Manchester music scene in engaging melodies. Today, we’re taking a headfirst leap into their new single, ‘It’s In The Papers’.
While ‘Emily’s Song’ nods to old-school Britpop and rock, ‘It’s In The Papers’ showcases another side to Ventrelles’ multifaceted musical persona. Recorded and produced with Dean Glover and Gavin Monaghan, the single binds Connor Long’s soaring guitar with Paul Mawhinney’s steady bass, G-Lo Knott punches from the back with his drums, while Phil Knox dances across with his rich vocals. Described as a “Lewis Carroll-esque psychedelic waltz through Manchester’s dysfunctional Piccadilly Gardens on a winter afternoon…”, ‘It’s In The Papers’ has the kaleidoscopic haze of a wistful Alice travelling in Wonderland. Instead of being a little frenzied and energetic, representing the madness of Wonderland, the single is charming, calm and that chilled-out, happier, curious side of Alice.
With a shimmering flutter of twinkling music wafting across the bright forest as fairies teeter along, ‘It’s In The Papers’ can ease your soul and give you that breath of fresh air after a dreary day. The contribution of Isabella Baker’s violin enhances the track’s wistfulness – not haunting as violins can often be interpreted, but rather that icing on the proverbial cake, bringing a smile to our faces and calm to our ears.
So, what is my overall opinion of Ventrelles and ‘It’s In The Papers’? The perfect counterpoint to ‘Emily’s Song’, Ventrelles prove themselves a band that can get you dancing, having you pumping your fist in the air, but simultaneously lulls across with gentle, smooth, soothing sounds. Once again, I highly recommend the group to everyone.
Find out more about Ventrelles on their Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, YouTube, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
