Mantle – Stuck In Crewe (2025)
If you’ve ever had to use public transport, then you are most likely aware of those inevitable delays, cancellations, and “what the hell happened to the train?” moments. I once had a 7-hour delay at St Pancras train station. Sure, everyone ended up singing along to some guy playing a guitar, and I learned all about black holes, but damn, people were dead tired and pissed off. I had my major delay in London, but Mantle’s new song, ‘Stuck In Crewe’, explores life’s upsets using the metaphor of being stranded in Crewe. Come and join me as I take a gander at this new track.
Following the acclaimed single, ‘Pearl’, Mantle ended 2025 with ‘Stuck In Crewe’. With ‘Pearl’ being a brooding but toe-tapping plunge into 90s alt-rock and grunge, ‘Stuck In Crewe’ has a punchier, harder, twirling about in a frustrated rage attitude. From the outset, you’re introduced to Jacob Mullineux’s scorching guitars, Jude Lloyd’s pounding drums, and a powerful bassline, courtesy of George Bengree, hitting you in the gut with a great thwack. Produced by Luke Owens, the melody is a rambunctious arrangement with each element bringing its own bang to the track, but still coming at you with a united forcefulness, once again showcasing the camaraderie between all players.
Melodically, ‘Stuck In Crewe’ is a perfect representation of the frustration of facing another cancelled or delayed train, but it is more than just a bursting of pent-up anger; it is a song about challenging interpersonal situations. The complex issues that, according to the band, “… leave you feeling trapped, frustrated, and unable to move forward.” Ted Howard’s rich vocals adopt a gritty, rough tone to lead you along the complex path, hold your hand in the shared angst, or just nod as you both silently acknowledge the situation’s crappy.
The second single from Mantle’s upcoming EP, set for release next month, ‘Stuck In Crewe’ is a thrashing tune that both showcases the foursome’s versatility and cements them as one of the most intriguing indie-rock bands from the North West UK.
Find out more about Mantle on their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
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