Strangeways – B.P.R.S. (2025)
Since their formation in 2021, Strangeways have quickly developed a cult-like following with fans joining that loyal fandom each day. Now, if you think you’ve heard the name before, you might be thinking about the Scottish 80s band Strangeways; this Strangeways is nowhere near the AOR group. This group is bringing their brand of indie-punk to the masses. Placing their stamp on the UK music scene, the quintet are intoxicating audiences with enthusiastic, energetic and “cult live performances”; however, you don’t need to be in the crowd to enjoy their spirit, just have some of their music blasting through your speakers.
Produced with Jason Stafford, ‘B.P.R.S.’ seems to tiptoe across the line of their 2024-released indie-rock ‘Modern Art’ and punk-infused ‘The Ponds’. A kaleidoscopic concoction of crashing drums, soaring guitars and a dynamic bass, listening to the melody is like being lost in Alice’s Wonderland with the Cheshire Cat grinning on one side, the Mad Hatter dancing with the March Hare, and you taking a few too many puffs on the Caterpillar’s hookah. Madness and chaos, but with a strange sense of crazy calm as you smile amidst the insanity.
Along with their unmistakably fun rounds of melodic rambunctiousness, Strangeways is also known for infectious lyricism. With ‘B.P.R.S.’ – an acronym for British Punk Roaming Society – Strangeways follows a “fictional group of ragtag characters during a day out at the British seaside.” The narrative may seem directed to a particular adventure, perfectly portrayed in the accompanying music video; however, Strangeways would rather listeners interpret the song as they see fit instead of sticking to a particular path. Frontman Tom Turner explains:
“It started out as a fun jam in my shed. The lyrics tell this strange fairytale full of odd characters – they’re not meant to be taken too seriously.”
In addition to the single, Strangeways released an official music video for ‘B.P.R.S.’ Filmed by Nathaniel Welch, edited by Zinedine Hamada and Caitlin Phipps as runner, the video can be viewed below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note this video uses lighting effects and rapid image transitions that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Find out more about Strangeways on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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