Vanderlye – Reckoning (2025)

With their latest single ‘Reckoning’, Glaswegian alt-rock outfit Vanderlye take a bold, emotionally rich step forward that confirms their place as one of the most compelling acts emerging from Scotland’s indie-rock scene. Released ahead of their forthcoming six-track EP, The Reckoning, the track sets a striking tone, both sonically and thematically, for what’s to come.

Known for their anthemic energy, atmospheric textures, and socially conscious lyricism, Vanderlye once again fuse power and introspection in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. ‘Reckoning’ is a song of emotional confrontation of love, loss, and ultimately, redemption. But rather than wallow, the band rises: it’s a bittersweet, sun-drenched anthem that aches with truth and vibrates with hope.

From its opening bars, ‘Reckoning’ shimmers with a kind of cinematic melancholy. The guitars, soaked in golden tones, weave a bright yet yearning atmosphere that evokes everything from early Arcade Fire to The National, but what sets Vanderlye apart is their stunning dual vocal dynamic. Becky and Sean’s vocals, sometimes intertwining, sometimes trading verses, bring a palpable tension and depth to the narrative. There’s a real humanity in their delivery, elevating the song’s message beyond the personal into something universally resonant.

Primary songwriter and frontman Sean McGarvey has clearly leaned into a more collaborative, layered approach. “The track really showcases the strengths and unique elements of the band,” he says. “I’ve been really enjoying writing lyrics from two different perspectives, with both myself and Becky sharing lead vocals. It has really resonated with our audience ever since we started playing it live, and we’re buzzing to finally release it.” That duality of two voices, two perspectives, gives ‘Reckoning’ its emotional weight, crafting a kind of dialogue that feels authentic, raw, and refreshingly unfiltered.

The track is musically polished but never sterile. The production is lush, with vibrant indie-rock textures that rise and fall with cinematic flair. There’s a real sense of space in the arrangement, moments of quiet reflection give way to sweeping, cathartic choruses that are tailor-made for festival stages.

As a preview of The Reckoning EP, ‘Reckoning’ hints at a collection that promises both emotional candour and sonic ambition. Vanderlye are clearly a band in the midst of a creative bloom, unafraid to dig deep and craft something beautiful from the rubble. With ‘Reckoning’, they’ve struck gold.

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Find out more about Vanderlye on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.

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