Single release: out now
Label: Sub Pop
More info: TV Priest’s Facebook page
TV Priest will release Uppers, their full-length debut on CD/LP/CS/DSPs worldwide on February 5th, 2021 through Sub Pop. Today, they’re sharing the new single and official video for “Press Gang” helmed by returning director Joe Wheatley.
“Press Gang” is inspired by Charlie’s grandfather’s life’s work as a photojournalist and war correspondent on Fleet Street from the 1950s to the early 1980s. The song is about the shifting role in the dissemination of information and ideas, and how the prevailing narrative that the “Death of Print Media” has contributed to a “post-truth” world.
WATCH PRESS GANG HERE
Late last year, TV Priest announced their signing to Sub Pop – after only one live show as a band – with the release of “Decoration,” the beating heart of Uppers.
The FADER says of the “Decoration” video, “Gnarly British post-punk band TV Priest blows a breeze through life’s trinkets and accoutrements on “Decoration,” the beating heart of their forthcoming Sub Pop debut Uppers. Among the items frontman Charlie Drinkwater rails against over a jagged groove are feature walls, smashed avocado, junk food, and “the TV adaptation of the latest book craze (see premiere October 28th).”
The band have been championed by 6 Music, with playlisting for “Runner Up” and in the US “Decoration” spent two weeks at #1 on the commercial alternative specialty charts with airplay from the likes of Sirius XMU, The Current, 91X, KEXP (+ ”Song of the Day”), KROX, Indie 102.3, WEQX, WPYA, KFRR, KJEE, KRXP, KRCL, and more.
“Decoration” and Uppers’ pre-release singles “This Island” and “Slideshow” along with standalone tracks “House of York” and “Runner Up,” won the band raves from the likes of NME, The FADER, Brooklyn Vegan, PASTE, DORK, The Line of Best Fit, Beats Per Minute, So Young, and more.
Uppers is now available to preorder in the U.K. and Europe through select independent retailers.
The band have rescheduled February’s first London headliner and only the band’s second ever show – socially distanced at Oslo – for April 10th. The show was already sold out but the band will perform two shows across the evening, with the second now announced for 6pm. Details and tickets available here:
What people have been saying about TV Priest:
“Fuzzed-out post punk from London four-piece on debut LP… harsh, brittle eruptions offering up a variety of teeth-rattling noises.” [Uppers] Uncut
“Ragged yet tight, sprawling yet focused, it’s a singular vision of a disparate time. It rounds up most of the usual suspects of our Un-united Kingdom, the pop culture, the insularity, the lies on the side of a bus, but manages to breathe new life into those old tropes by sheer force of personality.” [Uppers, ★★★★] – DORK
“The post-punk band have caught attention with a string of superb singles, exemplifying their scorching post-punk sound.” – CLASH
“Vocalist Charlie Drinkwater scrolls endlessly as his country fades into irrelevance on British band TV Priest’s latest fiery missive.” [“This Island”/ “20 Best Rock Songs Right Now, Aug.”] – The FADER
“They fit in with the post-punk revival – sultry, prophetic lyricism with brash instrumentation…” [“This Island”] – Brooklyn Vegan
“Scorching” [“This Island”] – DIY
“The track’s distorted organs serve as riled-up opening remarks before gruelling dark vocals spit out patriotic cliches and commemorative Latin phrases. “This is not my national anthem” sneers Charlie Drinkwater over a fuzzy echo of the Star-Spangled Banner. Thrashing industrial guitars smash any sense of security.” [“House of York”] – The Line Of Best Fit
“’This Island’ is a densely packed ball of energy, and their occasional spillovers of momentum are exhilarating.” – PASTE
“A frenzied anthem.” [“House of York”] – Earmilk
“A riotous debut single… finding a balance of subtlety and decisive awakening that’s fed through the laconic, abstract drawl of Charlie Drinkwater, seamlessly subverting into a deafening anthem in itself.” [“House of York”] – So Young
“Their sound is ultimately chaotic, with cuts of fuzzy distortion creating a disorienting and thrilling listening experience.” [“House of York”] – Gigwise
TV Priest – Uppers
Out 5th February 2021 via Sub Pop Records
Tracklisting:
1. The Big Curve
2. Press Gang
3. Leg Room
4. Journal of a Plague Year
5. History Week
6. Decoration
7. Slideshow
8. Fathers and Sons
9. the ref
10. Powers of Ten
11. This Island
12. Saintless
TV Priest are:
Charlie Drinkwater – vocals
Alex Sprogis – guitars
Nic Bueth – bass, keys
Ed Kelland – drums
Find TV Priest online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
More information
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