Bilk are back with a bang, sharing their new single ‘Tommy’ as they gear up for the release of their second album, Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll, out on 24th January. The track, a gritty fusion of indie rock, punk, and hip-hop, captures the band’s unmistakable energy and chaotic charm.
‘Tommy’ tells the story of a young woman who gets caught up with the wrong crowd, inspired by the Essex scenes the band knows so well. Vocalist and guitarist Sol Abrahams explains: “‘Tommy’ is the story of an aspiring actress who gets involved with this guy who’s a bit of a wrong ‘un and he takes her down the wrong path. I wrote it quickly, and the solo is enough to melt your face clean off.”
The track was recorded with bassist Luke Hare and drummer Harry Gray, with production by Andy Gannon. Its bouncy verses and raw punk-infused hook showcase the band’s ambition and versatility, as they continue to carve their unique space in the indie rock world.
The upcoming album, Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll, follows Bilk’s 2023 self-titled debut and promises to capture the essence of their authentic, no-holds-barred approach to music. Fans can look forward to hearing favourites like ‘Summer Days’ and ‘F Up’ alongside fresh tracks when the record drops in January.
Bilk’s live reputation is also in full force, as they announce a headline tour for early 2025, kicking off in Bristol before heading to Europe. Highlights include their biggest London show to date at the Electric Ballroom on 7th February. The band ends 2024 with a special fundraising gig in Guildford for mental health charity CALM.
Bilk UK/EU Tour Dates 2025
- February
5th – Bristol, Thekla
7th – London, Electric Ballroom
16th – Glasgow, SWG3 Warehouse - March
3rd – Paris, La Boule Noire
8th – Hamburg, Hebebuhne
29th – Dublin, The Workman’s Club
Editors’ Picks
- ★★★☆☆ From Zero review | From old foundations spring bright new beginnings for Linkin Park
Linkin Park re-emerge with From Zero, their eighth studio album, embracing past and future with new vocal powerhouse Emily Armstrong and anthems for their 2025 tour. - ★★★★★ Songs Of A Lost World review | A challenging but incredibly rewarding trip with The Cure
Robert Smith and The Cure return with Songs of a Lost World, a deeply moving record that immerses listeners in timeless themes of love, loss, and defiance. - ‘Everyone’s looking over their shoulder, worrying about being judged, but being young should be about making mistakes.’ Bilk’s Sol Abrahams interviewed
Bilk’s Sol Abrahams talks about the pressures of modern youth, social media’s influence, and how Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll reflects a generation on the edge. - ‘We’ve been friends for nearly 20 years, and sometimes you just have to laugh at the craziness of it all.’ | Local Natives interviewed
Local Natives’ Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn discuss their new LP film and the themes of friendship, change, and nostalgia it captures. Ahead of their London show, they reflect on nearly two decades as a band, the surreal and candid moments on screen, and the bittersweet beauty of growing together. - Left of the Dial 2024: 10 vital new artists we saw at the showcase festival
There’s buckets of fun and unconventional frolics to be had at Left of the Dial, but the onus is firmly on showcasing new alternative artists you need to know, or will be kicking yourself that you didn’t know sooner. - ★★★★★ SABLE review | Bon Iver’s fear, regret, and the silence in between
On SABLE, Justin Vernon crafts an intimate portrait of vulnerability and redemption through Bon Iver’s signature minimalist style.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld