The music scene has been graced—or rather haunted—by the return of The Mysterines with their latest offering, Afraid of Tomorrows. Released on Friday, 21st June, this album marks a significant, albeit darker, evolution for our Liverpudlian alt-rockers. Fronted by the inimitable Lia Metcalfe, the band plunges into the murky depths of human experience, grappling with anxiety, addiction, and the inevitable disquiet of simply being alive.
From the opening strains of ‘The Last Dance’, we are immediately thrust into an acoustic whirlwind, a place where whispered outros and eerie lyrics lead us deeper and deeper. Then comes ‘Stray’, the lead single, offering a rhythmic peaen to loneliness, while ‘Hawkmoon’ transforms from an acoustic ballad into a full-band crescendo.
It’s a switch that underscores the band’s growth since their last album, 2022’s Reeling, their versatility now picking up pace. ‘Tired Animal’ channels the heavy, sombre tones of Alice in Chains, contrasting starkly with the relative exuberance of ‘Sink Ya Teeth’, a rare moment of levity in an otherwise low collection. The persistent theme of time, explored in ‘Another, Another, Another’, reverberates with a ticking urgency that heightens the album’s existential tension.
READ MORE: The Mysterines interview: ‘I went to Mass to purge my soul after the weekend’
Afraid of Tomorrows owes much of its raw, unvarnished sound to the deft hand of Grammy-winner John Congleton. His production strips away the superfluous, laying bare a gritty, post-punk and grunge-infused aesthetic that perfectly complements the darkness. Congleton’s previous work with Phoebe Bridgers and Chelsea Wolfe is evident here, his touch lending a stark clarity to the arrangements.
Other critics haven’t been remiss in their praise, either. The consensus is unequivocal: Afraid of Tomorrows is a bold, ambitious follow-up to The Mysterines’ debut, a compelling and potent exploration of the darker corners of our lives. The Mysterines have avoided the dreaded sophomore slump and embraced their evolution with a fearless dive into the abyss.
Related Stories
- Enter Shikari: ‘This record isn’t about proving ourselves’
Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari opens up about the band’s latest album, A Kiss For The Whole World. He reflects on self-discovery, the importance of music in his life, and the philosophical messages woven throughout the record. Reynolds shares how the pandemic influenced their writing and the exhilarating return to live performances - Big Special: ‘Life in this country is based on discontentment, on putting up and shutting up. We want some identity and we want what’s ours’
In this in-depth interview, Joe Hicklin of Big Special discusses the themes behind their debut album Postindustrial Hometown Blues. The band explores the harsh realities of modern England, touching on mental health, societal disillusionment, and the raw energy that defines their sound. Hicklin opens up about the personal experiences that fuel their poignant lyrics and the band’s mission to resonate with the working class - Dea Matrona: ‘The great thing about Irish culture is you grow up with this subconscious, melodic aura around you’
Orláith Forsythe of Dea Matrona tells whynow about the band’s meteoric rise from street performances in Belfast to major festivals. She wades through the deep Irish roots of their musical influences and the cultural heritage that shapes their unique sound. - Junodream: ‘We wanted to create something that felt both intimate and expansive’
Junodream explores the creative process behind their debut album Pools of Colour. The band members discuss their inspirations, ranging from Radiohead to shoegaze, and how they infused their music with existential themes and dreamlike soundscapes - Souvenir review | Post-punk trio Omni pull no punches
★★★★☆ Omni’s fourth album, Souvenir, continues their tradition of incisive lyrics and tight post-punk arrangements, proving their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
- Addiction Themes
- Afraid of Tomorrows
- Album Review
- Anxiety Themes
- British Bands
- Grunge Rock
- Indie Rock
- John Congleton
- Lia Metcalfe
- Post-Punk
- The Mysterines