In the lead-up to their sophomore EP ‘Umbra,’ Bristol quartet Bible Club has unveiled the project’s powerful title track, signalling an ambitious evolution in their sound.
Released March 7th via Velvet Echoes, the single showcases the band’s maturing artistry since their debut EP ‘AD,’ expertly weaving post-rock, post-punk, and shoegaze elements with politically charged spoken word that delivers what the band calls “a condemnation of societal monotony.”
Produced by Dom Mitchison, this sonic statement precedes the full EP dropping April 11th—a conceptual five-track exploration of late-stage capitalism and post-consumerist decay. Since their 2021 formation, Bible Club has emerged as a vital voice in Bristol’s thriving music scene, drawing inspiration from pioneering acts like CAN, Electrelane, and Spacemen 3. Their reputation for transformative live performances—journeying from contemplative soundscapes to raw, visceral chaos—has earned them a dedicated following across the south coast.
Following the single’s release, we sat down with Bible Club for an exclusive conversation about the creative vision behind what promises to be their most conceptually daring and adventurous work to date.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Seth: Guitar, I remember hearing the Killing Moon by echo and the bunnymen , and the strummed e minor chord opened the doors for me
Jack: Bass baby, have always found it easier to fall in with a rhythm section. I learnt alongside my good friend smashing the drums. Although i tried my hand at home DJing when i was younger, was just a phase though. Alternative music came later to me than the others. I was an R&B/charts kid
Ben: Drums of course, my mate had drumming lessons when we were younger and it just seemed like lots of fun! Didn’t ‘learn’ loads mostly playing green day and RHCP.
James: The bass was my first interest, probably because of Longview by Green Day. But when me and Seth once swapped bass and guitar in an old punk band of ours it just stuck from then on. Now we both play guitar; dread to think what that says about bass…
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
Seth: Micheal Jackson I reckon
Jack: Simply red, my mum absolutely loves ol Mick.
Ben: The who was always on in the car with my dad and the bee gees with my mum
James: Green Day for sure. Opened my eyes to the world of punk rock and pop punk. There’s something about the punk values that have always stuck with me to this day.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Seth: Queen greatest hits
Jack: Ndubz, Against all oddz
Ben: First album I listened to in full was Moseley Shoals by Ocean Colour Scene and the first I bought myself was 10,000 days by tool.
James: First record I ever bought was probably Does This Look Infected by Sum 41.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Seth: Always spinning Ali Farke Toure, a lot of Fugazi, and I’ve been digging the new Being Dead record
Jack: Can’t stop listening to Michael Hurley atm, the guy has my heart right now.
Ben: Mostly been listening to Blaze Foley and John Martyn. With the occasional Creedence Clearwater Revival in there
James: There’s been a couple new records I’ve been enjoying lately, so have found myself listening to a lot of Horsegirl and Panda Bear. But I’ve also been rekindling my love for Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 (ridiculous name, but some really quality and creative stuff).
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Seth: Probably the headline we did in Paris, was a great night, our Bristol headline for our last tour was also a banger
Jack: Wouldn’t mind eating dinner with Andrew Schepps again
Ben: Definitely going to Paris, was a wholesome trip and felt like a holiday with the boys, with the added excitement of playing a show
James: I think of the AD recording sessions with our friends Louis and Lewis fondly. I would love to go back a year or so ago and be back in the studio creating that record again. The excitement and anticipation of something new just created a really lovely and memorable experience.
Which artist would you most love to share the stage with?
Seth: Nina Simone surely
Jack: Zach de la rocha, scenes upon scenes.
Ben: Either John Martyn or Paul Simon, would love to play Graceland on drums for Paul Simon, that be wild
James: To play with Cate Le Bon would be a dream come true. Sharing a stage with one of the coolest people around? That’d be too good to pass up. Either that or creating some drones for Michael Gira.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Seth: Pavarotti belting it over some of James’ whacky noises would be classic
Jack: Biggie would be fire on a BC track
Ben: Think collaborating with Hank Williams would be class, he’s got some bangers and I’m sure we could spice up his 50s sound
James: We got to meet Mike Watt whilst on tour last summer and just from looking at his long history of bands and collaborations, as well as being a true punk icon, I think it would be a lot of fun to make a racket with him.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Seth: Riffing out with the homies
Jack: I don’t know about rewarding, I mean it’s obviously a privilege to be able to play music but reaping rewards seems to only come to a handful. Idk, being able to travel about and hang out with my friends whilst doing what we enjoy.
Ben: Knowing that no matter what happens on the day to day, I still have my instruments to enjoy when I’m home. Makes me feel for people who don’t have that release and comfort of playing an instrument, think my mind would be way worse off if I couldn’t play music! Not too mention playing with friends, that’s a whole other reward to playing music
James: Playing with others and losing yourself in the song or jam. There’s a fulfilment that’s indescribable as you all come to that final moment and then realise how everything else had just dissipated for a moment. That escapism is unmatchable.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Seth: Practice
Jack: Repetition Legitimises
Ben: It’s not about how well you play your instrument, its about how much fun you and other people have while doing it!
James: Have fun, don’t hold yourself or your work to other peoples’ opinions, and never box yourself in.
Watch ‘Umbra’ below. Stay tuned for the full EP release on April 11th
