Gently Tender have dropped
'Wild in the Uplands', lifting a second track from their upcoming EP
'This Was Once Fields', which arrives on 22nd May.
Comprising former Palma Violets members
Sam Fryer, Pete Mayhew and
Will Doyle, plus guitarist
Adam Brown, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist
Francesca Brierley (who also records as heka), and violinist and flautist
Evie Hilyer-Ziegler, the South London six-piece are returning with their first material since 2023.
Discussing the track, the band say: "Wild in the Uplands is a song about escape from city to country. It's about not having respect for fences and private land, roaming free and getting into mischief. Out of all the illegal activities a person can partake in, trespassing is one of the most exhilarating!"
During the period after their 2022 debut album '
Take Hold Of Your Promise!', frontman Fryer found himself seeking refuge from urban life by walking miles into North London's green belt, often until darkness fell. Those experiences became the foundation for the new record.
Speaking about the inspiration, Fryer said: "The view of London from afar at nighttime was what really ignited a spark in me. I would reflect on my life and myself as I exist inside the city I've lived in for my entire life, that I've loved and fallen out of love with over again. The city does weigh on me heavily but it's not easy to leave a place you've loved forever."
He added: "The songs that make up this project represent different chapters, memories, thoughts and reflections on the life I have lived in the city. How I've always managed to live here but never felt like I actually belong in such a loud and fast paced nerve-jangling environment. These walks have provided me with a universe of material that I can dive back into when I need to escape, and that's where this music was born."
Preceding 'Wild in the Uplands' was lead single 'A Mound A Field'. The complete EP tracklist runs as follows: 'A Mound A Field', 'Wild in the Uplands', 'Go Get It', '10000 Steps from the door', and 'The City of the Beast'.
Alongside festival appearances at The Great Escape and All Together Now, Gently Tender have a headline London date at the ICA on 27th May, with tickets available now.
Upcoming live dates include:
MAY
15 The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, UK
27 Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, UK
AUGUST
1 All Together Now Festival, County Waterford, Ireland
