Following on from their massive recent single ‘He’s A Man’, BOB VYLAN, have released the first single of 2023 ‘Hunger Games’. The bands new album, ‘Humble As The Sun’ has also been announced and is to be released 5th April 2024.
“Hunger Games is like a rallying cry for everybody that’s sick of suffering due this economic crisis that we’re living with. “Cost of living crisis” makes it sound sound neat and tidy but it’s a direct result of years of austerity, politicians that prioritise their selfish desires before the good of the country and a capitalist system that is allowing landlords, and big companies to operate unchecked. It talks about the economic hardships many of us are facing but it doesn’t just leave it there. It offers hope and inspiration. It attempts to remind people of the power and worth that we posses despite our financial earnings.” – BOBBY VYLAN
The band will also be performing live across the UK at a selection of Rough Trade shops and venues, all now sold out BUT just announced today is one at the brilliant Banquet in Kingston (at The Fighting Cocks) on album release day, April 5th. You can go along and purchase the album and ticket from – HERE
Rough Trade – instore dates:
5th April – Banquet Records (out store performance at Fighting Cocks – ON SALE NOW
9th April – Nottingham Rough Trade – SOLD OUT
10th April – Bristol Rough Trade – SOLD OUT
11th April – East London Rough Trade – SOLD OUT
‘Humble as the Sun’, the forthcoming album from BOB VYLAN continues with much of the rage and urgency that they have come to be known and loved for, but this latest project shows that they are now stronger and wiser, bolstered by the wins and learnings that they have fought hard for along the way. The resulting record aims to leave the listener feeling power alongside their anger, and brings a fresh and compelling blend of punk, rock, grime and rap together in an experimental way.
Following on from the MOBO award-winning and chart-topping album, ‘Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life’, the message woven throughout ‘Humble as the Sun’ remains dark in places but is high-energy, defiant and unapologetic in its critique of a broken social and political system that so many have fallen victim to, but feel powerless against.
“This album is for the underdogs, the ones who come out swinging and those who refuse to be defeated in the face of injustice, and aims to remind listeners that anger is a fire that can be harnessed and put to use. The album creation started from a conversation with the sun, which is, after all, a big ball of fire that sustains life. From masculinity to myths about the G Spot, the themes and topics explored on ‘Humble As The Sun’ make for an often humorously empowering celebration of the peoples ability to endure, overcome and bring about change.”
says BOBBY VYLAN
The lyricism on this album is even more layered than their previous projects, still darkly humorous, anti-establishment and unforgiving but at times pauses to deliver much-needed words of affirmation to listeners, “You are loved. You are not alone. You are going through hell but keep going.” Bobby assures the listener, offering an antidote to the state of the world, aiming to give some power and agency to those who hear it.
At a time when so little trust or faith exists between the people and the powers that be, BOB VYLAN offers out a hand in the despondent darkness that has overwhelmed so many in the shadow of a burning planet. They guide the listener to a place where they can see some light and feel empowered to do something, to fight back, to continue pushing forwards despite the challenges faced along the way.
Mixing all of the best quintessentially British – and Jamaican – musical elements from punk to drum and bass, grime and rock, BOB VYLAN creates a sound that reflects the state of the nation, at once voicing the frustrations that normal people have, while also highlighting one’s ability to persevere, overcome hardship and to change.
Humble As The Sun tracklisting:
1. Humble As The Sun (intro) ft. Jerub
2. Reign
3. GYAG (Get Yourself A Gun)
4. Dream Big
5. Hunger Games
6. Right Here
7. Makes Me Violent
8. He’s A Man
9. Ring The Alarm
10. I’m Still Here
All currently announced BOB VYLAN live dates for 2024:
January 5th – Rockaway Beach Festival, Bognor Regis UK
March 2nd – Immersed Festival, Cardiff UK
April 5th – The Fighting Cocks (Banquet Records show)
May 16th – Sonic Temple Festival, Columbus, Ohio USA
May 24th – Bearded Theory Festival, Derbyshire UK
May 25th – Slam Dunk Festival South, UK
26th – Slam Dunk Festival North, UK
June 7th – Mystic Festival, Poland
June 27th – Jera On Air, Netherlands
