Just in time for a hot, hazy summer ahead, Solar Eyes return with a brand new single, “Be Under No Illusion” on 28th May.
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“Be Under No Illusion” is a full‑throttle indie psych-rock track that hits with immediacy, confidence and a gun-slinging swagger. Driven by a relentless groove, howling fuzz guitars, and Western-movie vocal whoops provided by Nadine Batchelor Hunt, it brings the raw energy of early Kasabian and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to a Morricone-scored shoot-out. With its unusual, off-kilter 7/4 time signature it counts itself amongst a rare-breed of classic tracks, including Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” and Pink Floyd’s “Money“, both of which count them as part of their DNA. The result is a dizzying track firmly rooted in the now, but very much orbiting in a realm of its own.
The same day, Solar Eyes will accompany the track with two contrasting B‑sides that deepen the picture. The interdimensional, driving shoegaze of “Sweet Angel” is a claustrophobic contrast of darkness and light; whilst its companion “All Because Of You” is both hazy and melodic as it walks a tightrope of tension with atmosphere – think Velvet Underground or Suicide with a hint of Bob Dylan.
Collectively, the three tracks showcase Solar Eyes at their most focused and confident, sharpening their sound and building on the momentum of last year’s critically acclaimed second album ‘Live freaky! Die Freaky!’.
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SOLAR EYES is the cosmic creation of Midlands duo Glenn Smyth and Sebastian Maynard Francis. Formed in 2021, Solar Eyes have steadily been amassing a devoted fanbase at tastemaker events like SXSW and The Great Escape. Releasing a slew of warmly received singles and three EP releases including ‘Dreaming Of The Moon’, ‘Alcatraz’ and ‘Naked Monkey On A Spaceship’, the band quickly earned praise from the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC6 Music) and John Kennedy (Radio X) at radio, plus support from The Observer, Q Magazine, God Is In The TV, Louder Than War and more at press. The band have also seen their music featured on renowned TV programmes including Match of the Day and Football Focus.
In 2024, the band released their acid-dipped debut album, ‘Solar Eyes’ (via the Fierce Panda label). Produced by Tom Ford alongside Solar Eyes, the album was mastered by Streaky, with additional mixing and mastering by Jeff Knowler. It was praised by Louder Than War for its “Swooping and captivating soundscapes and haunting vocals that pull you in with twanging guitars and haunting strings that pulls the big sky of the wild west into the mystery of the Midlands.“
Solar Eyes hit straight back with their 12-track sophomore effort, “Live Freaky! Die Freaky!” in 2025. Also released on the Fierce Panda label, it saw the band continue to plough their singular psych-rock and electronic dance furrow, featuring singles “Murdering Hippies” and “Set The Night On Fire”, with the Arts Desk hailing the record’s “wild-eyed exuberance that echoes the 1990s’ marrying of electronic dance music and floppy-haired indie tunes.“
Marking their next chapter with “Be Under No Illusion” on 28th May; the new single lands as a clear statement of intent from a band truly coming into their own. The band will also play a one-off hometown date at Birmingham Hare & Hounds on Saturday 27 June for Music Venues Trust Week. Tickets on sale now.
