A while back I took a trip to Glasgow to catch the Belfast band Virgins doing their live thing. Also, on the bill that night, lucky for me, was Wynona Bleach. I was immediately struck by the bands consistent, hook filled set, the powerful vocal performance and the fuzz driven guitars. In fact, I remember bonding with Jonny from the band over our love of fuzz pedals on my way out after. So, who are Wynona Bleach then?
Also hailing from beautiful Belfast, Wynona Bleach are a band that masterfully bridges the gap between shoegaze, grunge, and alt-pop. The band line up is Melyssa Shannon (Vocals), Jonny Woods (Guitar/Vocals), Carl Gilmore (Bass), and James Foy (Drums). I have played their two releases to date to death here in the Static Sounds Clubhouse. I picked up their 2018 Sugar EP at the gig and not long after found a copy of their then long sold-out debut album Moonsoake which earned widespread praise for its expansive soundscapes and raw emotional core upon release in 2022. This band have earned a reputation for their electric live performances and aren’t afraid to put in the hard yards.
With a new album on the horizon this year we have already had two peeks at what that’s going to sound like via their singles from last year ‘Swim in the Bay’ and ‘I Deserve That’. Both absolute monster tracks that have everyone excited.
We are being treated to a third single now with the band dropping ‘Tangerine’. I asked the band what we can expect from the new single.
“It’s a downtempo, crushing and popping ballad about wants and desires. It explores the delicate state one finds themselves in when they find themselves secretly crushing on someone, they know they’ll never have.”
It’s an exhilarating step forward to my ears, showcasing their unique hybrid sound. This time the song feels like it has more space as the tempo drops ever so slightly. The fuzzed-out bass rumbles underneath Shannon’s effervescent vocals. This gives Woods room to play stabby guitar licks that paint the melody like a watercolour.
Lyrically, “Tangerine” balance’s themes of longing and hope, creating an emotional resonance that pairs beautifully with its vibrant soundscape.
If ‘Tangerine’ is any indication, Wynona Bleach are not just refining their sound but expanding it into bold new territories. This is the kind of track that demands repeat listens, each time revealing new sonic layers and emotional nuances. It’s shoegaze with an edge—bittersweet, euphoric, and entirely captivating.
‘Tangerine’ is out now via Fierce Panda Records and you can check it out over on the Wynona Bleach Bandcamp page or on the usual streaming places.
You can follow Wynona Bleach on social media here….
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