Had Sandy x Rankd
3-track emo dreamo goodness Brighton's newcomers
Had Sandy features a familiar concoction of Brighton’s finest – fusing members from How Long You Been Driving , newly re-named Mirepoix (FKA Riff Raff), Flavours and Gerard’s Corner – amongst other projects from days since passed. There’s no question about the song-writing abilities of the quartet, and the fresh-off-the-press EP ‘Desire Paths’ is the latest release to be firmly approved from local juggernaut ‘Sugar Free Records‘, who continues to champion the works of Brighton’s ever-growing emo soundscape – including the likes of Prom and Mascot Graveyard. A striking follow-up to an unmissable first year, Had Sandy continue to craft cinematic spectacles that continue to exert the energies of 2024 debut ‘In Between’,
Opening the 3-tracker with floating chorus and ethereal ride-based drumming courtesy of Elliott Scambler – ‘Skin Graft’ is a striking opener that bats between stripped simplicity and catchy grit-infused choruses, showcasing the dynamic complexities of their DIY craft. ‘Lightning McSkinup’ follows – with pained belting from Jude, chugging guitar from Louis, and a refreshing synth twist from Tash, finalising a mesmerising emo ballad reminiscent of the glory days of emocore – a relieving insight into the revival of the genre in Brighton over the last few years.
The quartet have marked the occasion with a string of dates across the UK with Brighton companions Give Up – indie shoegaze punk fronted by Ashwin Bhandari, who featured at Rankd’s debut show back in January with a captivating set acoustic numbers.
Covering Northampton, London, Bristol, Southampton and finishing up in Brighton with local legends Harker on the 27th March, Had Sandy will also be an appearance at Brighton’s newly acclaimed Dust in May.
It’s clear to see the energy of the emo-newcomers radiating from their growing discography, and with unmissable live shows – the 4-piece are set for a prosperous 2025.
Stream their new EP ‘Desire Paths’ here, and catch ’em live in a town near you!