Hailed by Noel Gallagher as sounding “fucking great,” CUSP’s early career highlights have included shows with Lottery Winners, The Royston Club, The Snuts, DMA’S, Red Rum Club and more.
But now the Milton Keynes trio take the biggest step of their rise so far with the news that they will release their long-awaited debut album ‘English Country’ on October 16th.
Hit play on ‘English Country’ and you’re greeted with a record that bristles with the vigour and vibrancy of a debut, but with the warmth and familiarity of an old favourite. Whether they’re delivering life-affirming indie-rock anthems, classic, effervescent guitar melodies or leaning into introspective singer-songwriter material, CUSP’s have crafted an expansive record built on melody, honesty and atmosphere.
The record’s string arrangements are symbolic of their growing ambition and powers, creating a widescreen cinematic scale that’s rare among guitar bands on their debut album. Thematically the album captures the intimacy and relatability of day-to-day life of twentysomething life, sourcing self-belief while seeking transcendence and longing for a brighter future.
“We always wanted to make a timeless record," saidVocalist / guitarist Dan Stock, "Songs that are rooted in normal life but also reach for something bigger and almost spiritual. There’s an emotional and musical depth to it that just comes naturally at this point. There’s a lot of ambition in the sound of the record, but underneath it all there’s honesty and vulnerability. If a lyric made me uncomfortable, I kind of knew I had to keep it and push further in that direction.
"When I’m really in my stride, the songs arrive effortlessly - like tuning into the radio inside my head. I’ve always loved albums that completely transport you, where every song flows into the next and creates a world that you can live inside. I think we ended up with an album that hits you immediately but also has deeper layers to it.
"A lot of modern music feels disposable now, we wanted to make something that will sound as good today as it will in 50 years.”
The single ‘English Country’ is the kind of supercharged, instant impact, high intensity anthem that every band needs. Dan Stock’s vocal simmers with attitude in a song which turns pain into positivity by growing up, learning to change, and making peace with the person that you were.
“This is the first song on the album, and the first thing we wanted people to hear," Dan added, "I’d had the lyrics and melody for a while, but it took a while to find the right version. I've always thought album openers should feel like a statement of intent with a bit of arrogance about it. In my head, it's like if ‘Morning Glory’ was track 1 on that record.”
The majority of the album was recorded in just over a week in London, with production from Jake Robbins. The record’s evocative string arrangements are by Alex Cornish.
‘English Country’ is available to pre-order / pre-save HERE. In addition to its digital release, it will be available on blue vinyl and CD.
Dan Stock has a deep obsession with songwriting, and especially for adding a modern voice and fresh sonic twists on the timeless songcraft of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Shack and Aztec Camera. Still an emerging band, CUSP’s roots date back almost a decade.
Dan and drummer Jack Gooderham have been playing together for almost a decade, with bassist Adam Webster joining them soon after. Sharing disparate influences, that time together has given them an unspoken chemistry, and the pair’s determination to be the best they can be helps push Dan’s songwriting to its full potential.
Having debuted in 2021 with ‘Beside You’, CUSP have released three EPs and several standalone singles. It’s a journey of graft and honing their talents that will now allow them to fulfill their immense potential with their debut album.
Cusp now have a growing summer festival schedule ahead of them, before their album headline tour gets underway in October. Tickets for the shows, listed below, are available HERE.
JUNE
21st - Isle of Wight Festival
JULY
18th - Glastonbury, Godney Gathering
31st - Derbyshire, Y NOT? Festival
AUGUST
20th - Leicester, 110 Above Festival
OCTOBER - HEADLINE TOUR
22nd - Manchester, Deaf Institute Lodge
22nd - Manchester, Deaf Institute Lodge
23rd - Newcastle, Zerox
24th - Glasgow, Audio
NOVEMBER - HEADLINE TOUR
5th - Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge
6th - Sheffield, Arundel Emporium
7th - London, Water Rats
