Following on from their massive recent BBC6music B-list single ‘Hunger Games’, Bob Vylan, have released their brand new single ‘Makes Me Violent.’ Taken from the bands new album, ‘Humble As The Sun’ out 5th April 2024 via Ghost Theatre.
“Makes me violent is a letter to England. A country that tells us not to be angry or violent but continues to carry out and allow some of the most violent atrocities in the world. But while it talks about the way this country has treated us and many like us it’s hopeful and is filled with resistance. We’re not going anywhere. We’re staying right here to give this place hell.”
Bobby Vylan
Earlier this week Bob Vylan performed on BBC Radio 1 Future Sounds show with Clara Amfo, which included live versions of recent singles ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘He’s A Man’ and a very special cover of Kano’s ‘Three Wheels Up.’ You can listen back to the session – HERE.
‘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
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
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.
All currently announced BOB VYLAN live dates for 2024:
5th April – Fighting Cocks, Kingston (Banquet Records show 1)
5th April – Prisym, Kingston (Banquet Records Show 2)
7 April 2024 – Bush Hall London, United Kingdom (101 Part Time Jobs Podcast, live)
9 April 2024 – Rough Trade Nottingham Nottingham, United Kingdom
10 April 2024 – Rough Trade Bristol Bristol, United Kingdom
11 April 2024 – Rough Trade East London, United Kingdom
26 April 2024 – KK’s Steel Mill Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
27 April 2024 – KK’s Steel Mill Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
12 May 2024 – Welcome to Rockville 2024 Daytona Beach, FL
16 May 2024 – Sonic Temple Festival 2024 Columbus, OH
23 May 2024 – Bearded Theory Festival 2024 South Derbyshire District, United Kingdom
25 May 2024 – Slam Dunk Festival – South 2024 Hatfield, United Kingdom
26 May 2024 – Slam Dunk Festival – North 2024 Leeds Icd, United Kingdom
15 August 2024 – SITE DE KERAMPUILH CARH3 Carhaix-plouguer, France
16 August 2024 – Lowlands Festival 2024 Biddinghuizen, Netherlands
Photo credit – Ki Price