Brighton’s indie/math pop trio Orchards have shared their latest single, "Sweetie Pie," out now via Big Scary Monsters. After spending the past year locked away in the studio, Orchards have returned with renewed vigour and another shiny new banger.
Recorded with Jack Wilson (Fickle Friends), "Sweetie Pie" juxtaposes the darker sonic shift found in their previous offering, "I Feel Terrible," with Lucy Evers' sickly sweet vocal melodies and Sam Rushton's warm yet bitter-tinged jangly guitars. The track explores themes of hurt and broken hearts, with Evers singing, “I’ll never count my blessings since you said that it’s pathetic but / Oh sweetie pie / I don’t think you’re mine.” Despite its melancholic undertones, "Sweetie Pie" promises to be the math-pop sound of the summer, complete with huge singalongs.
Talking about the track bassist Dan Fane said:
“‘Sweetie Pie’ was quite an old demo we have been playing around with for a while now. We had a version of it that we took to Jack, and we really changed it up a lot. We love how it’s taken on a totally new personality. During the time we recorded this one, we were listening to a lot of Darwin Deez and Avril Lavigne, and I think it really shows. This one is going to be fun live!”
The past few years have been tumultuous for Brighton indie/pop darlings Orchards. Their debut album "Lovecore," released in March 2020, was set to catapult them into the indie mainstream. However, the world fell apart due to the pandemic, forcing the band to take a back seat. Undeterred, they locked themselves away and rallied with new music, resulting in the irresistible "Trust Issues" EP. While their glittery, bombastic power indie-pop remained, the EP featured an edgier, darker lyrical tone.
With a loyal fan base built from years of hard work, critical praise from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC 6 Music), Noisey, DIY, Line of Best Fit, and more, as well as spots on Spotify's New Music Friday, extensive UK and EU tours, and success at festivals such as SXSW, 2000 Trees, ArcTanGent, and Y Not?, Orchards seemed to be on the rise. However, their apparent disappearance sparked rumors of a breakup.
Behind the scenes, Orchards had gone nowhere. They regrouped with producer Jack Wilson in Shoreham to pen some of their most explorative, brutally honest, and catchy songs to date. This summer, the band will bring their energetic live show to stages at Truck Festival, Washed Out, and ArcTanGent, followed by a headline tour in October 2024. Armed with their impressive back catalog and fiery new songs, Orchards are ready to shine once again.
Watch the video for “Sweetie Pie”:
Upcoming live dates
27/07 - Truck Festival
27/07 - Washed Out Festival
15/08 - ArcTanGent Festival
10/10 - Brighton, Prince Albert
11/10 - Bristol, The Louisiana
12/10 - London, The Victoria
