bdrmm announce new album “Microtonic”, share single “John on the Ceiling,” and plan 2025 tour
Hull-based quartet bdrmm has revealed details of their highly anticipated third album, Microtonic, set for release on 28 February via Mogwai’s Rock Action label. Alongside this announcement, the band dropped the pulsating new single “John on the Ceiling” and confirmed an extensive UK and European tour scheduled for March 2025.
The ten-track album marks a significant evolution for bdrmm, blending their shoegaze roots with an expanded sound that draws heavily from electronic and dance music influences. Recorded with long-time collaborator Alex Greaves, Microtonic features contributions from Sydney Minsky Sargeant of Working Men's Club and Olivesque of Nightbus, adding further depth to the band’s sonic palette.
Vocalist and guitarist Ryan Smith describes the themes of “John on the Ceiling” as exploring cycles of uncertainty and self-reflection:
“The themes surrounding John on the Ceiling are that of confusion and doubt. When something ends and another starts, you lure yourself into a false sense of security that the mistakes made won’t happen again. This happens over and over until you are paralysed in limbo. Can people ever truly change?”
The single itself, described as “propulsive” by the band, was born from an idea developed early in their career but fully realised with the confidence gained from their recent successes. Its rhythmic pulse and late-night vibe set the tone for Microtonic, an album that sees bdrmm exploring a broader array of tones and textures.
Microtonic follows the 2023 release of I Don’t Know, which garnered widespread acclaim for its ambitious, boundary-pushing sound. Tracks from the record, such as “It’s Just a Bit of Blood,” earned spots on major playlists and praise from influential outlets. Now, with their latest project, bdrmm aim to build on this momentum while breaking free from the constraints of traditional genre labels.
Ryan Smith explains:
“I felt very constrained writing a certain type of music to fit the genre [we were known for] but something lifted and I felt more free to create what I want. And what I seem to be doing at the moment is a lot of electronic music – taking influence from different spans of electronica, from dance music to ambient and more experimental sources.”
While embracing electronic elements, bdrmm haven’t entirely abandoned their guitar-driven origins. Instead, they’ve incorporated them into a richer, more expansive sound. The album’s ten tracks, including titles like “Infinity Peaking” and “Clarkycat,” promise a mix of danceable rhythms and introspective moments.
The band’s upcoming 2025 tour will kick off on 6 March in Newcastle before winding through the UK
Save the date for Microtonic, and watch the visualiser for “John on the Ceiling”:
Upcoming live dates
