British singer-songwriter DD Allen returns with his eagerly anticipated Debut EP, Rebel Hero, an immersive collection of songs that explore freedom, love, camaraderie, hope, and nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the raw storytelling honesty of Bob Dylan, the sharp observational lyricism of MJ Lenderman, and the nostalgic echoes of Tom Petty and The War On Drugs, Allen’s work is a poetic exploration of the human experience.
With inevitable comparisons to Neil Young, DD Allen’s soft yet powerful voice carries the weight of his deeply personal storytelling. Rebel Hero is a record born from solitude—written in lockdown, where lonely nights and quiet contemplation transformed into songs filled with memories and metaphors. Each track is decorated with harmonica wails, rich guitar tones, and lyrics that speak to the soul, creating a body of work that feels both deeply introspective and universally relatable.
The EP features standout tracks such as ‘Born To Love You’ and ‘Holborn Avenue’, where Allen proves that softness can be a strength—especially when delivering truths that might otherwise be too sharp around the edges. Meanwhile, guitar-driven anthems like ‘Rebel Hero’ and ‘I See You In The Dark (Alternative Version)’ showcase his ability to seamlessly blend folk and rock, treating them as two sides of the same musical coin.
“Lockdown played a big part in Rebel Hero—desperate times managing collective despair, depression and drink. But amid the boredom, anxiety and uncertainty, I found inspiration in Huey Morgan’s book Rebel Heroes—those stories about the renegades of yesteryear like Jimi, Janis, Cassie Elliot, and Amy provided an escape. I started to figure out what it’s like to value freedom, love, camaraderie, hope and nostalgia. The record is really me presenting these human emotions back to listeners – I hope it passes on that sense of what it is to be human.”
The focus single, ‘I See You In The Dark (Alternative Version)’, is a high-energy, Sam Fender-esque anthem that channels the euphoric spirit of ‘80s rock. With soaring synths, swirling guitars, and anthemic choruses, this alternative take breathes new life into DD Allen’s songwriting, bringing out the full depth of his artistry. The track encapsulates the spirit of Rebel Hero—a testament to Allen’s journey as a songwriter and performer, refined over years of dedicated craft.
DD Allen’s Rebel Hero EP is set to make a lasting impact, further cementing his place as one of the most exciting British voices in modern folk-rock.
Produced by Mark Tucker (Jethro Tull, Portishead, PJ Harvey) at Green Room Studios, Rebel Hero is an invitation into DD Allen’s world. It’s music for thinkers, dreamers, and those who have ever felt caught between where they are and where they long to be.
