Belfast alt-rock outfit Wynona Bleach return with “Religion,” a snarling and electrified new single that offers a fierce glimpse into their upcoming sophomore album Animal Style. Released ahead of the record’s arrival via Fierce Panda Records and Propeller Sound Recordings, the track captures the band’s gritty, guitar-driven identity while sharpening their instinct for punchy, melodic songwriting.
From the first crash of drums, “Religion” wastes no time establishing its intent. Fuzz-soaked guitars roar to life, locked tightly with a driving rhythm section that propels the track forward with restless urgency. The band’s raw alt-rock edge is unmistakable, but threaded through the distortion is a pop sensibility that keeps the hooks immediate and memorable. It’s a sound that balances chaos and control, mirroring the explosive energy of their live performances.
Lyrically, the track leans into provocative territory, exploring the collision between lust, morality, and identity. Rather than a conventional love song, “Religion” plays with the intensity of physical attraction and the inner conflict it can spark. The band frames the idea with a dark sense of humour, suggesting that the overwhelming pull of desire might even push someone toward seeking redemption. At the same time, the song takes aim at performative culture and the illusions of what society brands as “cool,” questioning authenticity in a world of carefully curated personas.
The production adds another layer of punch to the track. Produced by guitarist Jonny Woods alongside acclaimed collaborators Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh, “Religion” feels both raw and refined. The guitars maintain a gritty edge while the arrangement remains tight and focused, allowing the band’s melodic instincts to cut cleanly through the distortion.
“Religion” also signals the broader direction of Animal Style, an album recorded in an old ballroom above a working men’s club in Belfast after the band transitioned into a four-piece lineup. The setting seems fitting for a project rooted in raw musical instincts. The record leans heavily into guitar-driven textures while embracing a stripped-back mentality that emphasises energy, attitude, and immediacy.
Wynona Bleach have been steadily building momentum since forming in 2018, earning attention through relentless touring, festival appearances, and their acclaimed debut album Moonsoake. With support slots for major acts and performances across the UK, Ireland, and the US, the band have sharpened their identity as a powerful live act capable of translating intensity into memorable songs.
With “Religion,” Wynona Bleach reaffirm what makes them compelling: a fearless blend of grit, melody, and attitude. It’s loud, provocative, and unapologetically direct, an alt-rock statement that sets the stage perfectly for the arrival of Animal Style.
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