Oswald Slain have released their debut single titled ‘Happiness Is Overrated’ on 8th of November of this year.

On the first listen it gives the feeling of being in a crowdy bar in America with its country and groovy vibes. When focusing on the lyrics it soon becomes clear, that it’s an anthem about struggling with life. As the vocalist, singer and lyricist Fitzgerald put it well “Happiness is Overrated is a rise about misery and a rebellion against the pressures of being ‘happy’.“ The song was written in times of the final lockdown when the outside world came to a stop and there was the opportunity to really connect with oneself. Fitzgerald channeled this period of introspection and growth, put those experiences into a honest but humorous songwriting and mixed it with the swag and grit of old retro rock records. Mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), the song plays with the contrast of a melancholy theme and upbeat swagger of the music.

The Bristol-based rock band is formerly known as Little Thief and toured the UK multiple times under their previous moniker. They performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, Liverpool Sound City and Isle of Wight, while receiving support from BBC Radio 1, Far Out Magazine and Steve Lamacq. The Co-founding members Fitzgerald and Williams have been writing music together for over a decade now and took the difficult decision to change the band name and move forward into a new direction. Fellow band member Rogers produced their debut single in-house in their DIY studio built in their back garden. With their timeless and energetic sound and unstoppable groove they surely make music for the heart and soul. You just can’t resist the urge to move when listening to ‘Happiness Is Overrated’ and imagine you’re in a bar, relaxing in the after-work hours with your mates. Taking me by surprise was the soulful and quiet outro underlined with what sounded like organ music.

I am sure we will hear more of the band in the coming future, and I personally can’t wait for the time I get to see them live. Because if their debut single is anything to go by, I can’t imagine the energy they’ll put out when performing in front of an audience. For those of you who get the chance to see them live, they’ll perform an intimate gig in their hometown Bristol at The Ill Repute on Saturday 16th of November.