Broken Colours return with a powerful statement piece in “Pretending,” the standout new single taken from their freshly released EP Could Be Worse, which officially drops today. For a band already known for blending indie-rock energy with soulful, heartfelt lyricism, this release marks a bold leap forward—one that reinforces their identity while embracing an even more contemporary, hard-hitting sound.

From the first riff, “Pretending” makes its intentions clear. This is Broken Colours at their most confident: bluesy, gritty, and unapologetically rock ’n’ roll. The track bursts open with stadium-sized guitars, the kind that evoke the adrenaline of a live show, instantly placing listeners in the front row of the band’s electrifying world. Yet despite its sheer power, the song remains rooted in authenticity—its melodic hooks and emotional depth carrying the unmistakable fingerprint of a band who write from lived experience.

As part of the Could Be Worse EP, “Pretending” embodies the project’s spirit. The four-track collection brings together three previous singles—“Brother,” “Before The Sun,” and “Hey It’s Me”—alongside this brand-new release, creating a cohesive yet diverse snapshot of Broken Colours’ growth. The EP moves between anthemic highs and reflective, introspective moments, revealing the breadth of the band’s creative vision. In that context, “Pretending” stands as the EP’s fiery core, capturing the raw intensity that first drew fans to the Buckinghamshire quartet.

What makes this single shine is how seamlessly it bridges nostalgia and modern polish. There’s a classic swagger reminiscent of early 2000s indie and blues-rock, but it’s delivered with a crisp, contemporary edge that keeps it firmly grounded in the current scene. The big choruses, designed to be shouted back by a crowd, feel tailor-made for festival stages and packed venues—an element that reflects the band’s history of commanding audiences across the UK, Denmark, and Italy. Their live reputation, honed alongside acts like The Blockheads, Jake Bugg, The Zutons and The Subways, is woven into every beat of the track.

Vocally, the performance carries both grit and vulnerability. The lyrics revolve around the tension between masking emotion and confronting truth—a universal theme delivered with the conviction of a band unafraid to dig deeper into their storytelling. The blues influence adds weight, while the indie-rock framing keeps the track accessible, energetic, and irresistibly replayable.

What’s also clear in “Pretending” is Broken Colours’ commitment to evolution. While the group first made an impact with their 2016 self-titled EP, they’ve since refined their sound into something more expansive and dynamic. This new track doubles down on the qualities that earned them their initial buzz—funk-infused rhythms, sharp riffs, and big emotional delivery—while pushing their artistry into bolder territory.

With Could Be Worse now out in the world, “Pretending” serves as both a highlight and a promise. It signals the start of a new chapter for Broken Colours, one charged with ambition and creative intensity. If this single is any indication, the band are not only reclaiming their place in the indie-rock landscape—they’re gearing up to dominate it.

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