The Agency…, a Newcastle-based alt/indie rock collective, has released their latest single, “Harbour Song,” on November 1, 2024. Known for their dark, dystopian soundscapes and evocative storytelling, The Agency… continues to enchant listeners with this haunting new track. “Harbour Song” is the debut single from their highly anticipated upcoming album and represents a new, expansive direction for the band. True to their style, the single melds melancholic melodies with rich, atmospheric production, inviting fans into an immersive experience that is both eerie and beautiful.
“Harbour Song” draws inspiration from the myth of Hero and Leander, an ancient love story that speaks of longing, loss, and fate—a perfect fit for The Agency…’s characteristic sound. The single features a captivating call-and-response waltz, brought to life by guest vocalists Elise Shields and Rosa Thomas from The Samphires, who join Steven K Driver’s brooding baritone in a vocal interplay that echoes the tragic tale’s ethereal mood. Shields and Thomas, hailed as one of Edinburgh and Newcastle’s best-kept musical secrets, deliver a mesmerizing vocal performance that adds a haunting quality to the track, leaving its denouement open to the listener’s interpretation.
Musically, “Harbour Song” is a masterclass in dark, gothic allure, with layered production that accentuates its brooding aesthetic. Andy Ludbrook and Malcolm Jackson’s atmospheric production design immerses the listener, enhancing the song’s melancholic themes. Their thoughtful production choices highlight intricate instrumentation and create a soundscape that’s both cinematic and emotionally resonant. The Agency… cites influences from iconic duets like Nancy and Lee and more modern pairings such as Campbell and Lanegan, blending these inspirations into a sound that feels timeless and hauntingly original. With each listen, “Harbour Song” reveals new layers, inviting fans to lose themselves in its storytelling and gothic ambience.
Since their formation in Newcastle upon Tyne, The Agency… has carved out a unique place in the music world. Led by vocalist and songwriter Steven K Driver, the band’s lineup includes talented musicians like Steve Beyer (guitar), Garry Cosgrove (drums), Andy Ludbrook (bass), and Scott Wall (piano). The addition of seasoned artists such as Fraser Smith from Little Man Tate/Shed Seven and DJ/Producer Aaron McClelland (aka Fonzerelli) has only expanded their sound. Their genre-blending approach—combining elements of indie rock, post-rock, and folk noir—brings together gothic themes with dystopian soundscapes, capturing moments of light amidst narratives of existential reflection.
The Agency…’s previous releases, Of Ghosts and In the Haunted Woods, showcase their ability to delve into introspective, supernatural themes with precision. Of Ghosts presents a delicate mix of introspective lyrics and eerie folklore, while In the Haunted Woods takes a darker and more complex approach, exploring the human condition with songs like “Defender” and “Numb.” With comparisons to artists like Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and Mark Lanegan, The Agency… has been described as weaving a folk-noir tapestry that immerses listeners in an atmospheric world of melancholic storytelling.
With “Harbour Song,” The Agency… has introduced new sonic twists that build upon their established sound, yet push its boundaries. The Samphires’ vocals lend a delicate, haunting quality, complementing Driver’s deep, introspective tone and adding layers of emotional complexity. The narrative’s blend of myth and modern musical influences gives the track a timeless, ghostly feel, conjuring vivid images of longing and loss amidst a vast, unforgiving sea.
Driver reflects on the track, saying, “Harbour Song takes us (The Agency…) to another musical dimension. What could have been a simple northern sea shanty evolves into something far more ethereal, thanks to Andy and Malcolm’s rich, layered production. And even more so those haunting vocals from Elise and Rosa from The Samphires. Every time I listen back, I discover new elements in the mix that I hadn’t noticed before—it’s otherworldly.” This sentiment captures the immersive, multilayered quality that fans have come to expect from The Agency…, while hinting at the evolving sonic landscapes the band is exploring.
In tandem with “Harbour Song,” The Agency… has released an alternate version under the name of Linguistic Spermy Dervlish—a heavy industrial remix by Malcolm Jackson, titled “Undercurrent Remix.” This remix provides a darker, more intense interpretation of the track, casting a harsher, industrial edge over the melancholic original. With its weightier sound and raw energy, “Undercurrent Remix” adds an intriguing contrast to the single, allowing fans to experience the emotional depth of “Harbour Song” from a new perspective.
To celebrate the release of “Harbour Song,” The Agency… has embarked on a UK tour, bringing their distinctive live experience to cities across the country. Known for their atmospheric performances that combine gothic elements with folk noir, the band will play new material from their upcoming album, including unreleased songs like “We Fell to the Floor” and “June to May.” The live lineup includes Driver on vocals and guitar, Andy Ludbrook on bass, Scott Wall on piano, Ben Anderson on guitar, Andrew Carr (formerly with Bonehead) on drums, and Martin Thompson (from Meiosis) on guitar.
The tour began with a Halloween Special at the Hope and Anchor in London, followed by a Día de los Muertos-themed performance at SOCA Live in Birmingham on November 1. The tour continues to Brighton’s Folklore Rooms and Newcastle’s The Grove, where they will support Viva Morrissey, before wrapping up with a secret Christmas show in Newcastle. At each stop, The Agency… promises a unique musical experience that combines the eerie, otherworldly charm of their recorded work with the raw energy of a live performance. Adding to the excitement, they will collaborate with local acts, such as The Young Property Developers, creating a multi-layered show that resonates with both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
Over the years, The Agency… has solidified their reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling indie and gothic rock bands. Critics have praised their ability to create “a musical jigsaw full of golden melancholia and dark dreams,” blending narrative depth with a sound that recalls icons like Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. In the Haunted Woods was described as a “musical kaleidoscope of artistry,” featuring the sombre and reflective qualities that have come to define their work. Rocking Magpie, 6 Music Recommends, and other outlets have recognized their innovative approach to indie rock, with each release further establishing The Agency… as a distinct voice in the genre.
With “Harbour Song” and its accompanying remix, The Agency… demonstrates their commitment to evolving and deepening their sound. As they continue their “Long, Slow Tour 2024/25” and prepare for a new album release in 2025, fans can look forward to more explorations of the human condition, told through the gothic, folk-noir lens that has become their signature. Whether through melancholic ballads, industrial remixes, or live performances that blur the line between music and storytelling, The Agency… remains a captivating force in the music world.
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