Guild Theory, a post-rock band rooted in the 2000s soundscape, has released their latest single, Indignant Swines, heralding the arrival of their second album, The Mellified Man, slated for release on July 22, 2024. This track not only showcases the band’s evolution but also hints at the darker, more mature tones that define their new album.
Guild Theory is comprised of multi-instrumentalist Rob Lewis and vocalist/synth player Matt Smith. The duo handles the production of their music through their own label, Guild Theory Records, ensuring a deeply personal and cohesive sound.
Having met online a few years ago, Guild Theory’s collaboration has been marked by a shared passion for the atmospheric and emotive. Their influences include Oceansize, The Cooper Temple Clause, Porcupine Tree, A Perfect Circle, Midlake, BRMC, and Radiohead. These bands have inspired Guild Theory to craft a sound that blends intricate musicality with emotional depth, firmly anchoring their music in the post-rock and progressive rock genres.
Guild Theory’s music has resonated with audiences on Future Radio and Prog Radio, where their intricate soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics have garnered attention. While they have yet to list notable live performances, their radio presence speaks to the quality and appeal of their music.
Indignant Swines and the entire The Mellified Man album were written, recorded, mixed, and produced by Rob Lewis and Matt Smith. This DIY approach, facilitated through Guild Theory Records, allows the band to maintain complete creative control, resulting in a sound that is both authentic and meticulously crafted.
Guild Theory’s debut album featured pop-rock tracks such as “Teenage Years,” “Free From You,” and “Dark Machina.” However, with The Mellified Man, they have pivoted towards a more cohesive and mature sound that leans heavily on their prog and post-rock influences. According to the band, this new album reveals a darker side of their music, with Indignant Swines being the most “poppy” track of the collection.
Guild Theory prefers to let their listeners derive personal meanings from their songs. The lyrics for Indignant Swines and other tracks on The Mellified Man are available, allowing fans to delve into the narrative and emotional undercurrents without explicit guidance from the band. This open-ended approach encourages a deeper connection with the music.
The production of Indignant Swines and The Mellified Man was straightforward, with no notable incidents. The band emphasizes the importance of listening to the single and pre-saving the album, urging fans to explore the deeper, more introspective aspects of their new music. Reflecting on their rapid yet thoughtful production pace, Matt Smith shares, “We’ve been going at quite a pace, producing two albums in only a couple of years. But nothing about The Mellified Man or Indignant Swines seems rushed to us. We hope this single gives you a good teaser of the upcoming album.”
Indignant Swines by Guild Theory offers a tantalizing preview of what fans can expect from The Mellified Man. With its darker tones and progressive influences, the single marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound. As Guild Theory continues to explore and refine their musical identity, their commitment to authenticity and emotional depth promises an engaging and transformative listening experience.
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