Ahead of their anticipated show opening for Blossoms at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Saturday 19th October, Glasgow indie-rock five-piece The Rooks release their infectious new single ‘Renegade’. Despite being only their second release to date, ‘Renegade’ shows a band rapidly mastering their craft, with a sound that feels both polished and commercially viable, yet full of raw energy.
‘Renegade’ opens as the tight, groovy bassline locks in with punchy, driving drums, laying the foundation for rich, layered guitars to sweep over the track. Front and centre is the emotive, husky lead vocal that adds a sense of grit and heart to the mix. It’s this blend of textures that gives ‘Renegade’ its edge, balancing the sharpness of indie rock with an anthemic, pop sensibility.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jim Lowe (whose credits include Stereophonics, Foo Fighters, and The Charlatans), ‘Renegade’ builds from a moody, introspective verse into a soaring, vibrant chorus. As the song progresses, it layers and intensifies, culminating in a climactic final chorus that hammers home the band’s ability to craft big, radio-ready moments.
The single dives deep into themes of escape and self-reflection. Matthew McFadyen and Ross Gardiner, the band’s primary songwriters, explain: “I think the song’s about escaping and leaving something behind. Whether that be a feeling, a place or a person. Maybe, less the need for something or someone new, and more the need to get away from yourself.
That someone is just a vehicle for distraction. I think most of us could use that at some point, whether we’d like to admit it.
The song was recorded in London with our producer Jim Lowe. The track took its time to come to life and I think a few of us were having doubts of it being the next single. On our 3rd day in the studio we went back to what we had and started adding layers. The track slowly started to turn into a monster, and after a full days work, we had ‘Renegade.”
Having already built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting new live acts, The Rooks have sold out Glasgow’s iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut twice and performed alongside artists such as Luke La Volpe at SWG3’s Galvanizers and The Shambolics at The Garage. Their upcoming slot supporting Blossoms at the O2 Academy, coupled with a UK tour supporting Louis Berry, positions The Rooks as a band on the rise, primed to bring their powerful sound to a national audience.
Listen below:
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