Holly Head Returns With Fourth Single, I’ve Had Want

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Manchester punk-four-piece Holly Head balances socio-political weight with a melodic new edge on their fourth single, I’ve Had Want.

Holly Head delivers a brand-new release titled I’ve Had Want, blending their signature politico-punk energy with a softer, more melodic sonic direction. The four-piece band follows up a successful UK tour supporting Westside Cowboy with this latest track.

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A Fresh Melodic Direction

I’ve Had Want reveals a more forgiving shade of patiently hewn songcraft that typically hides inside a frenetic live set. Paddy Murphy, the drummer for Westside Cowboy and a former lead guitarist for Holly Head, co-wrote the track. This collaboration continues a close artistic link established by the February single, No Country Is An Island.

Intensity Meets New Sonic Shades

Famous for combining political dissent with danceable basslines, scuzzy guitars, and candid vocals, the band experiments with lighter shades without losing intensity. The group avoids simple pop formulas while diluting frustration through verse-chorus-verse structures and sample-led alternative music.

Confronting Systemic Inequality and Numbness

Lyrically, the song tackles depression, numbness, and how personal struggles entangle with systemic imbalances affecting daily life. Lead singer and lyricist Joe notes that processing global inequality and suffering takes a heavy toll on mental health. Even so, the lyrics continue addressing wealth inequality, racial hate, and animal rights through a wider emotional range rather than pure anger.

Diverse Musical Inspirations

The single grew out of a dreamy, late-night demo crafted together by Joe and bassist Liam. The band draws inspiration from touchpoints like UNKLE, DJ Shadow, Tricky, and Cornershop. Additional influences include Wu-Lu, Happy Mondays, Kokoroko, Fugazi, and Fela Kuti.

Bass-Driven Melody and Formative Roots

Liam shapes the band’s sound with nimble, forward-facing bass work inspired by players like Peter Hook, Mani, and Nikolai Fraiture. New Order, The Stone Roses, and The Strokes influenced this style of pushing the bass guitar to the front to lead the melody.

Building a Vital Underground Reputation

Manchester’s vital underground scene recognizes the group through relentless live performances alongside Sprints, Welly, and Westside Cowboy. Their debut single, No Gain, achieved cult status within grassroots guitar circles. That early success also earned the band a BBC 6 Music New Music Fix live session in late 2024.

Tour Dates:

Thu 24 September: London, Shacklewell Arms

Wed 7 October: Salford, Beyond The Music

Fri 22 – Sun 24 October: Rotterdam, Left of The Dial

Sat 31 October: Bristol, The Louisiana

Find more from Holly Head now:

https://www.instagram.com/hollyhead.band