“Americana with a British twist, the rolling backing, and one of this year’s best choruses." 

- Backseat Mafia

“Raw energy and a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly bold.

 - Babystep Magazine

Oswald Slain release new single ‘UGLY’, announce debut EP and UK tour

FEBRUARY 21ST 2025

Bristol rock group Oswald Slain return with their new single ‘UGLY’ on February 21st 2025, taken from their debut EP ‘Kiss Me On The Mouth’ due for release April 2025.

Formerly known as Little Thief, Oswald Swain’s sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of classic Americana, echoing the timeless vibes of Neil Young and The Band, whilst infusing it with the gritty, energetic rock essence familiar from their previous works. Anchored by the driving rhythms and fuzzy guitars, their music offers both reflective depth and an irresistible groove, promising music that resonates with both heart and soul.

Under their previous moniker, the band toured the UK multiple times, playing slots at esteemed festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, Liverpool Sound City, Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Greenman Festival, receiving support from the likes of Far Out Magazine, RTE, BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1. Co-founding members Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, who have been writing music together for over 10 years, made the difficult decision to change the band name and move forward in a new direction. 

Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution. Recorded over the miserable January of 2024, Oswald Slain’s music reflects a period of introspection and growth. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.

Their upcoming new single ‘UGLY’ follows the release of November’s debut single ‘Happiness Is Overrated’, championed by RTE, Fame Magazine, KUTX, Rough Trade’s ‘Counter Culture’ and Apple editorial’s ‘New In Rock’.

Produced in-house in their DIY home studio and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘UGLY’ lifts the red curtain on the darker side of the 70’s adult entertainment industry.

Speaking on the inspiration for the song, vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald says: “UGLY was one of the first tunes we made at home messing about in our little studio. We really enjoyed the slapping drum beat and fuzzy guitars and wanted to make something gross and tacky with some pretty moments. Lyrically it’s inspired by the film Boogie Nights and all the deranged antics that went on behind the glitz and the glamour of the 70’s adult entertainment industry. I like things that aren’t perfect and people who are not afraid to just be themselves; everyone has an ugly side or a bad angle but that only adds to an overall greater beauty in my opinion.”

Alongside the single, Oswald Slain are excited to announce that they’ll be embarking on their first tour of the UK, commencing April 17th 2025 at Newcastle’s Trillians Bar to celebrate the release of their debut EP.

UGLY is due for release February 21st and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

ONLINE:

• facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OswaldSlain

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oswaldslain

LISTEN:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IuKVSchn2kbstTS72MMIV?si=ctiY847lT9WEV3PcnsvMZQ

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/oswald-slain/1771207268

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0DJ6738WS/oswald-slain

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OswaldSlain

LIVE SHOWS:

• April 17th 2025 - Trillians, Newcastle

• April 18th 2025 - The Indiependent, Scunthorpe

• April 19th 2025 - The Snug, Atherton

• April 25th 2025 - 229 The Venue, London

• April 26th 2025 - Rossi Bar, Brighton

• 2nd May 2025 - Golden Lion, Bristol