Devon-based, indie psych rock band King Fisher are back with a brand new single ‘Wasteland’.

After two EPs already this year, ‘Wasteland’ marks a new season for the group. The five met at Exeter University and formed from frontman Patrick Ardill’s solo project. The group have already headlined gigs at the Old Firehouse, and performed a massive support slot for King Nun on their February tour. Establishing themselves as a big name on the Exeter circuit, after Covid-19, I’m sure the rest of the south west can expect to see a lot more from King Fisher.

“You’re a wasted man” belts out, with the Fontains DC, loudspeaker vocals, we’re overhearing a pub fight. The lyrics are infused with a bitterness, there’s a bite and a sting behind them. The aggression not just in the vocals, but in the drumming too. Aggravating one another, spurring each other on. These are the two punkier elements of the track but for this to be classic indie punk, there would be a rhythm over riff bias. But with their extensive influences and psychedelic flavours, ‘Wasteland’ doesn’t compromise. It has a trademark indie melody running throughout but pulled together with the haunting ‘Disraeli Gears’ riff. The continuous guitar shill climbs and climbs, trance inducing, building not just to the song’s finale, but building the confusion and the feeling of desperation. The hallucinogenic trill is what sets King Fisher apart.

King Fisher live

King Fisher // Press Photo

‘Wasteland’ has Blur ‘Leisure’ qualities running all the way through. The mashup of the north and south indie scenes, ‘Leisure’ was a reflection of the struggle to become top dog, it captured two different sounds from two very different places. But ‘Wasteland’ isn’t the sound of struggle but rather the sound of a harmonious, happy marriage. It’s no longer trial and error, King Fisher have found the perfect balance between Factory records and the capital.

They have an awesome EP called ‘Times Beach’ – out on all major platforms, definitely give that a listen to be fully immersed in the ever-expanding King Fisher world.

Check them out on Instagram for their ‘Fish Fridays’.