The Issues press photo

Since meeting in the smoking area of their local indie night in Exeter, The Issues were created to make a statement.

A messy sound, silly lyrics and shedloads of energy, what’s not to like? Comprising of Joe Jenkins (vocals, guitar), Joe Kurzawa (lead guitar), Chris Otun (bass) and Mike Slack (drums), their indie rock sound has an aroma of punk, surf and fuzz.

The new single ‘My Ex Stacey’ is the sophomore track (following up on ‘Katie’) from the quartet all about that ‘one that got away,’ as frontman Joe J explains.

“This song actually was inspired by a welsh girl I met at a festival last year. We danced non-stop together for hours and then all of a sudden she disappeared and I didn’t even catch her name.”

‘My Ex Stacey’ is all about chasing a high. Whether it’s the feeling someone gives you or the feeling something gives you, that first time is never going to be beaten no matter how hard you try. The Issues dedicate it as an ode to crazy nights in crazy places with crazy people.

At the beginning of the track, you can hear Ruth Jones’ character Nessa (Gavin & Stacey) say ‘Oh what’s occurring’ before the jangly guitars and distorted vocals kick in. The guitars sound The Cure-esque and the vocal effect attempt to sound Strokesy and newcomers Chaos In The Tea House.

Recorded in lockdown, Joe recorded the shouty vocal section in the shed at the bottom of the garden and “scared the neighbours senseless for about 2 hours,” adds Joe. “Screeching ‘and we’re chewing and we’re f**king’ over and over again in a quiet suburban neighbourhood really didn’t go down too well.”

Taking to the likes of modern indie giants The Libertines, The Fratellis and Jamie T, to name a few, The Issues put a smile on people’s faces. Having only formed in February this year, this young band are storming up the ranks and there’s plenty more up their sleeves.

Check out the single below and leave an ICM Star Rating out of 10!