The Simpletone returns with brand new album

Formed in Cambridgeshire back in 2010, The Simpletone began with a clear and steadfast mission to make distinctive rock music and take it to the stage as often as possible. That vision quickly translated into real momentum and on the local circuit, they earned a reputation through their magnetic presence. Their live shows carried an unpredictable energy, drawing from influences that stretch from Black Sabbath and The Doors through to Soundgarden and Captain Beefheart.

That early period moved fast and by 2012, they’d independently released their debut album Rampenny, a project that helped solidify a growing following across the region. A year later, they claimed victory at the Cambridge Band Competition, a moment that marked a shift from promising newcomers to a band with energy behind them. The journey continued into 2014, when they toured as main support for New Model Army, taking their sound across venues throughout the UK. Alongside that run, they unveiled their second studio album Dark Matter, a release that found both an audience and strong reception, particularly as it travelled with them from stage to stage.

The following years were defined by a steady stream of live performances and support slots and by 2016, they returned with their third album Angels’ Share. Its presence on heavy rotation in Classic Rock magazine, coupled with consistently positive responses from listeners and tastemaker alike, felt like a natural peak for a group that had spent years building from the ground up.

Then everything stopped and after years of sustained output and performance, the band stepped back; families grew, priorities shifted and the pace that once defined them gave way to something quieter. Their return in 2023 saw them begin work on new material, approaching this next chapter with the context of time behind them. Recording sessions began in February 2024 at The Parlour music studios in Kettering, reuniting with Neil Haynes to bring the project to life. Those efforts now take shape in the form of The Eternal Now, a brand new record that feels shaped as much by that process as by the years that preceded it.

Across eight tracks, the band stretch out, allowing each piece the space to develop over time to present a truly enveloping musical experience that rewards focus and repeat listens. The album opens with the epic nine-minute long outing “Spiders” which bursts to life with the crunch of distorted guitar chords, crashing drums and intricate lead notes before simmering down to leave room for expressive vocal leads. Casting an arresting alternative rock outing packed full of twists and turns, it’s the perfect display of the band’s musicianship flair as well as the scale of their sound.

“Mirrors” brings a more direct sound, building from the pulse of bass and patter of drums towards a grooving rock scene tinged with pop-inflected hooks and new wave vibes. Rising with rustling drums, impassioned vocal performance and slick riffs, it’s a superb jam that distils their memorable songwriting into an engaging setting. “War” lands with the twang of intense lead guitar notes as the steady punch of drums injects a marching rhythm before commanding vocals enter to set up a thrilling sonic voyage that bends between anthemic alternative rock choruses and funky passages.

With “Fractures,” a hazy atmosphere of sparse guitar plucks is met by shuffling drums and bright vocals to cast an engrossing scene that deftly balances moody moments with uplifting surges. “Circles” rolls with pulsing drums and bass notes before gritty guitar lines and sweeping vocals combine to forge an infectious alternative rock soundscape. “Love” presents a raucous track that flows with charging rhythms and lively instrumental detours, capturing the band’s performance panache in spectacular fashion.

“Truth” sees the band lean into a more delicate framework where acoustic instrumentation and moving vocals form an intimate sound before the track gradually swells with rumbling drums to reach an enthralling finale of wah-drenched guitar leads and exhilarating rhythm. Closing the record with “Yesterday’s Son,” the downtempo taps of percussion and tender blend of acoustic guitar and heartfelt vocals casts a dreamy and highly affecting finale to the band’s incredible new album.

Listen to The Eternal Now below