Roar Idle releases new full-length record

Coming out of London, Roar Idle have been building a musical world that takes shape in the overlap between alternative rock, psychedelia and pop. Formed around the creative vision of vocalist and guitarist Ro Arora, the band has developed a style that balances reflective songwriting with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes. Alongside drummer and bassist Olly Massey, Roar Idle create music that feels immersive and human, bringing together dreamy textures with the warmth and energy of classic guitar-driven songwriting.

Their music drifts through themes of love, life and the mysteries that exist beyond everyday experience, creating songs that invite listeners to lose themselves inside carefully crafted sonic worlds. While rock and psychedelic influences form a significant part of their output, there’s an affection for melody running through everything they do, giving their work an accessibility and wider appeal that sits alongside its more adventurous qualities.

That balance has been present since Roar Idle first introduced themselves in 2021 with their debut single, “Take Me Away.” The release opened an early window into a band fascinated by atmosphere and emotion, setting them on a direction they would continue to develop through subsequent releases. Soon after came their second outing “Must I Learn,” while their artistic journey continued with the arrival of their debut album, Sign, in 2024. The record represented an important moment, allowing Roar Idle to present a broader picture of their creative vision on a longer release format.

Now Roar Idle return with their sophomore full-length album titled Sailing In My Mind, a release that feels both like a continuation of their artistic journey and a natural development of everything they’ve built thus far. Created during a period of transition, the album captures a moment of change within the band itself; former member Adam Kingsley appears on bass guitar across the first four tracks, while Olly Massey assumed bass duties following Adam’s departure for the remainder of the record.

Across the album, shimmering guitar riffs sit alongside groove-focused rhythms and spacious arrangements that leave room for the music to breathe. The title track, “Sailing In My Mind,” serves as a particularly strong representation of the album’s character. Featuring stacked harmonies, driving guitar work and an energetic rhythm section, the track tumbles into place with jangly guitar notes and smooth vocal leads before the rustle of drums injects a steady forward motion. Gliding with tender vocal performance, rolling percussion and bursts of crunchy blues vibes, it’s a slick rock jam that’s memorable and highly original throughout.

“Waiting For Fire” lands with flangey guitar rhythms which sweep across the mix as the shuffle of drums ushers in mellow vocal layers, setting up a laid back, psych-tinged rock outing that’s transportive and subtly spacey. “Ever & Every” forms with breezy guitar chords and tapped cymbals to cast an intricate arrangement capped by delicate vocals carrying alluring melodic leads to present a charming listening experience that puts the band’s songwriting flair and performance panache on full display.

Tracks like “In My World” flow with lightly gritty guitar notes, pattering drums and moody vocals, slipping into a melodic rock outing brimming with storytelling lyricism while “Island All Alone” brings an engaging groove and pop-inflected songwriting to offer a stellar showcase of the band’s catchy sound. “Electric Blanket” rolls with fuzzy guitar textures, pulsing bass and punchy drums as infectious vocals drift above to serve up a bright moment that leans into the band’s indie stylings. “Floating” sets up a downtempo scene with sparse guitar notes, stretched vocalisations and soft percussion, wrapping their songwriting in an engrossing atmosphere.

With “Cora,” the airy twang of clean guitar notes and hushed vocals delivers a dreamy soundscape that glides with lullaby-esque melodies and hypnotic rhythmic energy. Closing the album with “Voice Memo,” Roar Idle strips everything back to lay down an intimate, acoustic jam that brings their superb new record to a delightful conclusion. With Sailing In My Mind, Roar Idle continue to go from strength to strength as a band with a timeless and truly compelling sound and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next on their exciting musical adventure.

Listen to Sailing In My Mind below