Coming out of Aberdeen, Palejoy are here to inject a potent dose of alternative rock into the city’s musical fabric. Formed by members of Scottish acts Broadsea and Alkanes, this fiercely independent trio have risen from the northeast with a sound that blends the cathartic honesty of classic emo with the punch and accessibility of modern rock.
Grounded in a DIY ethos and powered by emotionally impactful songwriting, Palejoy have been making an impression in the UK’s underground with uncompromising artistic conviction. The band made their first mark in late 2023 with the release of their debut demo “A Good Man Caught in a Storm,” a powerful introduction to their vulnerable yet defiant sound.
Since then, they’ve followed up with a string of singles, steadily building momentum both in the studio and on stage. Their live shows are marked by high-octane energy and emotional punch which have quickly earned them a loyal local following, resulting in a sold-out headline gig that confirmed Palejoy as a band with staying power. Hitting the ground running in 2025 with their track “Max Payne Au Chocolat,” Palejoy now brings us their latest outing with the brand new single titled “Next Goal Wins,” a song that cuts even deeper, offering a bruised yet anthemic reflection on the creeping anxieties of early adulthood.
With a title that winks at childhood playground rules, the track draws a sharp contrast to its lyrical themes, unpacking the feeling of being stuck, overwhelmed by routine and facing the quiet panic of time slipping by without clear direction. But the song doesn’t lean into despair for its own sake, rather it turns those internal struggles into a track that speaks directly to anyone who’s ever felt like they should have it all figured out by now, but don’t. The result is a cathartic burst of energy that channels the likes of Basement, Title Fight and Balance and Composure, but with a distinctly Scottish soul.
Set up by the hazy buzz of distorted guitar chords and emotive vocal leads, the crash of drums brings in a charged sound of punchy alternative rock. Gliding with lively palm muted riffs, rolling drums and intricate guitar crunches capped by impassioned vocal leads, the track pairs delicate melodic vocal leads with an engrossing modern rock sound.
It’s an epic display of their relatable songwriting brought to life by their stellar performance flair, offering an engaging rock anthem that’s sure to win over new and existing fans alike. Paired with the single is a music video shot and edited by Andy Robison which features the band performing the song in both a studio and a classroom, adding a sense of levity to their weighty context with bright pool inflatables, delivering a truly memorable visual experience.
Watch the music video for Next Goal Wins below
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