Labyrinthine Oceans, the rising dream rock band from London and Newcastle, have just released their latest single Pinch. This marks the third track from their upcoming EP home, and it’s a powerful mix of grunge, shoegaze, and alt-rock influences.
Drawing inspiration from iconic ’90s bands like Radiohead, Nirvana, and Hole, Pinch hits hard with overdriven guitars and reverb-soaked layers, all while maintaining the band’s signature ethereal vocal touch, delivered by frontwoman Julia O’Neill.
Pinch is heavy, swirling sound blends dream rock and grunge in a way that feels fresh but nostalgic. Yet beneath the sonic punch, there’s a deep, unsettling message. O’Neill’s lyrics take us on a journey through themes of self-actualization, societal pressures, and mental health. The narrator questions whether conforming to society’s expectations is worth the emotional toll, or if breaking away might lead to a truer sense of self—though that “Pinch” might come at a painful cost.
The track explores the narrator’s numbness and detachment, touching on darker themes like self-harm and suicidal ideation. O’Neill brings in religious imagery, referencing the control that both religion and society can impose on those who don’t fit the mold. In one striking moment, she sings, “I’ll take the apple and eat it,” an act that symbolizes rejecting societal rules and confronting the harsh reality that stepping outside the lines often comes at a price.
Check out their new single Pinch now, and keep an eye out for their upcoming EP home, set to drop in early 2025. Plus, don’t miss them on tour this fall—dates include shows in Newcastle, Leeds, London, and even Brussels.
October 17th – The Globe, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK)
October 18th – Royal Park Cellars, Leeds (UK)
October 19th – The Stag’s Head, London (UK)
October 26th – Recyclart, Brussels (BE)
November 1st – Cluny 2, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK)
