Villanelle are bursting back onto the scene like a runaway train, leaving a trail of excitement in their wake. The UK grunge band has just given us a sneak peek into their creative direction and it's clear they're on a mission to shake things up in 2027. With new music already in the works – an EP by the end of this year and a full-length album on the horizon – Villanelle are locking themselves in for a thrilling ride.
Backstage at Mad Cool 2026, we caught up with the four-piece, comprising frontman Gene Gallagher, bassist Jack Schiavo, guitarist Ben Taylor, and drummer Bleu Wright. They're buzzing from their recent festival appearances – think The Great Escape, Neighbourhood Weekender in the UK, and Warped Tour across America – and are gearing up for a massive summer with slots at Reading & Leeds and London's All Points East x Outbreak, where they'll be sharing the stage with the iconic Deftones.
But what's really getting them pumped is the sense of community within the music industry. Gone are the days of feeling isolated; now they're rubbing shoulders with like-minded bands at festivals like The Great Escape, and making new connections during their US tour – like Bec Lauder, who supported them on stage. This camaraderie is sparking a creative fire that's only going to get brighter.
So what can we expect from the new material? Drummer Bleu Wright reckons it's 'absolute vibes', promising high-energy shows and an even tighter band dynamic. They're feeling so locked in, they've already nailed down a potential new track during rehearsal – a testament to their evolving sound. For guitarist Ben Taylor, this new music is 'an evolution of what we've been doing all year' and it's cementing Villanelle's status as a force to be reckoned with.
And what about 2027? While the details are still under wraps, one thing's for sure – next year is going to be massive. We asked if they'd be joining forces with Gene's dad on an Oasis Live '27 tour (rumours have been circulating), but Ben Taylor shut it down quickly: 'Next year will be the year of Villanelle,' he declared. And Jack Schiavo chipped in, 'And every year after.' Game on, Villanelle. The world is watching.