That difficult post-album phase..

To anyone watching from the outside, it might seem like things have been a little quiet on the Darwin's Rejects front lately - but truth be told, it's been anything but.

When we first set up this blog, we knew it might be tricky to keep it regularly updated. Inspiration doesn't always strike on schedule, and in between gigs, rehearsals, writing sessions, and real life - it's surprisingly easy for the weeks to slip by. That said, we're still committed to sharing our journey - even if it sometimes arrives in bursts rather than a steady stream!

Over the past month or two, we've had the absolute pleasure of playing both Mansfield Folk Festival and Nah Then Festival, where the crowds were brilliant, the sound was loud, and the bar queues were mercifully short (and the bar prices excellent!). A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported us - we really felt the love!

Behind the scenes, we're continuing to chip away at new material - it's still in that early, delicate phase where the songs are mostly weird voice notes, half-finished lyric sheets, and the occasional breakthrough riff or melody (and arguments about capo placements!).

Nothing's quite ready for the stage or studio just yet, but we're excited about the direction it's taking.

Watch this space!

Outside of music, real life has been having a go at us too: Russ and Jim have both been in the middle of house moves (never fun or straightforward!) and Jamie has basically been promoted to site foreman at Russ's new place. Meanwhile, Warren's been juggling other musical projects alongside our own, proving he's at least three people in disguise. Ellie has finished college and also juggles other musical projects, and Alan isn't sure why he's seemed so busy, but he has been he assures us!

Since the last update we had a bit of feedback from one of the more established voices in our scene - it wasn't quite the write-up we'd hoped for, but we're taking it on the chin, keeping perspective and focusing on what we know matters: the music, the people who come to see us play and those shared moments that make it all worthwhile. It's hard not to take things personally but similarly, it's important to remember that everyone has their own tastes and opinions and not everyone agrees!

Looking ahead, we've got a couple of 'out-of scene' gigs coming up, which means dusting off a few cover versions. It's a bit of a full-circle moment - those who've followed us from the beginning will know we started life as a covers band, before finding our voice (and quite a few opinions!) in original music. It's a strange little paradox, but the truth is - we do still love playing covers, and these next couple of shows will be a fun chance to do that!

Today we're off to play at a village fête/picnic - yes, really - and after that, we're back on familiar turf with Gig in a Field, which we're hugely looking forward to. In proper rock and roll style, Ellie will be revelling at Bloodstock Festival that weekend, but don't worry - Alan and Ella will be collecting her on the the way to the gig and returning her safely after. Who says you can't multitask?

Thanks, as always, for sticking with us. We're still here, still writing, still making noise - and we've got more to come!

Big thank you to Sam Leech and Paul Phillips for the accompanying photos - taken at Nah Then Festival.