We’ve written about Essex punks Don’t Worry several times in the past, with releases like As If By Magic and Remorseless Swing bringing to life both heartfelt emotion and playful humour within the same space, and never quite staying in one place in terms of style. And just as the band have never stopped moving across their decade-long lifespan, new full-length Idealism, forthcoming this summer on Specialist Subject Records, promises to continue the process.
New single ‘Middle Finger’ gives a hint at the direction the trio are taking this time around. “The earliest iPhone demos of this song were way back in 2022,” as songwriter Ronan Van Kehoe explains. “It’s gone through the mill a few times since then. Alex [Reed] took the song in the synth-heavy 80s inspired direction that you hear on the final version, and we’re really happy he did that. We think this song showcases another different sound that’s present on our 3rd album Idealism, and there are several other new flavours to come.”
Fans of Don’t Worry will be pleased to hear the familiar spirit of the band persists through the stylistic changes, Van Kehoe’s lyrics again balancing heart-on-the-sleeve emo confession with a distinctively British self-deprecation. A fitting tone for a track all about the imperfections that can haunt a life, and even overwhelm it should the sufferer not be careful. “Despite its name, ‘Middle Finger’ isn’t about swearing or hand gestures,” as Ronan Van Kehoe continues. “It’s a song about acknowledging that even when life goes the way you want it to some of the time, it’ll never go the way you want it to all of time, and that’s ok.” So even if the minor curses of finger cysts, astigmatism, less-than-perfect hearts and chronic overthinking can come to colour one’s sense of identity and self-esteem, Don’t Worry regain a sense of agency within the arrangement with their signature blend of unapologetic intimacy and ironic distance.
