A Standing Ovation for TwinHead's New Single "Thunderous Applause"

Nottingham-based alt-rock/punk band, TwinHead has made a striking return with their second single, "Thunderous Applause," released on April 18, 2025. Following their debut track "Pistol," the band continues to showcase their energetic sound and commitment to the indie/punk genre with this new track.

The song opens with a gritty guitar riff that sets an urgent tone, quickly joined by a driving rhythm section that propels the track forward. The incredible and raw vocals deliver an emotive performance, capturing a sense of defiance and brooding; this fusion of styles creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern all at once. As their second official release, the track showcases a confident blend of punk energy, grunge textures, and psychedelic undertones which is perfectly mixed- bringing a slight sense of IDLES-crossed-with-The-Strokes energy to their music.

If you enjoy alt-rock/punk bands such as Fontaines D.C, Queens of the Stone Age, or other 90s alt/punk bands, then you'll enjoy TwinHead's music: They're truly a great addition to the contemporary indie/alt-rock/punk music scene!

The accompanying music video, released two weeks after the single, complements the song's intensity with a number of entertaining behind the scenes videos taken during recording sessions. The band's presence is palpable, and the video's aesthetic choices enhance the song's themes without overshadowing the music itself.

Although this version of the band haven't been around long, their audiences love their music; and having followed them all from their previous bands, LNC and Those Howlin' Sounds, despite some awful luck in the industry: they're adored when playing live and when interacting with fans, making them all the more popular; Their active presence on platforms like TikTok and Bandcamp indicates a growing engagement with their audiences. Their music, characterised by raw energy and a blend of indie and punk influences, is gaining traction among fans of the genre on and offline.

For those interested in exploring TwinHead's music further, their Bandcamp page offers access to their latest releases, including "Thunderous Applause" and "Pistol." Additionally, their social media channels provide updates and insights into their musical journey as well as insight into their next gigs and upcoming music.

I had a chat with drummer Kayne; he and the band have answered some questions about their new single:

For those new to TwinHead, how did the band come together, and what drew you all to the punk/indie sound?

So, officially, this version of TwinHead has been together since June 2024. Pistol was ready to go when I (Kayne) joined, so we released that in October 2024 whilst writing new songs. There’s only 1 song currently being played from the LNC catalogue: 0115. It’s on the demo sessions as a live version of the track (released 16th May). Everything else is new material.

We’ve all known each other for 20 years, go way back.

Indie and Punk music is in the bones of us. We grew up with punk loving Dads and skateboarding - so punk music was everywhere around us, and also we were early teens in the 2000s, so the likes of The Libertines, The Cribs, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, The Strokes and all them were massive and that was totally our scene. So being introduced to punk music at an early age was the gateway genre that led to our era-defining genre… indie. Those genres are our foundations. 

"Thunderous Applause" has such a bold title—what inspired the name and the message behind the song?

Josh: The name was inspired by Star Wars Episode 3. The meaning… there’s all sorts in there.

Kayne: Josh is the lyricist… it contains loads of messages up for interpretation - like any song. Depends on what mood you’re in when you listen to it. Resilience… transformation, suppressed voice, anger, overcoming all the bollox of the everyday. 

Who are your biggest influences for your music?

Josh: Biggest influences for me are definitely Oasis, Arctic Monkeys Sex pistols, The Amazons and at the moment Bad Nerves; our music may not sound anything like any of these lot but they play a massive role in how I structure things in my mind and how I love a good punch ye straight in the forehead chorus.

Kayne: I really found my stride with music through skateboarding and fast paced lively tunes. From Punk and Post-Punk; Misfits, Ramones, Public Image LTD, Joy Division, Talking Heads. Some of the earliest  music i got into and lived through was the 90s pop punk scene, for me, Blink, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Green Day, Jimmy Eat World and the Tony Hawks 1 & 2 soundtracks were my… soundtrack! 00s Everything from The Libertines and The Strokes through to Klaxons, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Maccabees and Warpaint. Obscure, soft, slow, fast, odd, heavy, light, fucking - you name it. Right now on repeat for me are: Amyl & The Sniffers, SOFT PLAY, Fontaines D.C, Bad Nerves, Teen Mortgage and Been Stellar. Been getting right back into The Paddingtons n all. If something becomes an earworm for me - then well done ya bastards - you’re on my speakers.

What’s the Nottingham music scene like right now, and how has it shaped you as a band?

Josh: The Nottingham music scene has definitely shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. It can be a tough nut to crack — from an artists POV there are some tight circles and it can feel a bit cliquey from the outside — but it’s taught us to keep pushing, keep writing, and stay open. At the end of the day, most of us just want to connect with like-minded people and find good mates to play shows with.

If you could tour with any band or artist right now, who would it be and why?

Josh: I would absolutely tour with bad nerves, a 15 day tour or summat so I could listen as close as possible so I can steal ideas from them [insert wink face here]

Kayne: Some amazing Aussie punk bands at the minute! Pist Idiots, The Pretty Littles, The Chats, Amyl & the Sniffers! Would love to tour with any of them, it’d be fuckin mental! Second the Bad Nerves comment from Josh actually- Could deffo learn a thing or ten from them! 

You said you have a few upcoming gigs, when/where are these for those wanting to come see you play live?

Kayne: Yes! Our first gig is at Record Junkee in Sheffield. 24th May!

Headline gig at The Grove, 13th June. With Kickflip69 and Rossettis.

Tour dates are updated regularly on TwinHead's website here: https://wearetwinhead.com/live 

Excitingly, TwinHead will be playing the ImNotFromLondon stage at this year's WaterFront festival too! More info on this in the coming weeks; keep an eye on our socials here: INFL Waterfront festival

If TwinHead were a superhero team, what would your powers be—and who would be the first to accidentally blow something up?

Haha, I like it!

Josh(lead vocals/guitar)- Sharpie – Tags minds with lyrics that won’t wash off.

Jimmy(backing vocals/lead guitar)- Wreckneck – Neck-deep in riffs before breakfast.

Jordan (bass guitar)- Humm – Low end so solid it hums in your chest for days.

Kayne (drummer)- The Bin Rat-King – Bashes bins like it’s the apocalypse

Accidental blow up: sharpie bollox for sure. 

Which extinct animal would you bring back solely to be your band mascot?

The Hallucigenia. 

As TwinHead continues to develop their sound and presence in the indie/punk scene, "Thunderous Applause" serves as a testament to their evolving artistry and potential. Keep an eye on their social media for more tunes going on from this brilliant track in the future.

Written by Holly Surguy