British alt-rock band October Drift are in the midst of a career-defining moment. With the release of their third album ‘Blame The Young’ at the end of September 2024, the band has hit a new high, both critically and commercially. The album quickly climbed the UK Album Sales Chart, reaching an impressive No.25, while also securing No.12 on the Independent Albums Chart this week. For a band that’s been steadily building their reputation, this marks their most successful release yet.
‘Blame The Young’ has proved to be more than just another album from the Southwest-based quartet—it’s a statement. Packed with punchy riffs, introspective lyrics, and their signature wall of sound, the album reflects a band at the peak of their creative powers. Singles like ‘Tyrannosaurus Wreck’, ‘Demons’, and the anthemic title track have garnered strong radio play, not just in the UK but across the globe. The album’s success on stations like BBC 6Music and Radio X has propelled October Drift into the ears of new fans, while their growing international presence sees them making waves in America and Europe.
The title track ‘Blame The Young’ is the centerpiece of the album, an explosive anthem that critiques societal expectations on the younger generation. Meanwhile, tracks like ‘Tyrannosaurus Wreck’ showcase the band’s knack for blending melodic hooks with crushing guitars, and ‘Demons’ delves into more personal themes, giving listeners a glimpse into the darker side of introspection.
October Drift’s rise is not just confined to the charts—the band has seen massive support across key radio stations. Their singles have become regulars on BBC 6Music, and they’ve also been added to the Radio X playlist, a coveted spot for any rock band. Celebrating the release of ‘Blame The Young’, the band performed an exclusive live session on John Kennedy’s show on Radio X, giving fans an intimate preview of what the new material sounds like live.
For a band renowned for their live energy, October Drift’s upcoming UK tour is shaping up to be a must-see event. Known for their “wall of sound” performances, they’ve consistently brought an electric atmosphere to venues, blending raw power with tightly crafted musicianship. With ‘Blame The Young’ in tow, October Drift are stepping up their game, promising even more immersive and intense shows. Their live sets have become something of a legend, with the band managing to create an atmosphere that is both emotionally charged and sonically overwhelming.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect—tomorrow (October 23rd), the band will release the music video for their new single ‘Wallflower’. Described as a “pensive anthem for the introverted”, the track captures the feelings of isolation and reflection. The gentle, yet powerful build of ‘Wallflower’ is complemented by introspective lyrics that speak to the emotional weight of feeling disconnected. It’s a perfect fit for radio stations like 6Music and Radio X, where it’s already receiving heavy rotation. Fans can expect a video that mirrors the track’s emotional depth, bringing its themes of introversion and self-reflection to life.
With the new album drawing widespread attention, October Drift are taking their sound to the next level with their 2024 UK Headline Tour, starting this Friday, October 25th, in Bristol. As the band prepares to hit stages across the UK, fans can expect their high-energy, emotionally charged performances to reach new heights. The tour will take them through iconic venues like Manchester’s Gorilla and London’s Scala, giving audiences a chance to see the band in their most ambitious live setting yet.
2024 UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES:
October 25th – Bristol, Thekla
October 26th – Stoke, The Sugarmill
October 27th – Norwich, The Waterfront Studio
October 29th – Manchester, Gorilla
October 30th – Glasgow, King Tut’s
October 31st – Dundee, Beat Generator
November 2nd – Newcastle, Think Tank
November 3rd – Leeds, Key Club
November 4th – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
November 5th – London, Scala
These live shows promise to be a masterclass in dynamic performance, with the band upping the ante for what has already been described as “one of the UK’s most captivating live acts.” Fans will get the chance to see ‘Blame The Young’ brought to life in full force, with the band’s powerful stage presence and emotionally charged delivery creating an unforgettable experience.
Following their UK run, October Drift will embark on their first-ever European headline tour—a major milestone for the band. With their international fanbase growing rapidly thanks to the album’s strong reception in America and Europe, the tour will be a chance for them to further solidify their place on the global rock stage. They’re already proving that their sound resonates far beyond the UK, and this tour will be a key moment in their upward trajectory.
‘Blame The Young’ isn’t just a commercial success for October Drift—it’s a record that has elevated their status as one of the most exciting bands in the British rock scene. With each new release, they continue to evolve both sonically and lyrically, creating music that speaks to their growing audience on a deeply personal level. As they prepare to take their tour across the UK and Europe, it’s clear that October Drift are poised for an even bigger breakthrough. Whether on the radio, streaming, or live on stage, this is a band you don’t want to miss.
Their album may be called ‘Blame The Young’, but October Drift are showing us why the future of rock is in their hands.