Only The Poets debut album, ‘And I’d Do It Again’ out now
Reading four-piece Only The Poets have released their long-awaited debut album ‘And I’d Do It Again’ — a bold and emotionally unguarded 14-track statement from one of the UK’s most vital rising alt-pop bands.
Written and recorded over seven intense months, ‘And I’d Do It Again’ captures the band at their most honest and ambitious yet. Across the record, frontman Tommy Longhurst explores heartbreak, jealousy, regret and resilience with striking candour, backed by widescreen alt-pop production rich in shimmering ’80s synths, soaring hooks and intimate moments of vulnerability. Each song captures the alchemy that has earned them such a fervent following — whether it’s the euphoric, liberating rush of ‘Emotionally Hungover’, the haunting allure of ‘Guess She’s Cool’, or the breathtaking intimacy of ‘Madeline’.
Other standout tracks include singles ‘I Keep On Messing It Up’, a hook-laden pop gem driven by bright piano lines, elastic bass grooves and self-aware lyricism, alongside fan favourites, ‘Saké’ and ‘Bad’. Produced by Clem Cherry and Marcus Yates alongside DanDlion and mixed by Lee Smith and mastered by Chris Gehringer (Harry Styles, Lorde), ‘And I’d Do It Again’ represents a defining moment in the band’s journey.
Just three days after the album’s release, Only The Poets headlined a sold-out O2 Academy Brixton on Monday, February 2nd, becoming the first band ever to play the iconic venue with tickets priced at just £1. The landmark show is both a celebration and a statement — a commitment to keeping live music accessible for all and a tribute to the grassroots venues that shaped the band. The Brixton show also supports The LIVE Trust, with an additional £1 per ticket donated to help protect and promote access to live music across the UK.
“The UK government can do more, don’t cut the funding for the arts, look at lower VAT percentages for cultural events, like they have in Europe and as they did in the UK during Covid – it can be done. This will help grassroots music venues especially ”
Extending the opportunity further, Only The Poets opened the Brixton stage to emerging talent. Over 1000 unsigned UK artists entered for the chance to support the band at the show, with five acts performing this Saturday at the band’s hometown venue, The Purple Turtle in Reading, with Only The Poet’s fans choosing the final winner. The Purple Turtle holds deep significance for Only The Poets, having played a crucial role in their early years. The showcase brings the band’s story full circle — reconnecting their biggest moment to the venue where it all began.
Only The Poets are a band that have built a community that has carried them from grassroots venues to career-defining moments like Brixton, without ever losing sight of where they came from. ‘And I’d Do It Again’ is both a love letter to that journey and a declaration of intent for what comes next.