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THE PHILOSOPHY OF PLAY DEAD

Play Dead' tackles the complicated world of toxic relationships, exploring emotional abuse in 'Play Dead', to unwanted attention and consent in 'Creep', and how destructive love can be in 'Harmony'. The hyperbolic stories take inspiration from real-life scenarios members of the band have experienced. Whilst the songs have clear nuances, the themes are easily relatable for people from all walks of life.

THE STORY BEHIND PLAY DEAD

UNB4RRED formed in mid-2023 when Dan and Lewis were living together and decided to take their jam sessions to the next level. Over the next year, they would tinker with tones and songs until they eventually ended up with the original version of ‘Play Dead’ in June 2024. At the time, Dan was the Lead Guitarist while Lewis played Drums and provided Lead Vocals. After making the original ‘Play Dead’, Lewis stepped back from vocals to focus on drums and the search for a vocalist began. Áine reached out to the band in July 2024 and, after a brief audition, she was instantly welcomed into the band. With a new lease on life and a new Lead Vocalist, ‘Play Dead’, ‘Creep’, and ‘Harmony’ were recorded over the following months. After a lengthy production, the ‘Play Dead’ EP is set to release on August 9th, 2025.

HOW PLAY DEAD PUSHES ALT MUSIC

'Play Dead' is a blend of numerous elements of alternative music. Whilst all the tracks sit in the alt grunge/metal genre, none of the tracks sound the same and experiment with different tones, rhythms, and dynamics. From the loud and hammering chorus in 'Play Dead', to the eerie guitars in 'Creep', and the abnormal harmonies in 'Harmony', every song is a test of how much noise can be made from just three people.

Bands from all aspects of rock and metal have influenced this release. Rock bands such 'Nothing But Thieves' and 'Royal Blood', alternative bands like 'Don Broco', 'Cleopatrick', and 'Dead Poet Society', as well as metal bands like 'Sleep Token' and 'Bring Me The Horizon' have all been contributors to the sound of 'Play Dead'.

WHAT'S TO COME

UNB4RRED is gearing up for their debut headline performance at Daltons venue in Brighton on 11th August 2025. They are also preparing to expand their music beyond their hometown, with shows scheduled in Oxford and London later this year.

“NO MATTER HOW HARD THINGS GOT WE STUCK BY EACH OTHER AND HAVE NOTHING BUT PRIDE IN THE RESULT”