London-based alternative outfit, KING NUN today release their lovesick anthem in the form of ‘SINKING FEELING,’ taken from their highly anticipated new album ‘LAMB’ (set for release on Marshall Records, 29th September 2023).
Fans can pre-save/pre-order – HERE. KING NUN will also play a run of intimate UK in-store events this autumn. Tickets can be found – HERE and Album Release Show tickets HERE
KING NUN’s latest effort sees vocalist and frontman Theo dissecting the anatomy of a relationship, through the initial sparks of romance to the dying embers and the resulting aftermath. An auditory snapshot, transcending the constraints of space and time.
Speaking on the latest single, Polyzoides comments:
“Initially, it was about a relationship I was in a couple of years ago. I started writing it just after we met, and it was this soppy, doting confessional of love, full of references to the films and songs we shared with each other” confesses Theo. “I kept rewriting it through all the stages of us being together, and I ended up finishing it in the immediate aftermath of us breaking up.
“In that way, the lyrics grew up with me through the relationship. Ultimately, the song is about how the deal in any relationship is that it likely leads to heartbreak, and the ‘sinking feeling’ of going through those motions, not being able to do anything about it; opening yourself up to that pain is the only way to experience the beauty of loving someone.
“That’s why the story isn’t told chronologically – in the song every part of the relationship is happening at once, so it’s a prism of all those feelings of vulnerability and fear, but also joy, that any relationship brings.”
The video sees the band collaborating with director Flynn Mathews. Their previous collaboration came in the form of the album’s title track being used in Matthews’ most recent short film ‘Midpoint’, which starred Rina Lipa.
“I’ve loved the chance to creatively collaborate with the guys and having the creative freedom to produce something that feels as personal as my own short films.” says Mathews. “The song’s themes of unrequited love inspired the narrative of the music video for me, how one small moment for one person can feel huge for another.”
‘LAMB’ (produced by the band’s very own Caius Stockley-Young at The Marshall Studio) sees the London quintet take us on a journey that embraces vulnerability and authenticity. With a poignant blend of introspection and raw emotion, this is a collection of vibrant, hook-laden tracks that delves deep into the human experience; with a healthy dose of existentialism, confronting one’s terror, as well as social and emotional threats and anxieties head-on.
The album encapsulates the struggle to remain true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity and detachment. This powerful indie-punk, grunge opus serves as a profound metaphor for that delicate part of us susceptible to cynicism, trauma and emotional pain. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that emerges as the most beautiful aspect of our being, rising to the occasion with resilience and grace.
In a society where the prevailing response to challenges is often to become cynical and mask our emotions, ‘LAMB’ offers a refreshing alternative. It speaks directly to the struggles faced by many, highlighting that true solutions lie not in aggression or escapism, but in embracing our shared humanity. By retaining our naivety, optimism, and trust, we can carve a path towards a brighter and more compassionate future.
“LAMB is about vulnerability,” exclaims vocalist and enigmatic frontman Theo Polyzoides. “It’s about being true to yourself. It’s about retaining the part of you that is naive and optimistic and trusting, in the face of a world that will turn you into a fucking android if you give it even an inch.” exclaims Polyzoides.”
“So, LAMB is a metaphor for that Achilles heel, the part of you that is susceptible to trauma, emotional pain… all of these things,” he expands. “that’s the thing that rises to the occasion and is the most beautiful part of us… I think that, actually, if we all just tried to retain a bit of humanity, we’d probably make a better future.”
Since first single Tulip in 2016, King Nun has gone on to reach as many of their childhood ambitions as they could: headline tours across the UK, Europe, and the US, as well as shows supporting bands such as Foo Fighters, Black Flag and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. They pride themselves on their raucous live shows, vindicated by Rolling Stone naming them ‘Best Rock Newcomers’ at Bonnarroo festival.
“I really do believe LAMB is our greatest achievement because it’s so honest,” says Theo, “and it’s the thing I’m most proud of because there was such a struggle to make it happen.” Over the course of the lockdown, the boys wrote non-stop with their vision fixed firmly on the next release, with the name itself guiding them from the start. “I loved the quasi-religious imagery that we were using with Mass, and the title of that album led us on to the title for Lamb. I knew that that name had significance because the thing that struck me about it was the innocence and fragility being right next to the sacrificial animal. A lot of violence and naivety right next to each other in the same word.”
From their place as young outsiders, King Nun have grown together to make their own space, somewhere strange and expressive and entirely their own. Their very identity is rooted in the honesty and range of emotion they put into their music, balanced between brash garage punk and soul-searching introspective, never afraid to say what they’re feeling and push the music as far as the message. It is only a matter of time before King Nun is hailed as one of indie rock’s most distinctive voices.
‘LAMB’ will arrive 29th September 2023 via Marshall Records. Fans can Pre-order – HERE. In-store tickets can be found – HERE and album release show tickets HERE
TOUR DATES
September 2023
28th – MOT, London (album release show)
TICKETS – HERE
October 2023
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1st – Smugglers Records, Deal
2nd – Banquet Records, Kingston
3rd – Rough Trade East, London
4th – Rough Trade Nottingham
5th – Jacaranda, Liverpool
6th – Vinyl Whistle, Leeds
