The Howlers have returned with new single ‘Viper’ and announced their second album Heavy, out 9 October via Frontiers Label Group.
The track is the first glimpse of the sophomore record, all desert rock swagger and driving riffs set against comparatively delicate vocals. Frontman Adam Young cuts a backlit figure in the video, fringe leather jacket in tow, shrugging “I’m not your usual type, but let’s pretend for the night.” It reintroduces a band brimming with confidence and identity.
Young describes Heavy as an album about late-night experiences, after-dark conversations and the seductive pull of impulsiveness, but also the morning mirror, the wake-up call and the moment you find yourself again. It is a record born from a turbulent chapter.
The Howlers’ debut What You’ve Got To Lose To Win It All reached the UK Official Charts Top 10 and charted across mainland Europe, a record that channelled personal loss. Yet behind the success the band were struggling under the weight of independent releasing. In the aftermath, Young rebuilt the project as a two-piece and released the rebirth singles ‘Night Crawling’ and ‘You Can Be So Cruel’, rekindling a love for performing and propelling them back across the continent.
A UK and European tour is set to follow the album later in the year, with dates to be announced.
We have watched The Howlers grow into one of the country’s genuine must-see live acts, and ‘Viper’ suggests Heavy could be the record that fully cements it.
