“Ghost collective” newcomers O’Phantom are delighted to kick start their 2025 with new single ‘Shadowpain’ set for release on 17th January 2025.
Depicting a sense of loathing and a longing for something that no longer exists, and once again produced by Matt Peel (Traams, Divorce, Honesty), O’Phantom’s second single ‘Shadow Pain’ forefronts vocalists Lucy Jowett (Dead Naked Hippies) and Daniel Mawer’s exquisite harmonies alongside post-punk rock riffs and ethereal organ sounds, first hinted at on the collective’s stellar debut single ‘Cold Call’ released late last year.
Commenting on the single, keys player Rose Barker says: “For me, ‘Shadow Pain’ really became a turning point for us as a collective. It was the second song we recorded with Matt Peel, whose deep knowledge of synths and electronic music really helped to push those sounds forward in the track, and encouraged us to step out of our comfort zone and grow. We still find ourselves coming back to this song as a touchstone when we’re writing new material.”
The band’s 2024 debut single ‘Cold Call’ saw them gain early support from Jericho Keys at BBC Introducing, legendary Seattle tastemakers KEXP, and Charlie Ashcroft at Amazing Radio, with German rock bible VISIONS Magazine hailing them as Ones To Watch for 2025, with the band heading into the studio early this year to complete their first substantial body of work.
Formed through a shared love of music and independent venues within their North East hometown, Hull alt-indie collective O’Phantom are inspired by the rugged and isolated northern landscapes of their surroundings. Melding The Cure’s songwriting sensibilities and Broadcast’s use of synths with a keen devotion to tape music and lo-fi sounds, Yorkshire’s gothic history and the region’s DIY attitude has helped the six-piece band develop frenetic soundscapes centred around melancholic self-reflection.
What began as a cathartic songwriting exercise at Hull’s open mic nights for songwriter Daniel Mawer quickly became a collective, keen to incorporate vintage synths and chorus pedals into their sound. Band members Rose, Daniel, and Rowan began working on material in between shifts at their much-loved local independent music venue Polar Bear Music Club, where Rose and Daniel are directors, using the stage before or after events to rehearse.
The venue would provide a comforting space to incorporate friends Beth (All Gone South) Tom (Neoplastic) and Lucy (Dead Naked Hippies) into the band’s first sessions. Armed tentatively with new material, the collective were booted into shape by producer Matt Peel, who helped further incorporate lo-fi songwriting sensibilities into the project. Through working with Peel, the band developed a love for acts like Broadcast and Stereolab whilst taking further inspiration from their drives through the gothic countryside that surrounds Humberside.
Early support slots with Bristol post-punks Heavy Lungs, rising Liverpool alt-rock band Stone, and Nottingham goth outfit Bloodworm set the band up nicely for their first London headline show in December 2024, with O’Phantom revealing further new music and live dates over the coming months.
New single ‘Shadowpain’ released 17th January 2025
2025 Live Dates:
January 17th – George Tavern – London
February 8th – Adelphi – Hull
March 18th – Polar Bear Music Club – Hull
