Goblin Band return today with their new single Clyde Water, released digitally and on 7″ vinyl via Broadside Hacks Recordings alongside B-side Go From My Window. The single arrives ahead of the band’s headline show at Hackney’s EartH Theatre on 1st May — their biggest to date, and the latest in their now-annual May Day celebrations. They will be joined by Jim Ghedi, Jennifer Reid, Owen Spafford and Belles of London City (Tickets).
A studio recording with producer Rory Salter, Clyde Water captures the fizzing urgency of the quartet’s live performances while drawing out the exuberance and joy of the traditional ballad. The track takes its cue from Nic Jones‘ versions of the tune and his The Drowned Lovers.
Sonny Brazil from the band says:
“Clyde Water was one of the first traditional folk ballads I listened to on repeat. Nic Jones’ two distinctive versions of the song are both two of my favourite recordings of all time. It’s not a particularly relatable story (apart from the part where Willie dies trying to save his hat — I would’ve done the same) but it’s a pure example of how a ballad with no chorus can be incredibly fun and in no way boring.”
Stream: https://goblinband.lnk.to/ClydeWater
The single is the band’s first release since their debut live album A Loaf of Wax, recorded at MOTH Club and released last November via Broadside Hacks. That album, which earned the quartet praise from across the music press and BBC Radio, featured in Thomas Blake’s Top Ten Albums of 2025 on KLOF Mag. Since then, the band have completed a nationwide Broadside Hacks label tour and travelled to New Orleans for Folk Alliance festival.
At some point in the last few years, London’s folk scene reimagined some much-needed vitality. At the heart of that resurgence are Goblin Band, a queer, celebratory, roguish quartet who have enlivened traditional music with the breezy irreverence of punk. They have won over audiences with their openness, and their gigs emphasise the rebellious joy of shared experience…
Thomas Blake, KLOF Mag
Goblin Band are Alice Beadle, Sonny Brazil, Rowan Gatherer and Gwena Harman.