Stick in the Wheel‘s last studio album was released in 2024. In his review of A Thousand Pokes, Thomas Blake reminded us that Ian Carter and Nicola Kearey do folk music a little bit differently to anyone else: “They recognise that the act of making folk music has ethical and political connotations and that collecting and conserving songs often reinforces stereotypes and strengthens unequal social structures. As a result, their music has always tilted at a forceful, thrilling kind of modernism, something rooted in their own London locality but whose message is entirely universal. Their songs ring with the joy of specificity and detail, the ferocious joy of marginalised voices making themselves heard, the angry joy of people reclaiming their heritage.”
That same rebellion and tilt is very present, if not more so, on their forthcoming new album, Troubling Thoughts, being released on March 12th, 2027, via their own label, From Here Records. The new album is described as being shot through with post-punk sensibilities: acerbic vocals, taut drums, jagged guitars and searing bass. For those of us who have followed the band over the years, the themes of their songs will come as no surprise, targeting those flaunting illicit wealth, confronting everyday sexism and misogyny, and championing working-class solidarity and compassion.
Their line-up is expanded, with Kearey and Carter, joined by Emma Holbrook on drums. There is also a special guest appearance from Spider Stacy and Jem Finer of The Pogues (Stick in the Wheel are guests of The Pogues on their forthcoming European tour – see below). Stacy describes the album as “a beautiful fucking monster bristling with intent and fury” while Finer calls it “Extraordinary, brilliant and ferocious”. We’d expect nothing less from Stick in the Wheel.
Their lead single, Pie Eaters, is out today; based on a true story, the song is also a metaphor for those doing their dirty work in public. “We can all see you doing it, and the high-vis misdemeanours don’t absolve you of it. You’re not as clever as you think you are.” As always, Kearey cuts straight to the chase!
Stream Pie Eaters: https://ffm.to/pie-eaters
Pre-Order Troubling Thoughts (DL/CD/LP): https://ffm.to/troublingthoughts