Leeds’ most electrifying DIY export, Bathing Suits, have officially entered clubland with their massive new single, ‘Empathy’, out today via Underplay Recordings. Moving beyond their basement-party roots, the track is a sprawling, seven-minute “noise-trance” exorcism produced by DJ Subaru (Benny Howell). Blending the abrasive energy of post-punk with the relentless throb of pummelling techno, the single features vocalist and drum-machine operator Freyja Blevins as a “possessed sermon leader,” chanting against a backdrop of cold, suffocating tension.
Of the single, Freyja Blevins states,
It’s about feeling like there’s no empathy left for anyone—like we’ve run out of it or something. The song feels cold, angry, suffocating and tense. But it was really fun writing and working on it together.
The release marks a major milestone as the inaugural signing to Underplay Recordings, a new label venture in partnership with Virgin Music Group. Already notorious for their high-octane live shows, including a standout performance at France’s Transmusicales, the band is currently surging through a busy 2026.
With confirmed slots at The Great Escape and Green Man festival, as well as a headline show at London’s The Lexington tomorrow night, Bathing Suits are quickly proving that their mantra of “Always dancey. Always loud. Always sexy” is more than just a slogan; it’s a threat.
