Rising South London band Ain’t have released their latest single, “Long Short Round,” marking another milestone in a breakout year that’s seen them transition from underground word-of-mouth favourites to one of the UK’s most closely watched new acts.
Following their sold-out debut London headline show and a UK tour with THUS LOVE, the five-piece have become known for their commanding live presence and shape-shifting sound. Earlier this year, Ain’t drew critical attention with singles “Pirouette” and “Jude,” earning praise from NME, Stereogum, DIY, and The Line of Best Fit, along with spins on BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X.
Of the single, the band explain,
Long Short Round is about doing little rituals that feel as if they’re doing something good, but they’re utterly pointless when it comes to getting what you’re hoping for. Pressing a bruise for instance – it’s a wonderful sensation, but it doesn’t make you heal any faster.
Produced by Ali Chant (Dry Cleaning, Yard Act, Sorry), “Long Short Round” is Ain’t’s most ambitious track yet—a six-minute exploration of fuzz-drenched guitars, layered harmonies, and dynamic shifts that move from distorted chaos to introspective calm. The track draws from the band’s love of post-punk, shoegaze, and ’90s alternative, while nodding to both the angular energy of New York’s underground scene and the emotional depth of early-2000s Midwest indie rock.
Already a live favourite, “Long Short Round” arrives ahead of upcoming festival appearances at Sŵn Festival in Cardiff and Mutations Festival in Brighton, where Ain’t are expected to showcase new material alongside their growing catalogue.
