West London’s Butch Kassidy have announced their new EP Ascend / Like Fire, set for release on November 25 via Polished Stone Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have shared the first track from the collection, the searing and unpredictable ‘Like Fire’.
Known for their intense live shows and immersive soundscapes, Butch Kassidy have carved out a unique space within London’s experimental rock scene. Their music bridges the intensity of Mogwai’s post-rock grandeur with the raw textures of folk and drone influences, resulting in an experience that’s both chaotic and hypnotic.
The new single captures that duality perfectly. Beginning with a torrent of noise before slipping into a pulsing, almost techno-like rhythm, it ultimately erupts into a wall of distortion that reflects the band’s heavier roots. “Like Fire encompasses everything Butch Kassidy,” the band explain, describing the track as the purest expression of their evolving sound.
The band continue,
“We hope anyone who listens to Like Fire finds their own meaning within the song and lyrics. It’s not for us to say how it will make someone feel as we all feel something different when listening to music.”
The track is the counterpart to the EP’s opener, Ascend, with both songs designed to connect seamlessly. Each will be accompanied by a visual piece that continues the story across the two halves.
The band will release the project through Polished Stone, their newly formed label and artist collective, which aims to prioritise creative freedom and collaboration. Alongside the digital release, Ascend / Like Fire will be available in a limited CD edition featuring remixes from Wing!, Pearl2, Benefits, Anders Bach, and PUNCHBAG. The first 20 orders will also include handmade keyrings crafted by drummer Aron Murphy from a cymbal used in the recording sessions.
