The Slow Readers Club - Lunatic (Official Video)

Band info, music and tour dates here:

This is the music video for the new single from The Slow Readers Club, Lunatic

With reference points in the harrowing story of Robert Stroud ‘The Birdman of Alcatraz’ and nods to cult prison thriller Midnight Express, the ‘Lunatic’ video is a tense and claustrophobic affair that offers fitting visual accompaniment to this compelling new release.

Filmed in the crumbling confines of the abandoned London Road Fire Station in the heart of Manchester City Centre, the video was directed by longtime visual collaborator Chris Croft (who also worked with the band on the videos for ‘Plant The Seed’, ‘I Saw A Ghost’ and others).

Speaking about the inspiration behind the video, Croft says: "For years I've been haunted by the feeling I had when visiting the isolation cell of Robert Stroud, the infamous 'Birdman of Alcatraz'. Stroud was kept in a small stone room at the prison for 6 years, imagine spending that amount of time cut-off from everyone? I've never felt anything like it, and as a film-maker I've looked for ways to channel that feeling, its claustrophobia and intensity into my work."

Teeming with the fear and paranoia that has been instilled by the incarcerations of the modern day, the latest single from the Manchester four piece is a nihilistic outburst and a rallying, renegade expression with its intentions all on escape. The track was produced by long-time collaborator Phil Bullyment, who produced the band’s acclaimed sophomore LP ‘Cavalcade’ and is also noted for his work with Mancunian contemporaries Dutch Uncles.

The new video arrives as the band prepare to take on some of their biggest headline shows to date - many of which are now sold out - including Manchester’s Albert Hall, Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms, London’s The Garage, and Glasgow King Tuts, with only final tickets remaining for the upgraded show at Birmingham Academy 2 and scheduled appearance Bristol Thekla in the coming weeks.

A Manchester based four piece who specialise in dark and brooding indie electro, The Slow Readers Club have drawn comparisons with Interpol, The Killers and The National and are possibly the biggest band you have never heard of… With a steady output of singles plus two full length studio albums including their s/t debut and 2015’s ‘Cavalcade’, the band have dodged the limelight in favour of amassing a distinct and significant cult following from the shadows.

Always self-funded and with no more than word of mouth and their repertoire at their disposal, the band have spellbound arena audiences whilst touring with James and festival masses at the likes of Isle Of Wight, Festival No6 and Kendal Calling. Amongst their fans the band count Jim and Saul from James, Peter Hook, Clint Boon, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins, Eddie Temple Morris and have been championed by the likes of Louder than War and the Manchester Evening News.

Testament to their hard work and enduring sound - on the 24th November 2017, the Manchester band will be welcomed home by a 2000-capacity SOLD OUT crowd for what will be biggest headline show to date at city’s salubrious Albert Hall venue. The Slow Readers Club are Aaron Starkie (vocals), Kurtis Starkie (guitar and vocals), James Ryan (bass) and David Whitworth (drums).With the promise of new material on the way, and thrilling new single ‘Lunatic’ sure to become a live favourite, you can catch the band on tour throughout the UK and Europe.

[OXBLOOD]

And Manchester keep producing the best sounds around...FACT.

[jimmyish]

How the fuck have i only just heard this band for the time today? They're brilliant

[simonwalsh]

Most replayed: The very start of the song 🙌

[happygoluckyscamp]

I like to close my eyes and pretend this is Joy Divison if Ian got the help he needed.
And no, that's not a backhanded complement.

[phillipwareham]

Just listened to this band for the first time because they were recommended by my mum. She's seen them live a few times and loves them. Apparently they've been putting on a lot of lockdown shows to keep fans entertained. Love their sound.

[Kayeles]

Heard this on the radio the other day and can't stop listening to it now, sounds like The Editors and mid 00's indie I love it!

[Gelenkbusfahrer]

Just found this song on my "Your Mix of the Week" Spotify Playlist. GUYS, THIS IS F*CKING BRILLIANT!!!!

[metalbearuk]

How come this amazing song has only got 14k views?

[sylviamultiple]

I'm a lunatic too, readers forever, I love you guys!

[OurBarry]

Great band. So good to see these lads do so well after sticking at it for all these years!! Well done fellas 👏

[metalbearuk]

Bought both of their albums on the strength of this, and don't understand why they aren't massive. What's going on?

[groovyTurnokk]

Brilliant! Got a Depeche feel about it.

[martinaozanicjukic]

Only one thing I wish for my birthday - to finally see you guys live!!❤

[ava.horizons]

I love this song so much ❤️ this deserves to be played on every radio show ever to be existed

[KatieDe]

I will be re-creating these dance moves at The Albert Hall gig .. Apologies in advance 💃🏻

[Croftwerk]

Great to work with you on this, such a top tune!

[mariannedabrowski]

Holly smokes! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Shared this band with family in South Africa! All hooked

[marqizaP]

[Verse 1]
Lies will multiply
And no villains will be canonised
Darling don't you cry
There's no pain, anymore

I was so surprised
Saw the future in another's eyes
Woken my desire
I can't take, anymore

[Pre-Chorus]
Build a tower
Hundred storeys high
Lock myself in
Isolation

[Chorus]
Once again I'm drawn toward oblivion
The end already written though we've just begun

[Verse 2]
Hard to find a fit
For I know that I’m lunatic
Sure in days of old
I’d be chained, to the floor

Lies will hypnotise
And the drink and drugs will pacify
Darling don't you cry
There's no pain, anymore

[Pre-Chorus]
Build a tower
Hundred storeys high
Lock myself in
Isolation

[Chorus]
Once again I'm drawn toward oblivion
The end already written though we've just begun

Once again I'm drawn toward oblivion
The end already written though we've just begun

[danielclark]

Vocals giving me a VNV Nation vibe, which I absolutely love

[brendancahill]

I love this song Lunatic and a great sound.