Nottingham has never been short of bands capable of making a glorious racket, and People Laughing are quickly proving they’re among the city’s most exciting rising prospects.
The trio recently dropped Three Eyes, their fourth single to date and probably their most confrontational release yet.
It’s definitely darker and heavier than anything they’ve previously released, it’s a track that grabs you by the collar from the first note and refuses to let go.
Built around ferocious vocals, pummelling drums and a bass tone drenched in distortion, Three Eyes channels the spirit of late ’70s and ’80s punk while still packing the kind of huge hooks that linger long after the final chorus.
At its core, however, the song is driven by something deeply personal.
Written by frontman Matt Grocott, Three Eyes explores anxieties around mortality and the pressure of finding meaning in a world that can often feel unforgiving. Its repeated refrain, “Three eyes, the third one’s winning / This life is not forgiving”, transforms those fears into a cathartic rallying cry that feels tailor-made for packed, sweaty venues.
The band’s pedigree also hints at why they’re attracting increasing attention. Grocott previously fronted The Shrives, whose work was produced by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, while bandmates Luke Hallam and Ollie Carnell built their reputation touring with Black Cats and Magpies.
Together, they’ve forged a sound that sits somewhere between punk fury, indie-rock swagger and emotionally charged alt-rock, delivered with the sort of intensity that makes a live audience pay attention.
And people are definitely paying attention.
Support from BBC Introducing has continued to grow, while previous single Suffocating earned a major breakthrough when it received its world premiere on Kerrang! Fresh Blood with Alex Baker.
On the live front, the trio have already ticked off a sold-out debut at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms and appearances at some of the region’s biggest festivals, including Beat The Streets, Dot To Dot and Splendour.
The momentum shows no sign of slowing either. A BBC Introducing showcase at Metronome arrives on September 16, before support slots with indie favourites King No-One and a headline hometown show at The Bodega later this year.
For a band still early in their journey, People Laughing already possess the ingredients that separate promising local acts from genuine breakout contenders: memorable songs, emotional honesty and a live reputation that’s gathering momentum with every show.
If Three Eyes is any indication of where they’re heading next, Nottingham may soon have a real success story on its hands.
People Laughing – Three Eyes is out now.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplelaughinghq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplelaughinghq
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peoplelaughinghq
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BTPqSV25fOl27cZZo089v
SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/KpmF5dpoWRrF007A3d
