CloseUp // Track of the Month #16 - The Family Rain - ‘It Aint Easy Being Mean’
We’ve been at festivals aplenty, catching the best new bands & curating CloseUp stages across the UK this Summer. We’ve seen plenty of acts, but few blew us away quite as much as Bath indie-rock trio (and brothers!) The Family Rain this festival season.
Their latest cut, ‘It Ain't Easy Being Mean’ features the high flying Dylan Cartridge, and demonstrates their knack for a punchy, booming indie anthem. With a sense of swagger now synonymous with the outfit, it’s yet another single you can imagine slotting into their rambunctious live reputation with ease.
Speaking on the track, The Family Rain say “We were all thinking that with the next thing we’d do we would venture out a bit so we’ve pushed ourselves to just go and explore because we know we are at our best when we are breaking new ground. The thing that keeps us working together, is that our shared attitude has always been seeking rather than repeating.”
The Family Rain hit numerous shows in the final quarter of 2023, including our own ‘Heartbroken Festival’ at Southampton’s Heartbreakers, this September. (30/9)
Find your fave new band now, and see you next month! CloseUp HQ x
All-time Midwest emo greats Tigers Jaw bring their dynamic syncopation into a tighter and grittier feel for the debut single of their new album ‘Lost On You’.
Tom Smith’s debut solo album ‘There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light’ retains the warmth and optimism of his band Editors whilst slow-dancing to a different sonic heart.
2026 is on course to be the year of CMAT as she lights up Brixton Academy
Hak Baker charms with a heartfelt show at KOKO.
READING AND LEEDS 2026 announce SIX huge headliners
Last year’s Mercury Prize winners English Teacher stunned Camden crowds, delivering an out of this world performance to bring their largest tour ever to an end.
This week's Band of the Week is London newcomers Red Ivory - who have just released their EP 'Please Leave, I Need To Wake Up Now'.
Quebec City punk quintet release blinding single ‘Losing Grip’, with touches of influence from their surrounding genres and a new album on the way, they’ve created a glaring, riff-heavy track to rally behind for an all-new project.
With ‘Rule 31’, Radio Free Alice sharpen their ascent from underground fascination to international breakout, delivering a new wave/post-punk jolt that crystallises exactly why their name keeps surfacing in sold-out venue announcements across the UK, Europe, the US and Australia.
American Express presents BST Hyde Park is delighted to welcome Mumford & Sons back to the Great Oak Stage on Saturday 4 July 2026 - ten years since their last legendary appearance.
The album she thought she would never get to make, Ella Eyre is stunning on ‘Everything, In Time’.