Single – Maniac
Release Date – 10th March 2026
Review by Linda McDermott
Formed in July 2022, the Midlands-based four-piece band Retsecrows (pronounced ret-see-crows) have wasted no time making their mark. Despite their young age, the band have already built a solid reputation on the live circuit, racking up over 50 gigs and earning a loyal following through sheer hard work and consistently high-energy performances. Regularly playing across the Midlands and beyond, they’ve shared stages with established acts while steadily developing their own material.
At the heart of it all is a band clearly shaped by their roots. Growing up surrounded by the Midlands’ rich rock history, with the likes of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest as early influences, Retsecrows have taken those foundations and pushed them in their own direction. As their sound has evolved, more modern elements have come through, drawing inspiration from artists such as Sleep Token, Linkin Park and Sylosis, alongside newer names like South Arcade and Wunderhorse. It’s a mix that feels current, while still grounded in something solid.
Their latest single Maniac, released on 10th March 2026, marks their first original material in over a year. During that time, the band have focused heavily on performing live, using those shows to tighten their sound and shape their songwriting. Maniac has become a standout moment in their set, growing in confidence with every performance before being brought into the studio.
Recorded at SLL Studio near Kidderminster and produced by Jay Shredder (Saxon / KK’s Priest), the track captures that live feel while giving it a sharper, more defined edge. The heavier direction feels like a natural step forward, building on what they’ve done before without losing what makes them stand out.
A thumping intro lays down the backbone of this rock track, immediately setting the tone. Luca’s vocal delivery stands out, built around short, punchy lines with just enough space between them to let each one land before the next comes in. It gives the track a strong sense of identity and keeps everything moving with purpose. When the chorus hits, the harmonies come into their own, adding another layer that contrasts nicely with the verses and gives it a hook that sticks. By the time the second chorus comes around, it’s hard not to be tapping your foot or joining in. Musically, the band are just as impressive, with tight, confident riffs and a bass line that adds real depth, giving the track a solid, driving feel.
Speaking about the release, Luca said, “Maniac has been part of our live set for a while and people kept asking when we were going to release it. We wanted to make sure it captured the energy we feel on stage, and working with Jay really helped bring that out. It’s heavier than what we’ve done before and feels like the next step
for us. Lyrically, the track is about the madness of not being able to let go of someone, even when you probably should.”
Another outstanding thing about Retsecrows is that the band is made up of Luca 14 (vocals/rhythm guitar), Lily 16 (bass), Ollie 17(lead guitar) and George 16 (drums), and yes, you read those ages correctly. It isn’t just their ages that makes them stand out, it’s also the drive they have in what they’re doing and the way they’re doing it.
So why not get onboard and check out and support this young band by listening not only to Maniac but to their earlier singles Grief Of Me and Blood Sea which have picked up radio support and solid streaming numbers.
Retsecrows continue to build momentum with a busy year of shows and festival appearances as well as further new music that is already in development. I have a feeling that the future of rock music is going to be in safe hands.
Shows and Festival Dates
22nd March – Teenage Market, Nuneaton
17th April – Marks Bar, Worcester
8th May – International, Leicester
17th May – Bell & Talbot, Bridgnorth
31st May – Call of the Wild Festival, Lincoln Showground
6th June – Dukeries, Worksop
7th June – Stourjam Festival
20th June – Joey’s Bar Nuneaton
1st August – No Ifs Just Butts Festival
26th Sept – Don Fenticas, Hinckley
17th October – Metal Monocle, Leicester
Socials https://www.instagram.com/retsecrows/ https://www.facebook.com/retsecrows/ https://www.youtube.com/@Retsecrows https://www.tiktok.com/@retsecrows https://linktr.ee/retsecrows
Video
The Future (live at Rockmantic Weekender, Carlisle 26)
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