The single constant most dependable thing in life is change. Some fear it, some hate it, yet we all must face it. And you can’t fight it.

2022 has seen the band enter its second decade of existence. During the first ten years, we experienced a number of changes and chapters, both within the band and externally. We’ve had good times and bad and people have come and gone. The last 3-4 years in particular saw us go from a 3-piece to 4 to 5 and in the last 18 months, a different 5. The band dynamic has changed considerably over time and also I’d like to think the sound has become more sophisticated. Different ideas and approaches have been tried. Some have worked and some not so much. Although enjoyable, it has at some points in recent times felt creatively inconsistent.

Since embarking on the “The Mandela Effect” album project in 2019, a break and line-up change during the pandemic and attempting to get match fit again in 2021, there has been a large element of playing catch-up with material that was already there. It has seemed like a very long time since we composed anything brand new as a band and certainly with the latest line-up this has never happened.

This year has proven especially challenging for some of us for various reasons and what should’ve been a wholly fun and enjoyable landmark year for us was much more of a struggle than anticipated. Despite a reasonably productive year for live work and decent progress having been made on the album, towards the end of the year the ship was not running as desired.

Keeping busy is often a great distraction from addressing things which need addressing and it can be all too convenient to hide behind the “see how it goes” mantra. In a band dynamic which involves very close friendships and relationships, problems can be difficult to navigate and compartmentalise to the point of discouragement. Before long, something which is supposed to provide you with a sanctuary from life’s problems becomes something which is not that.

It was a long overdue time for us to “turn and face the strain” and address all of the above.

After some discussion, it was decided that the last two gigs of the year were to be our last under the current regime and with the current line-up. Unfortunately, ill health dictated that the last appearance, due to take place in Sheffield on 17th December would not be possible and so the Keighley gig on the 10th was to be the last.

And so, after almost three and a half years, Kaz Buxton is leaving the fold. The band would like to thank Kaz for her work and everything she has brought in that time and we wish her luck for future projects. Kaz leaves to pursue her ongoing band Echofire and her role in local rock covers band Whiskey Shed.

As for the rest of us, the plan is to enter 2023 with a blank page and a fresh resolve. Much is yet to be determined but in the short term, we all agree that there is a very real need to take the pressure off and get back to what we really enjoy doing, which is creating new music at our own pace with no other agenda.

We have some live dates in the calendar for later in the year, which we will of course look forward to playing and whilst opportunities will be considered if offered, we will not be actively seeking them for the foreseeable future. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of filling the calendar to the point where rehearsals and gigs take over the creative process.

Work on The Mandela Effect album will continue in the background as an almost parallel process, the rest of the band members having mostly recorded their parts anyway.

More news on all of this as it takes shape next year.

We’d like to thank from the bottom of our hearts all of the bands, promoters and everyone who has been out to watch us and help us celebrate our first ten years this year.

Have a wonderful festive period and all the best for 2023. See you on the other side!

Cheers!

Alec, Emma, Charles, Kaz and Izak