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Luna Rosa: Preparing for War to Find Peace

"Our music is built on atmosphere, groove, and energy. It can be dark and furious, but also tender and uplifting."

W: Billy James Grant

NEW SINGLE ‘’THE LUGE’’ OUT TODAY

After more than two years away from the spotlight, Corby post-punks Luna Rosa return with a reinvigorated sense of momentum and hunger. Their latest single, "The Luge," marks the opening chapter of a bold new phase for the band, released via Vandalism Begins at Home Records and Blaggers Records. Driven by a relentless motorik pulse, the track is built to never let up, surging forward with a sense of purpose inspired by the tension and "all-gas-no-brakes" relentlessness of The Walkmen’s "The Rat." It is Luna Rosa at their most intense and emphatic, anchored by a groove-laden chorus that offers a nod to James Brown funk filtered through the dance-punk lineage of the early 2000s New York scene.

Amidst this sonic tussle, frontman Rory McDade roars out a cue taken from the third John Wick film: “Parabellum!” This battle cry serves as the track's philosophical core. As McDade explains, "If you want peace within yourself, you’ve got to prepare for war." It is a song about battling internal demons and overcoming oneself, turning conflict into propulsion. With a backstory rooted in Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme fighting flicks, "The Luge" aims that self-confrontation squarely at the dancefloor. Uncompromising and rhythmic, the track was engineered to be "constantly in your face" until the very last note.

The band—comprised of Rory McDade, Aidan Furey, Jack Connolly, and Cam Latta—has spent years honing a sound that refuses to stay in one lane. While their influences range from the melodic mastery of The Stone Roses to the atmospheric dynamics of Editors and Foals, they see themselves first and foremost as a live act. Having played over 300 gigs, the stage is where Luna Rosa truly found their identity. Their creative process is often physical and collaborative; they jam until their hands bleed, prioritizing the pulse of the music before any lyrics are layered over the top. This raw energy is what they brought back to the stage in 2025 during a run of shows in France, confirming that the band has fully reconnected with its power.

Despite the intensity of their music, the band’s off-stage life remains refreshingly grounded. They maintain a strict "no divas" policy and a firm ban on wearing shorts on stage. Before a set, you’re more likely to find them searching for antique shops or taxidermy in a new city than engaging in stereotypical rock star excess. However, their specific pre-show rituals remain intact—most notably Jack’s precise regime of two and a half digestive biscuits followed by 36 push-ups. It is a formula that clearly works, helping them navigate the hurdles of independent music, from Rory’s immune system to Cam’s relentless Yu-Gi-Oh obsession.

Looking toward 2026, Luna Rosa is set for their biggest year yet. With "The Luge" serving as a fierce reintroduction, fans can expect a series of live sessions, three brand-new singles, and extensive touring. They have also teased upcoming festival slots where they hope to bring their "gritty British" sensibility to even larger crowds. Moving forward, the band remains focused on the fantasy of the music, leaving nostalgia behind and pouring fuel on the fire. For Luna Rosa, there are no soft reintroductions—only the pursuit of peace through the preparation for war.