Sounding the Alarm: An Interview with As Rome Burns

W: Mandy Morgan

NEW EP: '' REACTOR '' OUT 26th SEPTEMBER 2025

London’s newest four-piece alternative rock outfit isn’t just making music; they’re capturing a collective scream. With their new EP Reactor hitting the airwaves, we sat down with the band to talk about creative freedom, sushi-fuelled pre-show rituals, and why their bassist is a hazard to low-hanging ceilings.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure of a burst eardrum yet, describing As Rome Burns requires a bit of musical genealogy. "Imagine if Nirvana and Joy Division had a baby, but it was raised by Idles and Rage Against the Machine," the band explains. "Then, occasionally nannied by Queens of the Stone Age. It’s punky, emotional, and something you can actually move to."

Based in London, the band draws from a chaotic melting pot of personal tastes. While singer Pete worships at the altar of Bruce Springsteen, guitarist David is a metalhead at heart, bassist Sam brings the funk of the Chili Peppers, and drummer Alex leans into the intensity of techno and DnB. "As Rome Burns is the intersection of our tastes and an outlet for our energy," they say.

In an era of manufactured pop, As Rome Burns is leaning into the "massive" sound of authenticity. Currently unsigned, the band navigates the double-edged sword of independence. While they relish the creative freedom and the lack of label-imposed deadlines, they don’t sugarcoat the reality of the 2025 music scene.

"It’s really tough out there as an unsigned band at the moment. You have to fight for limited opportunities, and the cost of rehearsing and recording during a cost-of-living crisis is brutal. But aside from that, it’s unbelievably fun making music with your mates."

Their new EP, Reactor, is a direct response to the "ridiculously turbulent" political landscape. The band describes the record as a way of triggering a response to the madness of modern populism.

Fans can expect three tracks designed to "melt your mind and warm your heart," featuring fuzzed-out guitars and, notably, the band repeatedly smacking a metal bin—a moment they describe as a "budget version of Slipknot."

Listen to As Rome Burns: linktr.ee/asromeburns

Every band has its quirks, and As Rome Burns is no exception. Their pre-show routine involves reminding drummer Alex that the gig is actually happening, while singer Pete maintains a strictly "filling but not bloating" diet.

"The closest thing we have to diva behavior is Pete insisting on sushi and a Guinness," the band laughs. "It’s the perfect combination for him."

However, their biggest "weakness" isn't musical—it’s architectural. "Our bassist, Sam, is too tall. When he carries his bass over his shoulder, he knocks it into the ceiling lights. We’re constantly scared he’s going to break the gear or we’ll get invoiced for the repairs."

The road hasn't always been smooth. They recall an early "horror show" gig where the sound engineer disappeared mid-set and a broken guitar string sent the entire instrument out of tune. "Some of the friends and family we had at that show haven't come back since," they joke.

But those early stumbles have forged a formidable live act. The band believes their greatest strength lies in their high-energy performances. Between Pete’s raw delivery and David’s tendency to sweat through his clothes mid-solo, it’s a visceral experience.

What’s next for the band? While they dream of a disco-punk collaboration with Nile Rodgers, for now, they are focused on the local stage. "Popular music is crying out for someone to distill all the anger people are feeling into something with edge," they say. "That’s our aim."

The Top Ten Desert Island Tracks As Rome Burns Can't Live Without ?