W: Robin Glass

'‘ Release Me’ is a high-octane blend of funky bass lines and soulful grit. It’s a track meant for the road—pure, unfiltered energy from start to finish."

The Yorkshire music scene has long been a breeding ground for raw talent, but few acts are blending genres with the fearless precision of N.S.O. The four-piece outfit—comprised of Reece Howe (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Josh Tallis (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Simon Barton (Bass), and Jordan Watkin (Drums)—has spent the last three years evolving from local hopefuls into a polished, high-octane touring machine. By marrying dark, gritty vocal deliveries with melodies that soar, they have carved out a sonic niche that feels both nostalgically rock-and-roll and enticingly modern.

"The main inspiration behind this track was for it to be played loud in the car with the bass high and treble low... this one must be played loud with the windows down!"

Their latest offering, ‘Release Me’, serves as the first strike of 2026 and a bold follow-up to the exhilarating anthem ‘Sunday Club’. Recorded at West Homesick Recording Studios and produced by Federico Telesca, the track is a masterclass in rhythmic tension. From the opening bars, Barton’s funky bass notes lock in with Watkin’s distinct, punchy percussion to create a foundation that feels less like a standard indie track and more like a heavy-hitting live sample. It’s a testament to a rhythm section that knows exactly how to drive a groove home.

The vocal dynamic between Howe and Tallis is where the track truly finds its swagger. Drawing unexpected but effective inspiration from early hip-hop, the dual-vocal approach adds layers of texture to a bluesy rock-and-roll soundscape. While the music invites you to turn up the volume, the lyricism dives into the more somber reality of post-relationship stagnation. It explores that universal, agonizing limbo where moving on feels impossible, whether held back by memory or a lack of closure.

"‘Release Me’ is about that bit after a relationship where you are struggling to move on... It’s something most people have probably experienced personally or through family and friends."

N.S.O. are no strangers to the big stage, having already supported legends like Neville Staple and Mark Morris, while selling out headline shows with tastemakers This Feeling. With 50,000 streams already under their belt and the momentum of a £1,000 Battle of the Bands win fueling their fire, ‘Release Me’ acts as a high-stakes teaser for their upcoming EP. If this single is any indication, the full project will be a definitive statement for a band that refuses to be pigeonholed.

Catch N.S.O. Live in 2026

The band is hitting the road hard this spring, including stripped-back sets and high-energy support slots across the UK:

• Feb 1st – Chesterfield – Hasland Club (Indie Sessions)
• Feb 25th – Sheffield – HMV Meadowhall (Stripped Back Set)
• Feb 28th – Manchester – Stage & Radio (Supporting The Ports)
• Mar 13th – Birmingham – The Rainbow (Supporting Intrusive)
• Apr 18th – Norwich – HMV Norwich (Live Performance)
• July 18th – Bury – Elton Liberal Club (Andy’s Man Club Charity Event)