W: Peter James May

Brighton-based five-piece Star Print Clad have officially kicked off their 2026 campaign with the release of their new single, ‘Melanie.’ As the first installment in a series of singles slated for the year, the track perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature blend of classic 70s rock attitude and infectious indie energy. Having already carved out a reputation for "electric" live performances, the group is now translating that raw, driving ambition directly into the studio.

Recorded at Brighton’s Salvation Studios and produced by Jake Stainer (whose credits include Wet Leg, David Gilmour, and shame), ‘Melanie’ captures the band in their most unfiltered state. The track is built on a foundation of crunchy, intricately layered guitars and a "playful, alluringly awkward" groove. While the influence of arena-fillers like Sam Fender and Kings Of Leon is evident, the songwriting takes a unique turn with a whimsical middle eight before soaring into a euphoric, classic-rock finale.

The recording process focused heavily on authenticity, with the band tracking the "bones" of the song as a live take. Drawing inspiration from the jagged energy of Kings of Leon’s Aha Shake Heartbreak, the band utilized vintage Selmer and Marshall stacks to bottle their live sonic profile. As they put it: "We cranked it, and the rest is on the record."

Beyond the digital landscape, Star Print Clad are catering to physical media enthusiasts with the ‘Redback Collection’—a vinyl-only release that will eventually compile their first five singles of the year. With a growing fanbase spanning from London to Plymouth and a string of high-profile support slots under their belt, the band is rapidly ascending the UK indie ranks.

Catch Star Print Clad bringing their wall of sound to the stage later this month:

• Date: March 28, 2026
• Venue: The Dome, London
• Supporting: The Velvet Hands