W: Billy Round. I: Nic Kane

'Ordinary Love' is a powerful reminder of why Elder Island remain one of the UK’s most forward-thinking and quietly influential acts—and a crucial first glimpse of what's still to come.

Bristol's own Elder Island—the trio comprised of Katy Sargent, Luke Thornton, and David Havard—have made their highly anticipated return with the release of their first single in three years, 'Ordinary Love'. Out November 19th in association with !K7, the track captures the band at their most confident and emotionally resonant, setting the stage for a compelling new era.

'Ordinary Love' is Elder Island at their absolute finest: brooding, atmospheric, and irresistibly rhythmic. The song instantly leans into the band’s signature push-and-pull between tension and release. From the opening pulse of its presiding arpeggiated synths—a core pillar that emerged early in the writing process—the track builds on a classic, formulaic dance structure toward a truly euphoric climax.

Frontwoman Katy Sargent's vocals are a defining element, described as soulful yet restrained, gliding over a driving house-garage beat with commanding control. The song is an emotionally charged exploration of human nature, revolving around the theme of conquering desire and learning to make "the right decision," blossoming into what the band calls a "true hybrid heart-filled dance track."

Elder Island on the Track’s Genesis: "This track came together really quickly from the initial writing session... The presiding arpeggiator was always the main pillar, emerging from this original session... But as Katy worked on the vocal melodies and builds, filling it out, the emotive side to the song started to shine through."

Drawing subtle inspiration from wide-ranging sources—including the classic film Casablanca, the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings, and ritualistic devotion—‘Ordinary Love’ sees the trio continue their masterful work of merging cinematic storytelling with club-ready hedonism.

The single arrives complete with a striking visual world in the form of a music video, directed by long-time collaborator Nic Kane. Set against the imposing, brutalist backdrop of a disused hangar, the film channels Euro-spy intrigue and a playful sense of danger. Frontwoman Katy Sargent takes on the role of three mysterious characters caught under constant surveillance, unfolding a retro-inspired cat-and-mouse chase that balances stylised tension with bursts of movement and performance art energy.

Over the past decade since forming in 2013, Elder Island has forged a sound entirely their own: hypnotic synths, intricate rhythms, and soulful vocals that seamlessly blur the line between electronic and indie.

Their distinctive catalogue includes early EPs Elder Island (2014) and Seeds in Sand (2016), as well as their critically acclaimed albums The Omnitone Collection (2019) and Swimming Static (2021). With over 365 million streams and consistent tastemaker support from BBC Radio 6 Music, they have cultivated a devoted global following drawn in by their immersive, shape-shifting live shows.

Their reputation as one of the UK’s most intriguing live acts has carried them to the world’s most respected venues and festivals, from London’s Roundhouse and Printworks to New York’s Bowery Ballroom and stages at Latitude and Lost Village. Furthermore, their boundary-pushing influence is cemented by a prolific remix catalogue, featuring collaborations with underground talents like Elkka, Batu, Chrissy, Matthew Dear, PBR Streetgang, Demi Riquísimo, and Shigeto.