Bristol’s own nu-gaze sensations, Split Chain, are currently riding an incredible wave of momentum, proving that their rise through the heavy music scene is far from over. As they prepare to drop their reimagined motionblur [DELUXE] album on September 11, the band has given fans a tantalizing preview with the release of two new singles: “Headway [DLX],” featuring Las Vegas hardcore powerhouse Roman Candle, and “SPIT [DLX],” featuring the fiercely talented London quartet False Reality. These tracks serve as a bold statement of intent, showcasing how the band is willing to open up their sound to the voices and creative visions of their musical peers, effectively breathing brand new life into the songs that fans have already come to love.
Working with artists they admire was a top priority for the members of Split Chain, who describe the process as a collaborative dream come true. For them, tapping into the unique vocal styles of Piper and Rachel wasn’t just a strategic choice—it was a creative necessity that felt like a “no-brainer.” The band members were genuinely floored by how these guest vocalists, hailing from different corners of the UK and US hardcore scenes, were able to inject their own natural flair into the music. By inviting their friends into the studio to interpret the tracks, the band feels they’ve achieved something special, stating that these new iterations aren’t just remixes—they truly feel like the definitive, evolved versions of the songs.
The philosophy behind this deluxe project is deeply rooted in the idea of shared perspective. Split Chain recognizes that music is an intensely subjective experience, meant to be felt and interpreted differently by everyone who encounters it. By gathering a diverse cast of peers—including Commoner, Slow Degrade, and Concealer—to rework their original material, the band has effectively turned a standard deluxe release into a communal celebration of their scene. They expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the energy and hard work every participating artist poured into the project, noting that the outcome far exceeded their initial expectations and they cannot wait to see how listeners react to these collective efforts.
Looking back at their whirlwind journey as a band, it is dizzying to realize that Split Chain only formed in 2023. In just over a year, they’ve managed to ink a deal with the legendary label Epitaph, drop a highly successful debut LP, and embark on a grueling tour schedule that saw them crisscrossing Europe, North America, Canada, and Australia. Amidst the chaos of constant travel and rapid career growth, the band experienced a moment of clarity: they realized they had spent so little time connecting with their own base in the UK. This upcoming tour is their way of grounding themselves, giving motionblur the dedicated celebration it deserves on home soil.
The excitement surrounding the tour is amplified by the fact that they are hitting the road alongside the very musicians who helped bring their deluxe album to life. Bringing groups like False Reality and Roman Candle on tour feels like the final piece of the puzzle for the band, allowing them to showcase these new collaborations in a live environment night after night. For a band that has experienced such rapid acceleration, this string of UK shows feels like a heartfelt homecoming. It is a chance for them to reconnect with their roots while sharing stages with the friends and contemporaries who have helped them navigate this extraordinary, fast-paced chapter of their lives.
For those eager to catch the energy live, the tour kicks off with a series of festival dates, including 2000 Trees, before diving into a string of intimate club shows across cities like Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Bristol. The tracklist for the motionblur [DELUXE] album is vast, featuring an impressive array of guests that highlights the strength and unity of the modern scene. As the countdown to September 11 begins, the anticipation is palpable, not just for the music itself, but for the community that built it. Split Chain isn’t just releasing an album; they are documenting a moment of creative camaraderie that stands as a testament to where they’ve been and how far they’re still determined to go.