The Slow Readers Club
Hailing from Manchester, The Slow Readers Club are a band that has evolved alongside the changing landscape of alternative rock. Originally formed as Omerta in 2003, the band’s transition to The Slow Readers Club has seen them craft a unique, anthemic sound that blends post-punk energy with synth-laden melodies. With Aaron Starkie (vocals/keys), Kurtis Starkie (guitar/vocals), James Ryan (bass), and David Whitworth (drums) at the helm, The Slow Readers Club have made a name for themselves with a sound that’s rich in emotion, introspective lyrics, and stadium-ready anthems.
Their music has always been an evolution, and their forthcoming album Out of a Dream, set to drop on 14th March 2025, marks yet another chapter in their remarkable journey. The release of Boy So Blue, the latest single from the album, has already made waves. With echoes of early Depeche Mode, Erasure, New Order, and LCD Soundsystem, this track is a floor-filler that perfectly captures the band’s emotive, high-energy style, blending dark, political lyrics with uplifting beats. It’s no surprise that fans and critics alike have responded to it with fervour.
The Slow Readers Club’s music takes on a life of its own when experienced live, with every song bringing the crowd closer to the heart of the band’s thought-provoking messages. Their 2023 album Knowledge Freedom Power reached No.29 on the UK charts, solidifying their place in the rock scene, and it’s clear they have much more to give.
They are known for their powerful stage presence and electrifying performances. As John Kennedy of Radio X aptly puts it: "Their sound is timeless and classic, so big and anthemic. Most of their songs are instant anthems, you can see them playing stadiums in the future." The band’s magic isn’t just in the music—it’s in their ability to connect, with Louderthanwar saying it best: "The Slow Readers Club are quite simply too glorious to be kept a secret; see them, be seduced and then pass the pleasure on."
In 2025, The Slow Readers Club will embark on a UK tour, kicking off in Bury, then Manchester before heading to Liverpool, Leeds, London, and Nottingham. They will also be taking their live shows across Europe with a five-date tour of Holland and Germany.