Victory Lap

Nottingham's Victory Lap is a band that blends the best of nostalgic rock with a contemporary twist, creating a sound that's as captivating as it is unique. Known for their deep, noir-pop melodies and powerful guitars, they’ve been steadily carving their place on the local scene, with support slots alongside Do Nothing and Blood Wizard, and appearances at notable festivals like Dot To Dot. Now, the five-piece is set to headline Bodega on December 7th, further cementing their status as a band to watch. Their latest offering, the debut single Jealousy, from the Torch Songs EP, showcases their signature blend of 50s/60s crooner-inspired music with a modern rock edge.

Victory Lap often refers to their sound as "Nostalgic Rock" or "Golden Oldies," but with a sharp contemporary twist. Their music, much like their influences—Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and The Last Shadow Puppets—feels cinematic, rich in storytelling, and laced with emotional depth. Frontman Tomas Ponting describes Jealousy as the tale of a man building emotional barriers to protect himself from the vulnerability of relationships, an idea beautifully conveyed in the song’s sophisticated indie-rock framework. The intricate drumming, sliding guitars, and deep vocals weave together a song that feels timeless yet unmistakably modern.

With a line-up that includes Tomas Ponting (lead vocals/guitar), James Denham (backing guitar/vocals), Lawrence English (drums), Rory Ford (backing vocals/bass), and Jake Cornes (piano), Victory Lap is a quintet that brings a melting pot of golden age sounds into the 21st century. Drawing inspiration from iconic film noirs like Casablanca, their music conjures a romanticized nostalgia for a bygone era, infused with a rock sensibility that’s as fresh as it is familiar.