Hugs From Grandma by Marvin’s Revenge

Marvin’s Revenge are back, and this time they’re bringing a heavy dose of unexpected tenderness with Hugs From Grandma. Fresh off the back of their critically acclaimed EP VR Porn, the Nottingham-based trio continue to refine their sound, blending their signature noisy alt-rock with a newfound melodic touch.

Clocking in at just over three minutes, Hugs From Grandma kicks off with a reverberating, distorted guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention. The relentless crash of Job Gregory’s drums drives the track forward with intensity, while Oliver Sammels-Moore’s guitar work expertly oscillates between frenetic energy and atmospheric flair. There’s an immediate sense of controlled chaos here, echoing influences from The Jesus Lizard and Pixies, but with a more modern, polished edge reminiscent of bands like The Strokes and even the heavier side of Linkin Park.

Luke Eaton’s vocals are raw and haunting, delivering lyrics that delve deep into the murky waters of mental health. The opening lines, "Well I was waiting for you to arrive" set the tone for the track, before plunging into darker territory with, "I was wishing I was buried alive... I'm always waiting for something to happen." The chorus cuts straight to the bone: "How long until I crash and find no reason to live?" It’s a gut-wrenching exploration of depression and existential angst, wrapped up in a package that somehow feels both anthemic and intimate at the same time.

What sets Hugs From Grandma apart from Marvin’s previous work is the delicate balance between their familiar wall of sound and the more “bouncy and upbeat” melodic pop hook that anchors the track. There’s a certain lightness buried within the noise, a hook that stays with you long after the final chords fade. It’s an evolution of their sound, a glimpse of a band that is growing more confident in their ability to mix emotional depth with visceral, guitar-driven anthems.

Yet, for all the new melodic touches, the band hasn’t lost their gritty, dark edge. The track’s heavier moments are relentless, the kind that make you want to lose yourself in a crowd at a live gig. And speaking of live gigs, Marvin’s Revenge is celebrating the release of Hugs From Grandma with a UK tour, culminating in their biggest headline show to date at Nottingham’s Saltbox on 12th October. It’s a show not to be missed, with support from local favourites like Splinter Group and Ideal Host.

In Hugs From Grandma, Marvin’s Revenge proves they’re not content with simply rehashing the past. This is a band that’s pushing forward, exploring new sonic territory while staying true to their roots. For fans of raw, emotional alt-rock, this track is an essential listen.

Make sure to catch them live on tour – this is a band that thrives in the live setting, and Hugs From Grandma promises to be a crowd favourite.

The band play Saltbox on Saturday the 12th October at 3pm. Get early bird tickets

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