FORTY ELEPHANT GANG
New Single ‘Dark Shadows’
Out Sept 5th
‘The debut album from Forty Elephant Gang has introduced them to the scene in an explosive fashion’ MAVERICK MAGAZINE
‘One is simply entranced by the ability of Forty Elephant Gang to go wherever they desire. It’s an audacious beginning to say the least.’ FOLK RADIO UK
‘Something really quite charming with a classic British feel’ AMERICANA UK
London’s favourite alt-folk mischief-makers, Forty Elephant Gang are set to release their new single ‘Dark Shadows’ on September 5th, with a release show at the Green Note the same day.
Self-recorded and produced in true DIY spirit, ‘Dark Shadows’ is a windswept slice of Americana rock that finds Forty Elephant Gang at their most cinematic. Inspired by The Odyssey and the brooding romance of Cold Mountain (Jack White cameo and all) the track drifts between longing and defiance, ‘ain’t no hero inside of me, I’m just all that you’ll ever need’, anchored by a rich, rootsy groove. Imbued with the laid-back confidence of their recent singles, the band build an anthemic track full of atmosphere and rawness, with their distinct London grit woven through every note.
Forty Elephant Gang are a five-piece from East London that blend elements of Folk, Americana and American Blues with classic songwriting. Forty Elephant Gang returned last autumn with well-loved singles ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Please Say Goodbye’, two laid-back tracks steeped in British Americana that saw them comfortably slide from their earlier fast-paced numbers into an atmospheric, laid-back era that retains their trademark soulful vocals, rich harmonies and delicate mandolin picking.
Since the band’s formation, Forty Elephant Gang has taken its unique sound to large and varied audiences throughout the UK and Europe, releasing their acclaimed 2023 EP ‘The Time We Lost’ hot off the back of a showcase at the Americana Music Association UK’s Americana Week. From ad-hoc rooftop parties to Folk and Acoustic nights to rock bars and back again to back-street boozers, Forty Elephant Gang has received a wave of support and attracted friends and admirers from all walks of life.
Forty Elephant Gang take their name from a notorious group of female pickpockets from The Elephant & Castle. The band originally started as a trio featuring Andrew White on lead vocals and guitar, Sean Mannion on mandolin and backing vocals, and James Bachmann on guitar and backing vocals. They have since expanded their lineup to include Martin Moore on drums and Frazor Twyman on bass, adding a punchier feel to the band's live sound.
With shows booked at select venues for the rest of the year still to come, the gang are currently writing and recording their third EP which will see them explore a more stripped-back lofi sound, returning to their acoustic roots. Join the band on September 5th for the launch of ‘Dark Shadows’ at London’s Green Note with support from Ella Spencer, to kick off an autumn of new music.