All Hell breaks loose: how Los Campesinos! built a legacy on their own terms
Los Campesinos! by Martyna Bannister
There hasn’t been a band that’s shaped my musical DNA quite like Los Campesinos! Since first hearing their debut album, Hold On Now, Youngster..., in 2008, they’ve been a constant in my life. Their music hasn’t just soundtracked milestones—it’s influenced how I listen, think, and experience the world.
Diving into their interviews and dissecting a social posts opened up a Pandora’s box of influences I might never have otherwise discovered. Without Los Camp, I doubt I’d have stumbled upon B.S. Johnson’s experimental novels or one of my all-time favourite bands, ME REX. They’ve been a gateway and vehicle leading to entirely new worlds.
When we started The Scene, one of my top goals was to interview Los Campesinos! Last month, that dream finally came true when I sat down with Gareth David, the band’s primary vocalist and lyricist, to explore what makes the group so special.
Earlier this year, after a seven-year wait, Los Campesinos! released their seventh album, All Hell. It’s not just the standout record of the year. It’s easily the best work of their career, blending signature emo and indie influences with intricate instrumentation and resonant themes, exploring everything from late-stage capitalism to the quiet beauty of friendship.
Via a firm nudge from Kelly, I introduced myself and briefly chatted with Gareth at a ME REX gig late last year. Among other things, he hinted that 2024 was set to be a big year for the band, though the whirlwind that followed was beyond anyone’s expectations. In July, All Hell debuted at number 14 on the UK album charts—Los Campesinos!’ highest placement ever. Even more impressively, this success was off the back of an entirely self-released, self-funded, and notably, self-marketed album—a rarity in today’s charts. “We were practically the only independently released album in that top 40,” Gareth noted. “Everywhere you looked, it was Sony, Universal, and then us—some random label that doesn’t really exist and nobody’s ever heard of. It felt like a real achievement.”
This success comes as Gareth observes a resurgence of independent music in the UK. “The UK scene is much stronger than it was in 2017 (when the band released their previous album Sick Scenes),” he noted, crediting the rise of small labels, grassroots promoters, and collaborative efforts for fostering a thriving ecosystem of musicians and fans. Events like the Deadpunk Special embody this spirit, where the focus is simply on enjoying music and building connections. “Everyone was just there to have a great time and enjoy each other’s music,” Gareth reflected.
All Hell distils the heart of Los Campesinos! while venturing into fresh territory. Reflecting on the album’s tone, Gareth said, “A lot of our earlier work was dominated by this depressive character, which mirrored where I was emotionally. This album feels different—it’s more reflective, even hopeful at times. It’s about looking back but also moving forward.”
Recurring motifs like self-referential lyrics and football add even greater depth to the album. Gareth likened the band’s lyrics to “building a universe,” with each new song layering on top of the last. “It’s about adding layers to what already exists while finding ways to go outward as well as upward,” he explained. These references often nod to past albums, creating an intricate web of connections that fans love to piece together.
Religious imagery is also prominently featured in All Hell, offering a rich layer of symbolism and meaning. “Religious iconography is such a rich vein of things to draw upon,” Gareth explained. While some references were included out of convenience, others signal a change in his perspective. “In the past, I was critical and patronising toward religion, but now my approach is more empathetic,” he shared. These motifs deepen the album’s narrative, combining vivid imagery with a more nuanced outlook.
Unlike their earlier efforts, recorded in far-flung locations like Toronto and Barcelona, All Hell was crafted closer to home, with sessions in Frome and Cardiff. “Life’s different now,” Gareth explained. “Jobs, kids, all that. We couldn’t just disappear for weeks. But it worked out brilliantly. Frome was a dream—great coffee shops, a record store, and pubs nearby. It felt like a creative retreat, even though it was local.”
All Hell also marked a milestone for the band as their first full-length release entirely managed through their self-run label, Heart Swells. For Gareth, Heart Swells represents more than just a vehicle for their music—it’s a statement of their values. “We don’t answer to anyone but ourselves,” he said. “Every decision is made with the band and our fans in mind. Heart Swells allows us to remain true to who we are—there’s no compromise, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The slower, more deliberate pace of recording also allowed the band to refine their process. “In the past, we’d have five weeks in the studio, and whatever we finished in that time was the record,” Gareth explained. “This time, we gave ourselves more breathing room. We’d start in Frome, then finish vocals and details in Cardiff. It let the songs evolve in a way we hadn’t experienced before.”
This evolution reflects Gareth’s expanded role within the band. With Gareth now able to work full-time for Los Campesinos!, he takes on a wide range of responsibilities, from advancing tours to overseeing reissues. “If one of us wasn’t giving it our full attention, so many things over the past few years wouldn’t have happened,” he admitted. Still, collaboration remains at the heart of their process. Other members contribute in ways that align with their skills and availability, ensuring the band operates as a cohesive unit. “It’s about playing to everyone’s strengths,” Gareth explained, highlighting the importance of their collective approach.
All Hell highlights the band’s ability to pair Gareth’s raw, vivid lyricism with lush instrumentation, creating standout moments that resonate deeply with fans. “It’s always surprising to see which bits resonate,” Gareth shared. “You think, ‘This line is the big moment,’ but then it’s something completely different that fans latch onto.”
The band’s connection with their fans goes far beyond the music. Gareth is candid about their fan-first ethos. “We’re music fans ourselves,” he said. “It’s not just about making music; it’s about crafting an experience we’d enjoy. That’s why we announce stage times early, keep ticket prices fair, and offer low-income options. It’s about making gigs accessible.”
This focus on accessibility has paid off, easily selling out every night of the recent UK tour, with US fans eagerly awaiting more dates before the band’s visas expire next summer. “We love playing the US,” Gareth said, his enthusiasm clear. “The shows we did there before the album’s release were amazing. But going back now, post-release, would be incredible. It’s all about timing—and making sure we don’t lose too much money in the process.”
As an independent band, the logistics of touring and releasing music can be challenging, but Los Campesinos! have tackled these hurdles with ingenuity. “We’ve always had to think outside the box,” Gareth explained. “When we recorded Sick Scenes, we funded it by selling over a thousand football shirts. It was risky, but it worked. Those kinds of ideas have kept us afloat.”
The football shirts, now an iconic piece of merch, perfectly illustrate the band’s DIY spirit. “I used the same company that manufactured kits for the football club I used to run,” Gareth laughed. “They were so grateful for the business that they gave us a massive discount for years afterwards.” This creativity has enabled the band to stay true to their values while adapting to an ever-changing industry. “The freedom we have now is huge,” Gareth said. “We make decisions based on what’s fun and meaningful, not what a label or manager thinks we should do. It’s validating, and it’s allowed us to give back in ways we couldn’t before.”
This ethos extends to their broader impact on the music industry. From keeping ticket prices fair to advocating for gender-neutral toilets in venues, Los Campesinos! have become a model for thriving independently. “We’ve always tried to do things differently,” Gareth said. “It’s about creating a sustainable way to do what we love.”
By prioritising both fans and integrity, the band has redefined what it means to succeed as an independent act. As Gareth put it, “It’s all about creating an experience we’d enjoy as fans.”
As our conversation wound down, I asked Gareth what advice he’d offer to bands just starting out. “Think creatively,” he said. “The industry’s tough, but if you’re willing to experiment, there are ways to make it work. And most importantly, make sure you’re enjoying yourself. That’s what it’s all about.”
For Gareth, the band’s longevity is a testament to their ability to adapt while staying true to their core values. “At the end of the day, we do this because it’s fun,” he said. “That’s the whole point, isn’t it? If it’s not fun, why bother?”
For Los Campesinos!, that sense of joy is woven into everything they do. Whether it’s creating music, engaging with fans, or finding new ways to stay independent, they’ve carved out a space that’s entirely their own. A cornerstone of that independence is Heart Swells, their self-run label.
When I asked Gareth about the label’s future he shared some intriguing possibilities. “We’ve even talked about re-releasing older works—ours or others—because there’s something so satisfying about helping an album find its audience on its own terms”. For Gareth, Heart Swells isn’t just a practical tool for the band—it’s also a statement on the industry. “We’ve proven you don’t need a label,” he explained. “If you can build the infrastructure yourself, you gain so much power by retaining control. It’s harder, absolutely, but it’s so much more rewarding.”
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for the band. They’ll kick it off with two special nights at the Troxy in London, a venue Gareth describes as one of his favourites. “It’s a beautiful venue for both the band and the audience,” he shared. The band has big plans for the performances, teasing surprises that include deep cuts, orchestral arrangements with horns and strings, and reimagined versions of older tracks. “We’re really delving into the back catalogue,” Gareth revealed, “working on exciting things that’ll make fans who miss out incredibly jealous.”
Reflecting on their return to the Troxy after playing there earlier this year, Gareth explained that the decision to do two nights instead of one stemmed from their commitment to supporting venues that align with their ideals, such as offering gender-neutral toilets and avoiding merch cuts. “You just can’t go bigger than the Troxy in London without compromising on those values,” he said.
The band is also set to appear at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Porto—a long-awaited opportunity Gareth called “a dream come true.” He hinted that additional UK and European festival dates might be announced, making 2025 an exciting year for fans across the continent.
While Los Campesions! aren’t rushing back into the studio, the idea of new music is never far from Gareth’s mind. “We’re in a good place right now,” he said. “The wave we’re riding is the best we’ve had in years, so we want to keep it going. But when the time comes, I’d love to explore new directions.” With a bustling year ahead and All Hell still resonating with fans, Los Campesinos! seem poised to make 2025 another defining chapter in their journey.
All Hell and its companion EP, More Hell, are both available now via Heart Swells, and Los Campesions! will be hitting the stage at various dates throughout next year.
