Los Campesinos! release More Hell EP with reworked All Hell tracks and a heartfelt cover

News

15 Nov

Los Campesinos! have released their new More Hell EP, now available digitally and on streaming platforms via their own Heart Swells label. A follow-up to their seventh album, All Hell, the six-track collection reimagines favourites from the record and features a cover of The Secret Stars’ “Wait.”

The EP is described by band member Tom as a chance to showcase subtler elements from All Hell that may have been overlooked in the original arrangements:

“I know it’s self indulgent, but I love the strings on All Hell, and I love the sax, and I love all the intimate details that can get lost in a fuller arrangement, and stripping the songs back to these skeletal versions allows all those elements and great musicians to come to the front. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it became clear that the original vocal performances no longer made sense when presented this way, nor the guitars, so we quickly re-recorded these in a day in Cardiff, and now I love them too”

One of the standout tracks on More Hell is the band’s cover of “Wait.” Gareth shared how the song has been a long-time personal favourite and the unique way it came into their lives:

“The Secret Stars’ ‘Wait’ was included on a mix-tape a friend made me when I was a teenager. For years, this tape dub was the only way I had of listening to the song, and I’d play it over and over. A little later I’d buy the Death Cab You Can Play These Songs with Chords CD and was struck by lightning when I surprisedly heard their version. I loved this too, and it became a staple of the love letter mix CDs I’d make for others. At some point I found a trashy mp3 on Soulseek, but would keep going back to the tape until 2012 when somebody uploaded the original version of the song to YouTube. It feels kind of perfect that the original, 30 years since its release, still hasn’t made its way to streaming. I hope our version will find a place on playlists you send to others to keep this cycle going.”

The More Hell EP’s tracklist includes:

"A Psychic Wound (A Cosmic Cheque version)"
"Long Throes (Punks on the Playlist version)"
"To Hell in a Handjob (Shucked)"
"Moonstruck (29 September 2023)"
"The Coin-Op Guillotine (Sharpen the Blade)"
"Wait" [The Secret Stars cover]

Los Campesinos! have long been celebrated for their intricate lyricism, emotionally charged performances, and innovative approach to indie rock. This EP extends their knack for reinvention, stripping down and reshaping tracks from All Hell while maintaining their distinct sonic identity.

Their success with All Hell has also translated into live performances, including the announcement of their biggest headlining shows to date. In February 2025, they will host the Valentines 2 Night Stand at Troxy in London, featuring strings and horns to elevate the album’s lush arrangements further. Both nights promise unique setlists, including deep cuts and fan favourites.

The More Hell EP offers listeners a chance to explore new depths within the band’s already celebrated catalogue. Stream it now and enjoy the reflective, stripped-back versions of All Hell favourites alongside a moving tribute to The Secret Stars.

Stream the More Hell EP, and watch the video for Los Campesinos! cover of “Wait”: