When I spoke to HEREWARD back in December last year, they said they were "just getting started" ... "Mechanical Age" turns everything up to 11: bigger, thrashier, more theatrical - this marks a bold new era for the Peterborough metallers.

Living near the Fens myself, I'm almost contractually obliged to like anything to do with them, like some strange web-footed patriotism. Perhaps then, that's why I'm drawn to Cambridge-based EELS! EELS! EELS!, who take East Anglian folklore and channel it into catchy, upbeat rock tunes.

This is Last Case Scenario at their strongest, really leaning into their alt rock technicalities. The subject matter is heavy, but sonically this is an incredibly accessible track, equally perfect for both genre afficionados and relative newcomers.