Liverpool’s Astles is steadily making a name for himself as a singer-songwriter known for capturing quiet, personal moments in his music. His latest single, “Remember Us?,” offers a delicate blend of reflective lyricism and understated production, providing listeners with a glimpse into the emotional terrain he will explore on his debut album, Soundtrack For The 21 Bus Home, due for release on May 30, 2025.
The track stands out with its subtle yet engaging arrangement, which pairs light, soulful melodies with warm brass lines and a gentle, strolling rhythm. It feels both personal and universal as Astles reflects on themes of memory, loss, and the things that stay with us over time.
“Remember Us? is a song about growing up, carrying parts of yourself with you and losing other bits along the way,” explains Astles. “It’s about my relationship with my partner Charlie, and how we navigate our ambitions and own goals in life. Whilst also nurturing our relationship and realizing that in the time we’ve been together, we have probably been multiple different people, ever-changing and growing.”
The song features a big arrangement, with horns and string sections, adding to its cinematic feel. Astles notes, “I wanted it to almost be my version of That’s Life by Sinatra. I think I got as close as I could.” He also incorporated a personal touch with a sample of his Granddad Joe, offering a moment of reflection: “It encourages the listener to take a second to stop and think. I think it further takes you into the world I was trying to create with the record.”
“Remember Us?” follows last month’s single “We Could’ve Been Anything,” which introduced listeners to the first harbinger of his forthcoming LP. Both tracks are deeply rooted in Astles’ personal experiences, particularly the loss of his uncle and the discovery of a forgotten mixtape in his family’s loft. These memories have inspired a creative process that intertwines past and present, resulting in music that thoughtfully explores how the two intertwine.
Astles’ earlier singles, including “2 And A Bit (Song For A Brother),” “Any Kind,” and “This One’s For You,” helped build the foundation for his growing profile, while also allowing creative partnerships to flourish. His distinctive songwriting caught the attention of Bill Ryder-Jones, who played guitar on “We Could’ve Been Anything,” and legendary Liverpool artist Michael Head, who invited Astles to support him at his career-spanning homecoming show at the Philharmonic Hall in December.
In “Remember Us?,” Astles continues to weave his personal history into his songwriting, balancing themes of loss with a deep appreciation for the small, everyday moments that shape life. The song is reflective, yet very much rooted in the present, suggesting that the act of remembering is a continuous, living process—one that connects the past with the now.
As Astles prepares for the release of “Soundtrack For The 21 Bus Home,” Remember Us? offers a promising preview of the emotional depth and melodic clarity that will define his debut album. With plans to announce more shows with his full band around the album’s release, Astles has already confirmed a spot at Green Man Festival this August, alongside other upcoming live commitments:
Sat 12 April: Birmingham, Hare & Hounds, Gingham & Friends All-Dayer
Wed 18 June: London, The Waiting Room
Thu 19 June: Leeds, Oporto
Fri 20 June: Glasgow, The Attic (Garage)
Sat 21 June: Liverpool, The Bluecoat
Thu 14 August: Crickhowell, Green Man Festival
Soundtrack For The 21 Bus Home will be available in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, and digital, and was produced by Sophie Ellis, a collaborator with the influential INFLO (Michael Kiwanuka, Little Simz).
For the most up-to-date information on future gigs, album pre-orders, and special events, connect with Astles online:
