Avant-garde angst and the mysteries of the unknown come together in spectacular fashion as Norwich’s Magnolia return with their latest single, Under The Gaze. This release doubles as the band’s debut single for their forthcoming EP, due later this year. The track presents a thrilling six-minute ride, striking a balance between chaotic energy and serene introspection. With their multi-instrumental signatures and bold, operatic punk sensibility, Magnolia further cement their status as one of the UK’s most exciting and eccentric bands to watch.
Magnolia blend raw virtuosity with literary influence, and a palpable creative connection between all seven of their members. Their sound fuses the passion and frenzied brilliance of contemporary bands like Black Midi, Maruja, and Opus Kink, while also nodding to the gritty, no-nonsense approach of The Velvet Underground. With a sound as eclectic as theirs, it’s little wonder that Magnolia are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The band’s debut EP, Omaha, will be released via Shake! Shake! Records on Friday 30 May 2025. Following the success of earlier singles Five Hundred, Television, and Feed Me, the band’s artistry has firmly placed them on the UK’s new music map, earning support from BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and Soho Radio. Known for their electric live shows—packed with communal energy and collective spirit—Magnolia release Under The Gaze with a slightly different approach, one that invites listeners to explore and interpret the music in their own time and space.
Adam Turner, the band’s frontman and bassist, shared his thoughts on the track’s evolution: “‘Under The Gaze’ has changed so much over time that it’s almost unrecognisable from its original form. I’m really proud of it. Lyrically, it follows a fictional protagonist thrown into a series of events. But that’s as much as I’ll say for now—I prefer to leave things open for listeners to figure out. The song weaves in themes of religion, cults, and harsh landscapes, drawing from a variety of ideologies.”
Formed in 2022, Magnolia has made waves in the Norfolk music scene, driven by Turner and his bandmates George Rodgers (guitar/vocals), Daisy Green (saxophone), Tom Reynolds (percussion/programming), Matthew Creegan (guitar), Harrison Peek (drums), and Matthew Cassie (trombone). Their passion and innovation have carried them from Norfolk’s local scene to some of London’s most revered indie venues, such as Brixton’s Windmill and The Shacklewell Arms. However, Magnolia has always been keen to step outside the capital. Their work with the Arts Council-supported East Meets West series—connecting Shake! Shake! Records in Norwich with Grey Muzzle Promotions in Bristol—highlights their dedication to pushing boundaries and uniting regions of the UK through music.
With the East Meets West shows already in full swing, Magnolia has shared stages with bands like Feasts, The Scuttlers, and Kill Mirror Image. The final show in this series will take place on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, at Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom in Norwich.
Fans can catch Magnolia live at the following dates:
Tue 25 Mar: Norwich, Voodoo Daddy’s (supporting Gurriers)
Wed 9 Apr: Oxford, The Jericho Tavern (supporting Man/Woman/Chainsaw)
Fri 11 Apr: Ipswich, The Smokehouse
Sun 13 Apr: Hull, The New Adelphi Club (supporting CLT DRP)
Mon 14 Apr: Nottingham, The Grove
Tue 15 Apr: Norwich, Voodoo Daddy’s
Wed 16 Apr: Reading, The Purple Turtle
Thu 17 Apr: Portsmouth, The Deco
Sat 19 Apr: Carmarthen, CRWC
Fri 2 May: London, The George Tavern
Sat 7 June: Bury St Edmunds, The Hunters Club
Fri 13 June: Norwich, Norwich Arts Centre
With more new music and live dates to come, MAGNOLIA are showing no signs of slowing down. Be sure to connect with them online to stay up to date on what’s next:
Bandcamp // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook
