Blue Bendy – Poke
Blue Bendy almost broke up after releasing their debut album “So Medieval” last year. Instead, they regrouped with new bassist Dina Willcock and drummer Tristan Petsola, expanding to a six-piece. Their comeback single “Poke” arrives 18 months later with questions about rumors and digital nostalgia.
Arthur Nolan’s lyrics blend what he calls “terrible hedonistic tendencies” with “rural social reclusion.” The result feels like vintage Blue Bendy: arch observations wrapped in indie-pop arrangements. Producer Balázs Altsach keeps the sound clean, letting the band’s expanded lineup breathe. The Nolan brothers (Arthur on vocals, Oliver on guitar) anchor things, while Olivia Morgan’s piano and synth work adds texture alongside Joseph Nash’s second guitar.
“Who started the rumour of my insanity?” Nolan asks. It’s a question that captures personal paranoia and nostalgic romance. The song works as both a comeback statement and a reflection on the past 18 months of upheaval.
The band survived their near-breakup and landed support slots with Floodlights across Europe and a coveted opening spot for Black Country, New Road at Brixton Academy. Not bad for a band that was ready to call it quits.
Tour Dates
Europe:
- September 4 – London, England – Village Underground (w/ Floodlights)
- September 5 – Paris, France – Popup! (w/ Floodlights)
- September 7 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Cinetol (w/ Floodlights)
- September 9 – Nijmegen, Netherlands – Merleyn (w/ Floodlights)
- September 10 – Berlin, Germany – Badehaus (w/ Floodlights)
- September 12 – Cologne, Germany – Artheatre (w/ Floodlights)
- September 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Molotow Club (w/ Floodlights)
- September 18 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Mash House
- September 19 – Manchester, England – Gullivers
- September 20 – Bristol, England – Rough Trade Bristol
- October 28 – Oxford, England – Little Bully
- October 29 – Ipswich, England – Smokehouse
- October 31 – London, England – O2 Academy Brixton (w/ Black Country, New Road)
- February 5, 2026 – London, England – Oslo
