Following a wave of tastemaker support from the likes of Radio X (X-Posure) and BBC Radio 6 Music (Emily Pilbeam), Big Fear release the new single ‘Mildew’ (May 23rd), taken from the upcoming debut EP Career Day.

Fronted by the nonbinary, asexual, and endlessly expressive Alice Edwards, the trio – comprised of Edwards, Jack Wilkinson, and Ben Crone – crafts sharp, unflinching narratives that dissect our tech-drenched, environmentally unraveling world. Quickly building a feverish hype with plays across national radio, editorial playlist support, sync placements and sold out live dates, the trio are riding a wave of critical acclaim as they build towards the release of their debut EP.

Working with acclaimed producer Charlie Andrew (alt-J, Wolf Alice, David Gilmour), the upcoming five-track EP takes a journey through a warped alt-pop odyssey laced with industrial synths and biting wit, capturing the trio at their most cinematic and unhinged. Musically, Big Fear sits somewhere between FKA twigs’ sensuality and Kate Bush’s theatricality, with a smirking nihilism all their own.

The new single ‘Mildew’ is a prime example of this, dissecting agoraphobia through its lyricism and delivering a sprawling soundscape of sparkling analogue synths, tight drums and plucky overlapping guitar. Alice Edwards elegant, delicate and intimate vocals dance over the soundscape, each lyric with operatic confidence, yet bubbling sense of heartfelt fragility. “Across the EP, we’re looking at these looming fears that feel almost too big to do anything about,” says Edwards.

Continuing to talk about Mildew, Edwards explains: “Mildew is very much a dialogue between oneself and anxiety, with the view to explore how anxiety is a very limiting cage to one’s actions and behaviours, but the call is coming from inside the house – mental illness convinces you that your thoughts and behaviours are rational.”

Big Fear have already landed major playlist support with features across Spotify editorials: New Music Friday UK, Peach, Fresh Finds Indie and Hot New Bands (cover artist), Apple Music editorials: New In Alternative and gaining repeat plays on BBC 6 Music and Radio X. Also landing a sync placement on C4’s Made In Chelsea, the band have quickly established themselves as one to watch. Also delivering chaotic, theatrical and glitter-streaked live performances, the band have demonstrated a unique and instantly recognisable flare.