Norwich quartet Takeda sign with Drongo Records and release the anticipated debut album In Venus’ Train (September 17th).
Thematically, In Venus’ Train channels mystical figures from folk-lore and biblical metaphors, writing songs about obsession, love and grieving a past life. Produced by David Pye (Szun Waves, Trudy & the Romance, Faithless, Dido), the album is a musically rich, at times intricate and thoughtful, at others explosive and intense journey through the band’s blend of melancholic, organic folk and sprawling, fuzzy alternative-rock.
Drawing influence in equal measure from British folk revivalists Fairport Convention and alt-metal icons Tool, the album fuses melodic and emotional sensibility of folk with the noise and fuzzed guitar tones of grunge, ultimately making music that sounds something like if Nick Drake joined Pile.
At times poetic, beautiful and complex, and at others, raw and explosive, the album is an unapologetic yet intimate journey through the band’s musical identity, packing depth and innovative ideas into every track.
Talking about the album, lead vocalist Josh Harrison explains: “I wrote the album during a period of massive change in my life, losing touch with my family and friends, and rediscovering my own inner self.
I began writing about characters and narratives that, on the surface, felt separate from me. Yet through them, I found a way to look deeper into myself. Some of these figures emerged from folklore, others from scripture, and others still from my own imagination. Despite their varied origins, they each carried a kind of inner light—one that helped me reflect, process, and better understand the truths I was writing about.”
In Spring 2022, Josh Harrison escaped a cult in rural England and formed Takeda. Growing up in a cult was the fertile soil for sprouting a unique brand of Folk-Rock – where fuzz tined acoustic guitars and soaring, yet fragilic vocals collide to create music which is melodic and heartfelt, yet intense and gritty.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Josh recruited Charlie Wilson on Drums and David Woodgett on Bass. Together, they turned those songs into something way bigger than the sum of their parts, labelling themselves “the loudest acoustic guitar on Earth”. With Ollie Welch joining the band for the live stage, Takeda will be touring In Venus’ Train in September 2025 across the UK in support of the release.
Already gaining early support across tastemaker press (Notion, Ones To Watch, Psychedelic Baby Magazine, Earmilk to name a few) and radio (Radio X, Amazing Radio C-List), the debut album cements Takeda as an exciting up and coming band with heaps of potential.
Tour Dates:
September 18th – The Bear Club, Luton
September 19th – Waterfront Studio, Norwich
September 20th – Venus Vinyl, Instore (acoustic), Norwich
September 21st – Dublin Castle, London
September 25th – The Cavendish Arms, London
September 27th – Blue Moon, Cambridge
October 11th – Drongo All Dayer, Norwich
October 18th – Wild Paths Festival
Takeda – In Venus Train
For music submission, click here
