A group from York has released their latest song, accompanied by an innovative video where they become the characters of a comic strip.
Miles and The Chain Gang release their fourth song, Love Is Blind, this Friday, May 27. The song was written and recorded in York, as was the video.
“It’s an ironic thing, in a way,” says the band’s singer and songwriter, and York resident Miles Salter.
“This old idea about lovemaking is driving you blind, it changes that a bit.
“There’s a nod to Billy Bragg, whose song From A Vauxhall Velox, includes the words ‘Some people say love is blind, but I think that’s just a little myopic. I love Billy Bragg, so this is a loving nod to him. I sing the line a bit like him at one point.
The upbeat summer anthem has previously aired on YorkMix Radio and Jorvik Radio. The song was recorded in York at Young Thugs Studios by producer Jonny Hooker.
Holly Taymar Bilton sings backing vocals and local pianist Karl Mullen plays piano on the song. The video was directed by York filmmaker Dave Thorp, who also directed the band’s previous two films.
“Dave had the visual idea for a cartoon, and the video is a lot of fun,” Miles says. “I like it because it’s different from what we’ve done before.”
Miles admits the band doesn’t have the most up-to-date sound. “We’re not Dua Lipa or Radiohead,” he says. ‘
“But there are a lot of people who like guitar pop, a bit of soul, a bit of new wave. We’re targeting audience members who remember when Blondie was on the charts. I think there is an audience there.
Love is blind hits iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify on May 27.
Miles and The Chain Gang will be playing dates in Yorkshire, including the following dates.
- Sunday May 29 – Miles will speak with Ian Surgenor on Radio Jorvik about the new version. From 18h. Chat plus some tunes!
- Sunday June 5 – Black Swan Folk Weekend, Black Swan, Peasholme Green York (we play around 5.30pm). FREE ENTRANCE
- Saturday 18 June – The Leopard, Doncaster (no support)
- Saturday 23 July 7.30pm – Helmsley Arts Centre, tickets £10 each
- Sunday July 24 – Harrogate Blues Bar (plus assistance)
- Saturday August 27 – The Smithy Arms, Malton Road, Swinton, YO17 6SQ
- Saturday September 24 – The Jolly Sailor, Cawood, near Selby