Quickly following the release of their standalone cover of Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” last week, British dance-rock quintet EMF have announced their new REACH FOR SOMETHING HIGHER EP which will be released on October 24, 2025. Featuring three protest songs (two of them written while the band were on tour earlier this year in the U.S. with Spacehog, one a fan favorite, and a remixed cover of a Depeche Mode classic), the EP is a precursor to more music and announcements for 2026.
The physical version of the EP will come in two different configurations and is available for purchase at https://emf-theband.com/higher-ep (please note that overseas shipping fees may apply):
- A Four-Track LP featuring “Hands in the Air,” “LGBTQ+ Lover ft. Ecce Schnak,” “The Day the Music Died” and “Just Can’t Get Enough (Loved Up Mix)“
- A Seven-Track CD featuring the aforementioned tracks plus “Hands in the Air (Bernie Mix),” “LGBTQ+ Lover (Frankie Mix)” and the home demo of “The Day the Music Died.”
Inspired by their trek through the States on their West Coast tour, the singles “Hands in the Air” and “LGBTQ+ LOVER” are wide-eyed observations of what they saw. “EMF landed in the U.S. in June, scared of what we might find,” they said. “We found hope and a will to stand up for democracy, equality and accountability and we wrote ‘Hands in the Air’ and ‘LGBTQ+ Lover’ as a response to that.”
Firm and outspoken activists since their 1989 beginnings, EMF are dedicating the EP to Led By Donkeys, the British 100% public-funded grassroots organization. “We dedicate ‘Hands in the Air’ to Led by Donkeys and their art, activism and courage speaking truth to power,” they add.
Fan favorite “The Day the Music Died” is also included in the EP. Dedicated to the independent global campaigning network Greenpeace, the video presents a montage of environmental messages to promote the efforts made by the environmental organization. “At a time when innocent people are being arrested for speaking truth to power, we’re proud to support Greenpeace and their campaign to defend our right to protest,” said the band.
Currently in the midst of a U.K. tour with Jesus Jones and Bis, bands who, like EMF, were pivotal during a defining era of indie and alternative dance music, the band are excited to continue the renewed winning streak they started with the release of The Beauty And The Chaos last year. “So happy to be out again with our friends Jesus Jones and the incomparable Bis,” they say excitedly. “Expect the usual high octane EMF performance, high volume guitars and low pumping bass. Your favourite keyboard player Derry Brownson continues his recovery and will join us to play all the classics from our five studio albums and the new songs from our Reach For Something Higher EP. Get ready to put your ‘Hands in the Air’ and ‘Reach for the Lasers’.” (UK tour dates HERE). A U.S. tour announcement with support is forthcoming.
Formed in 1989 in the quiet town of Cinderford in England’s Forest of Dean, EMF exploded onto the global stage with their infectious blend of dance, rock, and pop. Within a year, they were everywhere, thanks to the smash hit “Unbelievable,” a song that would go on to define a generation and top charts worldwide.
Their debut album Schubert Dip (1991) captured their raw energy and genre-defying sound. With follow-ups Stigma (1992) and Cha Cha Cha (1995), EMF took fans on an ever-evolving journey, shifting from dance floor anthems to darker, more introspective sonic territory before taking a break in 1995.
During their hiatus, the members found new creative paths: frontman James Atkin launched a solo career while teaching music in Yorkshire; guitarist Ian Dench became a sought-after songwriter and music executive, collaborating with everyone from Beyoncé to The Prodigy; keyboardist Derry Brownson founded Little Killers (LK); and bassist Zac Foley played with the band Carrie.
After some time apart, James and Ian started writing again, culminating in the 2022 release of Go Go Sapiens and the band hit the road once more, reuniting with audiences across the UK, Europe, and the US. Their momentum continued with 2024’s The Beauty and the Chaos, a critically acclaimed album that reaffirmed EMF’s place in the modern music landscape.
In 2025, EMF were honoured in their hometown with a commemorative blue plaque in Cinderford, a lasting tribute to the band’s cultural impact and the pride they bring to the Forest of Dean.
Now, EMF are not just back, they’re thriving. Still creating, still touring, and still full of the life-affirming energy that made them unforgettable. EMF remain as vital and visionary as ever.
EMF are James Atkin (vocals, guitars, programming), Ian Dench (guitars, programming), Derry Brownson (samples), Stevey Marsh (bass), and Aid Todd (drums). Reach For Something HIgher EP will be released October 24, 2025.