Norwich born, London based indie-rock newcomers Chest just dropped “NUMB” and announced their ‘never really here’ EP arriving early 2026. Working with producer Thomas Coath (Sam Fender, Pale Waves), the single channels Sunny Day Real Estate and Placebo through waves of serrated guitars and pounding drums capturing the hollow quiet of dissociation. Vocalist Joel Reader delivers raw, unfiltered lines like “I had the strangest dream last night / I dreamt I tore out your insides” exploring emotional collapse and the guilt of failing someone you love through intrusive thoughts and dissociative separation from reality. The band intentionally strips away polish for something exposed and devastating.
Chest has been making serious noise since moving to London this year following summer single “MACHINE” with sold out headline shows in Norwich and London, support slots with The Lounge Society, Bilk and PleasureInc, plus appearances at Latitude and Wild Paths earning early spins from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music. Reader credits Norwich’s alternative spirit and genre diverse scene for giving them space to evolve without being boxed in, explaining he looks inward at his psyche to spotlight dark concealed corners through an uber-confident caricature lacking self-doubt. The band refuses to chase trends or tailor their work for audiences, instead creating brazenly unapologetic art standing firmly on their own ground.
LIVE DATES
13 November – Leeds, Oporto
17 November – London, Shacklewell Arms
10 January – Colchester, Three Wise Monkeys
30 January – Stowmarket, John Peel Centre
27 February – London, The Elephants Head