Manchester alt-rock trio Loud George has released their latest single, “Nikol,” a ferocious grunge-hybrid that tackles themes of social expectation and repression. Described by the band as a “warning shot,” the track follows the story of a young girl pressured into silence until she becomes an unstoppable force. The song blends gritty distortion with a cinematic narrative edge, drawing comparisons to the brooding sounds of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. According to frontman Eric Hayes, the track isn’t about revenge, but rather “what happens when you underestimate someone for too long.”
The release of “Nikol” follows a string of recent singles, including “Monolith” and “Wash,” and marks the lead-up to the band’s upcoming EP, ‘Sex Teeth’. Formed in 2010 by Hayes, Nick Baxter, and Sam Smith, the group recently reunited after a decade-long hiatus. During their early years, the trio was known for high-octane sets at legendary Manchester venues like Night and Day and Gullivers. Now, recording from their respective home setups, they have returned to the “basement grunge” ethos of their debut, aiming to recapture the raw, unapologetic energy of their student days.
Produced by Hayes, “Nikol” is currently available across all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. The band’s signature style—a mix of sardonic poetry and heavy, alternative textures—continues to define their sound as they prepare for a full-scale return to the UK rock scene. Loud George remains an independent force, channeling their early influences into a modern, hard-hitting aesthetic that remains “heavy without being bloated.”