Fuzz-drenched guitars, soaring harmonies, and a chorus that refuses to leave your head. Marc Valentine’s new single “High In The Underground” is out now, the latest preview of his forthcoming album ‘Uncommon Side Effects’, arriving April 10 via Wicked Cool Records. Hot on the heels of the acclaimed “NY UAP,” the new track delivers everything that has made Valentine one of the most praised power-pop voices coming out of the U.K.
“I wanted to write a song that sounded like it might have been a Lou Reed and Joan Jett collaboration,” says Valentine. “It’s about the misadventures of youth and chasing rock ‘n’ roll dreams.” That reference point lands. The track blends classic glam swagger with sharp power-pop hooks in a way that feels lived-in rather than borrowed, shaped by two years of relentless touring across the U.S. and Europe and a deep catalog of songs built from life on the road.
The critical groundwork is already laid. MOJO called his solo debut “an ace record, a masterclass in melody and energy.” Classic Rock praised his work as “endlessly melodic, simultaneously touching and gloriously rambunctious.” Vive Le Rock simply declared him “the new king of British power-pop.” ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ arrives as Valentine’s most fully realized solo statement, and “High In The Underground” makes that case immediately.
The album release show goes April 10 at London’s Water Rats, kicking off a extensive run through the U.K. and Sweden before festival appearances at Liverpool’s International Pop Overthrow, Call of Wild in Lincoln, and Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.
2026 Tour Dates:
April 10 – London, UK – Water Rats
April 11 – Norwich, UK – HMV Instore
April 22 – Portsmouth, UK – Wedgewood Rooms
April 23 – Swindon, UK – Tuppenny
April 24 – London, UK – Hope and Anchor
April 25 – Corby, UK – Steel Bar
May 1 – Leeds, UK – Fox and Newt
May 2 – Manchester, UK – Eagle
May 3 – Norwich, UK – Voodoo Daddy’s
May 8 – Malmö, Sweden – Medley
May 9 – Stockholm, Sweden – Encore
May 30 – Liverpool, UK – International Pop Overthrow Festival
May 31 – Lincoln, UK – Call of Wild Festival
July 10 – Newcastle, UK – Trillians
July 11 – Wolverhampton, UK – Giffard
August 6 – Leighton Buzzard, UK – Crowbar
August 7 – Blackpool, UK – Rebellion Festival