Bristol math-rock band Maebe signed to Ripcord Records and released new single “Brain Paint” now via all digital service providers. The single arrives alongside an official music video and marks the first look at a forthcoming new body of work from the band coming later this year on physical CD via Ripcord Records. The track celebrates instrumental rock, melding guitar virtuosity with addictive melodies and cinematic post-rock dynamics. It marks the studio debut of Maebe’s new five-piece lineup, bottling the energetic performances that won over audiences in opening slots for Intervals, Alpha Male Tea Party, Poly-Math and Standards, as well as a packed-out stage at ArcTanGent Festival.
Band leader and guitarist Mike Astley-Brown describes the track, saying “‘Brain Paint’ is a bombastic riff fest – it’s a pretty bold statement of intent, but it’s fun and heartfelt, too. Everyone in the band listens to a lot of instrumental music, and I don’t think any of us have heard anything quite like this.” Maebe began as Astley-Brown’s bedroom solo project alongside his guitar journalist day job. His 2020 debut was released with no fanfare and no promotion, purely for the love of playing.
Six years on, Maebe has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting math-rock prospects. Second album ‘Rebirth. Relive. Repeat.’ won praise from Fecking Bahamas, Noizze, Distorted Sound, LOUDER, PROG Magazine, Guitarist and Classic Rock. The album ranked among PROG and Total Guitar’s best albums of 2023 lists, while lead single “Harsh Realm” featured on MTV’s “Metal Thrashing Madness” playlist in the US and “Tautology” received support from BBC Introducing South & West. The quintet announce a run of May and June 2026 UK headline tour dates, including an appearance at Radar Festival. Tickets are on sale now. The dates run as follows:
28 May – The Exchange, Bristol
29 May – The Rainbow, Birmingham
30 May – The Fickle Pickle, Southend
25 June – Wharf Chambers, Leeds
26 June – JT Soar, Nottingham
27 June – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester
2 August – Radar Festival, Manchester