An Oxford-based band that first came to prominence in the late ’90s, Unbelievable Truth are the latest act from the era to make a comeback. Their new EP, the first new recorded material from them in 25 years, is called Citizens Band.
By Graeme Smith
A trio consisting of vocalist and guitarist Andy Yorke (yes, he is Thom’s brother), bassist Jason Moulster, and drummer Nigel Powell, Unbelievable Truth released two albums before splitting in 2000. Their 1998 debut, Almost Here, reached number eleven in the official UK album charts. Both it and its follow up, Sorrythankyou, we’re critically acclaimed.
In 2023, 25 years one from the release of their debut, the band reunited for some shows which led to them writing together again. This new EP is the result.
Citizens Band consists of four tracks which reignite their ’90s alternative sound while adding new dimensions to it. Its title track opens things with a long, ponderous piano melody before Andy’s melancholic vocals float in. It builds to a soaring crescendo which provides a early stirring moment.
Non-Combatant gives us acapella harmonies before launching into the edgy and cinematic indie rock. Chemtrails provides perhaps the EP’s most poignant moment.
“I don’t write many political songs but this is one,” explains Yorke. “I’m very frightened by the way in which conspiracy theories like the ones around chemtrails have been unleashed in the world. But it’s also kind of ironic – people believed chemtrails were being used to control people’s minds. That’s as ludicrous as it sounds. But at the same time it does feel like powerful people have found a way to use the internet to influence what we think, to make us believe whatever they want. That sounds like another crazy conspiracy theory, doesn’t it?”
It’s a topic I’ve contemplated a lot myself – how those who question established narratives are happy to accept alternative explanations without the same level of scrutiny. It seems ‘do your research’ usually only goes one way. Chemtrails tackles the subject with a suitable air of mystery and paranoia.
The EP is rounded off by Madison which end the record with some soft heartbreak and intimate storytelling.
Unbelievable Truth’s new EP is quite the comeback and hopefully just the start of more to come. If you want to catch the band live, they’re coming to the Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds on 6 May 2025.
Citizens Band is out now 21 March 2025 via Noosphere Records and distributed by Believe Music, available to buy on limited edition vinyl.
