We’ve featured Leeds band Moose Wrench a few times over the years – now they’re back with a brand new single titled Dead Stars, their first single from the upcoming album Mr. Sidequest. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat with the band, so I thought it was high time we found out more about the single and their new album! The single isn’t out yet, but you can listen to 2023 single Don’t Let Me Down at the end of this interview to get a taste of their music!
By Jane Howkins
You have a new single titled Dead Stars coming out soon. What can you tell us about the track and are you excited for the release?
We are excited, in our own Moose way, to share with you a reflection on our small, insignificant place in the universe and how that connects us all as we dance on the graves of all that came before us.
A different version of Dead Stars was actually released on the Dead Stars album, although it differs a lot from the new version. How was the rewriting and recording process and why did you decide to rework the track for a single?
The Dead Stars album, which also contained the first version of Dead Stars the song, was written for acoustic guitar-based music. We have become a lot more moose-ive since then, and the new, improved version reflects that. We thought a more psychedelic, rocky, dancey version deserved to exist.
You have a new album coming out soon called Mr Sidequest. What can you tell us about the record and when is it due to be released?
Mr. Sidequest came about because we have been accused of pursuing lots of interesting projects that are all very exciting, but probably not what people expect or demand us to be doing. We are always on the side-quests of life. And long may that continue. It is due to be released on November 26th, 2026.
Are there any plans to release any more singles from Mr Sidequest in the near future?
We have a few more singles to release before that. Stay tuned.
Dead Stars has a really unique sound, including elements of punk, rock and prog. What/who would you say are your main musical influences as artists?
People always say that they want original, but they usually don’t really mean it. We pride ourselves in being more original than a lot of what is out there, currently. We don’t really sound like these bands, but a good way to give people an idea of where we are coming from is this – we are like the secret love child of The Cardiacs and Mr. Bungle as raised by Primus and Ween.
You’re currently based in Leeds (our home county!) but originally formed in Nevada. What prompted the move to these shores?
The weather, the climate, the food, the accent… maybe…
What is the local music scene like in Leeds and are there any local artists/venues you can recommend our readers check out?
We struggle with promoters who want an entire event of similar artists because there are no other similar artists to us. Having said that, there is a healthy underground scene. It’s just that were under the underground. There are some really great young bands coming out, like Slappstikk and Job, which should be on anyone’s noisy radar soon.
Are there any plans for a UK tour anytime soon? What can your fans expect from one of your gigs?
A tour is currently being planned for Feb-Mar 2027. How about York?
Any last words for the fans?
No one expects the Moose Wrench Inquisition.
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