Interview: Getting to Know The Larches
The Larches continue their climb with the release of their biting new single and video, Raxidermy, arriving on Friday 5th June. The band will also unveil their much-anticipated new EP, Nihilistic Majesties, on Friday 24th July. In this interview, we get to know them a little better.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
We are from Middlesbrough in the Northeast of England, George and Alfie have known each other for years and they have both known Sonny for some time through the local scene. We all met up a few years ago at Gig School that took place during the school holidays at Middlesbrough Town Hall. The band consists of George Moss (drums), Alfie Murphy (bass), Noah Annandale (vocals), Joel Hardwick (rhythm guitar), and Sonny Evans (lead guitar). Drawing influence from acts such as Acid Bath, Eyehategod, Soilent Green, and Pig Destroyer, we have carved out a distinctive take on sludge—blending, blues-infused riffs, intricate song structures, dissonant harmonies, and punishing breakdowns into a sound that we feel is both raw and deliberate. Since forming in 2023, we have evolved rapidly, shifting from their indie rock roots into a heavier, more abrasive territory we now occupy.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
Sludge/ Alt Metal from the Depths of the Tees.
3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?
We are busy promoting our next 2 singles that are part of our new 5 Track EP Nihilistic Majesties that will be released in the summer. Playing live always on our agenda and we have a big EP launch show coming up too on the 24th July at Stockton Georgian Theatre. We are also working on new material with a view to releasing our first album in 2027.
4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?
We are excited about the EP as we feel it is our best work to date and gives listeners a clear direction in which the band is going. We always like the build up to release day and there is always a buzz around with the promo, pre-sales, interviews etc and we have been connecting with some nice promotors and mentors who are all offering some invaluable support and guidance which really helps us to navigate the scene.
5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.
A huge amount of work has gone into making the EP a reality. From the early writing sessions and refining ideas, to rehearsing, recording, and shaping the final sound, every stage has taken a lot of time, patience, and commitment from all of us. We have really pushed ourselves creatively on this release because we wanted the songs to reflect who we are as a band right now and show the direction we are moving in.
For us, the EP means a lot because it feels like the strongest and most honest representation of the band to date. It captures the energy, emotion, and ambition we have put into the project over this period and seeing it all finally come together is incredibly rewarding.
6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?
Making music has had a positive impact on our mental health because it gives us a healthy way to express emotions that can be difficult to explain in words. When stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, writing or playing music helps us to release those feelings and feel calmer afterwards. It also gives us something constructive to focus on, which can distract us from negative thoughts and improve the mood.
7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?
The online side of being in a band can be challenging at times because there is constant pressure to stay active, create content, maintain webpages and keep up with different social media platforms .
8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?
The online side of being in a band can be challenging at times because there is constant pressure to stay active, create content, maintain webpages and keep up with different social media platforms . It can sometimes feel like success is measured more by numbers, followers and algorithms which is something we try not to get too caught up in.
We try to approach it as a way of connecting with people rather than chasing likes or follows. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments, updates, rehearsals, and new music help us build a genuine connection with listeners and gives people an insight into who we are as individuals and as a band.
9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?
Apart from the music we try not to take things too seriously to keep the fun aspect alive during our time together as a band.
10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?
Follow us on Bandcamp & Socials, come to our shows, tell your friends, buy our merch, keep streaming our songs, tell us what you think.
11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?
We all use music to relax in one form or another so even outside of our music it is still a big part of our lives, Noah likes reading and gaming, Joel trains in Jiu jitsu, Sonny skates a bit, Merf runs a rehearsal room and studio with George.
12. Where can people find you?
