Shady Baby channels 90s alt-rock spirit in ‘Under Duress’
Brighton indie-rock quartet Shady Baby has released their first single of 2025, ‘Under Duress,’ showcasing a darker and more mature sound.
Rising from the solo project of vocalist and guitarist Sam Leaver into a fully fledged quartet, Shady Baby make a bold sonic shift on ‘Under Duress.’ Recorded with Alex Gordon (The Cure, Sea Power, Tigercub), the track moves through brooding, slow-burning verses before breaking into a widescreen, bittersweet chorus. It’s a grunge-ridden indie rock cut that nods to 90s alt-rock trailblazers, reflecting the band’s evolution from their wilder beginnings into a more muscular and refined style. The single arrives with a music video directed by Ben Hardy (Glasshouse Red Spidermite, Trout), adding visual grit to its shadowy atmosphere.
Sam states:
“It’s about how your state of mind can take hold of who you are, and trying to shake off a version of yourself you didn’t mean to become.”
‘Under Duress’ follows a string of notable performances, including debut stateside shows at New Colossus festival, a main stage slot at Y Not festival, and support slots for Been Stellar, Malice K, and more.
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