New Music: Turin Brakes: Folk-Infused Indie Veterans Release "Pays to Be Paranoid"

Turin Brakes are an acclaimed English indie band, formed in 1999 in Balham, London. The core duo consists of childhood friends Olly Knights (lead vocals, guitar) and Gale Paridjanian (guitar), augmented by long-term collaborators Rob Allum (drums) and Eddie Myer (bass).

Known for their lush, melodic, folk-inflected rock, Turin Brakes blend acoustic and electric sounds with "sweetly distinctive vocal harmonies" and "earthy guitar tones." Their music often creates a cool, clean aural surface infused with warmth and humanity through their lyrics and vocals. They were part of the "New Acoustic Movement" of the early 2000s and have evolved their sound over two decades.

Turin Brakes have released a string of successful albums, including their Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut, The Optimist LP (2001), and the commercially successful Ether Song (2003), which featured their UK Top 5 hit single "Painkiller (Summer Rain)." With over a million records sold worldwide and numerous Top 40 singles and albums, they've appeared on Top of the Pops and even played Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. They are celebrated for their enduring artistry and their ability to craft reflective and memorable songs.

"Pays to Be Paranoid" is a song by Turin Brakes, officially released on May 23, 2025. It is a track from their tenth studio album, "Spacehopper," which was also released on the same date via Cooking Vinyl. Lyrically, "Pays to Be Paranoid" offers a timely and sharp commentary on contemporary anxieties. Musically, "Pays to Be Paranoid" fits within Turin Brakes' signature style, likely featuring their blend of acoustic and electric elements, melodic arrangements, and Olly Knights' distinctive vocals, delivering a track that is both introspective and politically charged.

Band Page: https://www.instagram.com/turinbrakesofficial/