Reading alternative outfit doops have released their highly anticipated debut full-length album, The Space Between, out now. Blending elements of psychedelic rock, punk, and indie, the album highlights the band’s creativity, instrumental intricacy, and DIY ethos.
The ten-track record was recorded with impromptu drums at Brighton’s Farm Road Studios alongside rising engineer Spencer Withey (Man / Woman, Chainsaw, Youth Sector, Alien Chicks & Ladylike). The band completed the remaining instrumentation, mixing, and mastering at home, embracing a hands-on approach that captures the full spectrum of their distinctive sound. “In crafting these tracks, we also learned to mix and master — striving to capture the full spectrum of doops’ soundscape while fully embracing the DIY ethos,” the band explained.
The album balances frenetic energy with introspective moments, from the psychedelic punk intensity of ‘Idle Hands’ and ‘Fever Tree’ to the ethereal, contemplative atmospheres of ‘Forget-Me-Not’ and ‘Falling.’ Andy Bingham, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, commented: “The Space Between is our first full-length album, aimed at showcasing both sides of our sonic abilities — from heavier, fast-paced tracks like ‘Idle Hands’ and ‘Witching Hour’ to softer, more introspective arrangements such as ‘Milk Slug’ and ‘Falling.’”
The record marks a new chapter for doops, following the addition of drummer Roddy Bailey in late 2022. Bailey’s multi-instrumental abilities, along with contributions from floating member Cameron Smith on synth and guitar textures, helped expand and refine the band’s “wall of sound” approach. The lineup is rounded out by Luke Connor on bass and backing vocals.
Lyrically, The Space Between moves beyond sci-fi and conspiracy-inspired themes, exploring more personal and introspective subjects while retaining the band’s surreal, metaphorical edge. The record reflects the transition from late-twenties uncertainty into the responsibilities of early thirties, with tracks road-tested live over several years.
The album was predominantly recorded at Farm Road Studios, with additional layers of guitars, synths, keys, and vocals added at Bingham’s home studio. While the majority of mixing and mastering was handled by the band, track 9 received additional polish from acclaimed engineer Shuta Shinoda (Ghostpoet, Anna Meredith, Spiritualized, Hot Chip, Daughter).
doops have earned national attention across press and radio as well as opening for the likes of Opus Kink, Do Nothing, Divorce, English Teacher, Big Special, and Heartworms, performing at venues including Brixton Windmill and appearing at several major UK festivals.
The Space Between is available now across streaming platforms and physical formats.
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