East Anglia’s fast-rising grunge-pop talent Gabby Rivers has shared the punchy, emotionally charged title track from her anticipated new EP What Is the Problem?, set for release on 5 February 2026. The single offers a razor-sharp snapshot of the sonic identity she’s carving out, an alt-rock-leaning, indie-pop-friendly blend that’s rapidly becoming her signature.
Driven by crunching, distorted bass, fuzzy guitar riffs, and gritty, high-octane production, the track barrels forward with a garage-rock intensity while still leaving room for Gabby’s effortlessly catchy melodies. Its verses simmer with tension, eventually erupting into a chorus built for shouting along in packed venues. Midway through, the song detonates into an explosive breakdown, opening into a dense swell of guitars before culminating in a triumphant, chant-fuelled finale that leaves a lingering jolt of adrenaline.
Speaking about the single, Gabby reveals the emotional spark behind it:
“‘What is the problem?’ is about the emotional weight of being close to someone who always seems to have an issue with everything, and makes those issues everyone else’s responsibility. It’s about the frustration of constantly picking up the pieces they leave behind… and realizing how impossible that can be.”
She describes how the track evolved during the EP’s development:
“We wrote this track in the middle of the recording process for the EP, and it felt like the EP came together as a whole afterwards. It started out as a slow sad song on the acoustic guitar, but I told the band I wanted it to be angsty and angry… From there, the song took on a new life and I felt like our alternative rock sound really developed. We had so much fun in the recording process, lots of experimenting and recording so many group vocals.”
The release marks another milestone for an artist whose momentum shows no sign of slowing. In recent years, Gabby Rivers has become a standout presence on the East Anglian circuit, selling out shows across the South East and earning performance slots at major festivals including Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Secret Garden Party, Wild Fields and Wildpaths. Her growing live reputation—bolstered by a tight, dynamic five-piece band—has helped catapult her onto the national radar.
Media support has followed suit. Gabby has garnered attention from national radio and press alike, along with key editorial playlist placements across Spotify and Apple Music. She’s also shared stages with a wide range of rising and established acts, including Vistas, Coach Party, Congratulations, Tiny Umbrellas, Courteeners, and Ellie Dixon, further cementing her status as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices.
With her forthcoming EP poised to spotlight her sharpened alt-rock flavour and fearless lyricism, Gabby Rivers continues her ascent—emerging not just as one to watch, but one quickly claiming her place in the next wave of British indie.
Listen below:
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