Brighton’s own Star Print Clad return with genuine purpose on their powerful new single ‘The River’, marking the second instalment in an increasingly impressive run of singles set to arrive throughout 2026. Landing ahead of the band’s highly anticipated appearance at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, the release further cements Star Print Clad as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging guitar bands.
Following the momentum of earlier 2026 release ‘Melanie’, ‘The River’ sees the band expanding their sound with intricate, soaring guitar work and a vibrant fusion of classic rock spirit, blues grit and indie-rock energy. It’s a track that captures the raw chemistry of their live performances while spotlighting the tight musicianship and fearless songwriting that continue to set them apart.
Recorded and produced at Salvation Studios in Brighton with acclaimed producer Jake Stainer, whose credits include Wet Leg, shame, David Gilmour and NewDad, the single unfolds with effortless momentum. Atmospheric verses simmer beneath swaggering vocal lines before detonating into explosive, hook-heavy choruses, all building toward a towering guitar solo that lands with undeniable force.
Speaking on the frantic recording process behind the track, guitarist and vocalist Joseph explained:
“The majority of The River was recorded off of the back of the ‘Melanie’ session, the final hour we had the place. I remember laying down the bones, and most of the rest, in this whirlwind repetition of chasing to and from the control room between takes to make sure everything was captured.
When it came to the acoustic overdub I believe we had around fifteen minutes left on the clock, I went in to check that Jake had caught the take and didn’t even stop to listen to it once he’d given the thumbs up. I recall we did lay down some vocals then, as well as on the back end of another recording session a month or so later, both against the clock, of course.
In the end that gave the vocal a desperation in its delivery, I feel it’s fitting for the track. The solo was cut in that second session too, a Selmer Zodiac Twin, double tracked and pushed to have the notes shake through the floor… That was fun.”
That urgency bleeds through the finished recording, giving ‘The River’ an edge that feels both immediate and cinematic. It’s a release that balances vintage rock influences with a modern intensity, further showcasing why industry tastemakers have begun circling around the band.
Hailing from Brighton, while maintaining strong ties to Bristol and Falmouth, Star Print Clad have steadily built audiences across London and Plymouth through a relentless touring schedule and a string of support slots with rising UK acts. Recent appearances alongside The Rolling People, Haytor, Kasador, The Velvet Hands and The Kairos have only strengthened the momentum behind the group.
With more new material on the horizon and festival season approaching fast, ‘The River’ feels less like another standalone single and more like a statement of intent from a band rapidly growing into their potential.
Listen below:
