Sleuth Gang / Safe Bet – single

– Release Date: 29^th May –

Gritty Leeds based punk-rappers, the 7-piece Sleuth Gang, follow last year’s debut EP Initiation (supported by BBC Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe & Introducing’s Jericho Keys), with the release of their new single Safe Bet – an emotionally charged indie-rock gem that dives headlong into the chaos of toxic relationships.

Recorded at the award winning 6db Studios in York & produced by Dave Boothroyd, who cut his teeth on Bring Me the Horizon & Blink-182 sessions, Safe Bet with its infectious chorus hook & slammin’ groove, channels lived experiences from each of the band’s three vocalists, focusing on controlling & disrespectful behaviour, through to people pleasing, self-sabotage & the resulting overwhelming sense of desperation when caught in a cycle of emotional manipulation. Vocalist Lewis explains; “the song captures the painful reality of bending & reshaping yourself just to feel accepted & so becoming whoever the other person wants you to be, in a futile attempt to hold onto something that’s already broken. The idea of me being seen as easy prey, or a ‘Safe Bet’ by the offending party leaves me vulnerable to their abusive behaviour & I end up giving away my power… not good!”.

The video, directed by Sheffield’s Bobby Mercury, is set in a working man’s club from the early 90’s — a time of faded glamour, sticky carpets & unwavering loyalty to bingo nights. In this world, Sleuth Gang put on a chaotic, borderline tragic performance, playing on the Safe Bet concept by desperately trying to win over a stone-faced, unimpressed crowd.

Sleuth Gang are Lewis Jones, Sam Hunter & Jeremy Gordon on vocals, Dan Rushton on bass, Lennon Rowntree & Tom Dickson on guitar plus Travis King on drums. Collectively influenced by a plethora of artists from Idles, Soft Play, The Streets, Beastie Boys & Gallows through to Dead Kennedys, Frank Carter, QOTSA, Pantera & Black Flag & on to Hendrix, Arctic Monkeys & The Beatles, the band’s sound (& message) pulls from a wide & varied palette of ideas, which in the process resonates with a wide audience.

Sleuth Gang’s story starts in 2023 when the 3 vocalists started bouncing ideas off each other. The music evolved & with it, the lineup grew too expanding on the sound, influence & comradery. Debut single Hoodrats caught the attention of BBC Introducing’s Jericho Keys who’s continued to support the band’s output including their debut EP Initiation released last year. On the live front, the band recently played a sold-out headline show at The Royal Park Cellar in Leeds, won 2024’s Battle of the Bands at The Fulford Arms in York & performed on Humber Street Sesh’s BBC Introducing stage in Hull. With further recorded output planned for 2025 & an appearance at Scotland’s Doune the Rabbit Hole festival, Sleuth Gang’s story is fast evolving, so be sure to follow on your preferred socials for updates… it’s a safe bet!