By Colin 
Riddleskins return with a powerful new release, sharing the hypnotic and poetic single ‘Stuck in the Same Glue’. Vivid and emotionally charged, the song paints a stark picture of trying to break free from the grip of an obsessive and suffocating partner. Drawing from personal experience, Alexa Inwoods, the creative force behind Riddleskins, transforms memory into myth with unsettling clarity.
The song’s lyrics reference real memories of summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge, where ancient stones become symbols of temporary unity against a backdrop of emotional fragmentation. Alexa describes these gatherings as primal, chaotic moments of connection that echo the song’s central themes. The tension between chaos and hope runs throughout, mirrored in the song’s atmosphere and tone.
Musically, ‘Stuck in the Same Glue’ embraces a sense of instability. Alexa’s vocal delivery is full of urgency, carried over shifting textures and dark melodic undercurrents. It’s a sound that recalls the poetic intensity of Patti Smith and the raw honesty of Daniel Johnston, while also calling on the sonic language of Radiohead, PJ Harvey and Portishead. The result is immersive and emotionally resonant.
Deeply personal inspiration
Alexa’s songwriting draws on a wide pool of influences, but the most striking aspect of the Riddleskins project is its connection to her lived experience. Her past experiences with psychosis, dreams, and the natural world are all channelled into music that blurs the line between the real and the surreal. That vision is especially clear here, with themes of identity, memory and emotional entrapment woven into every phrase.
The Welsh landscape where Alexa is based offers a quiet counterpoint to the intensity of the song. Its influence can be felt not just in the lyrics but in the pacing and structure of the track. There’s a dreamlike quality beneath the unease, suggesting renewal and movement even in moments of stillness.
‘Stuck in the Same Glue’ continues Riddleskins’ exploration of the thin veil between inner chaos and outer calm. It is a song that lingers, not just for its sound but for its sense of truth. Through it, Alexa invites listeners into a world where darkness is met with clarity and confusion gives way to insight.
The single is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can follow Riddleskins over on Instagram.