By Colin 
The Heretics return with a fired-up anthem in the shape of new single ‘Bends & Breaks’, arriving 25th July via Rogue. Launching a fresh chapter for the Cambridge alt-rock outfit, the track fuses high-energy instrumentation with a message of resilience, capturing both emotional turmoil and forward momentum.
With pounding drums, layered guitars and a vocal delivery packed with intent, ‘Bends & Breaks’ makes its point quickly. It wears its influences proudly, calling back to the spirit of early 2000s alt-rock with a modern sense of urgency. The result is a sound built equally for catharsis and volume.
Written during a period of personal and artistic transition, the single deals with uncertainty without surrendering to it. Its title evokes a moment of pressure, but the lyrics look ahead. This is not a song about falling apart. It is about moving through pain and coming out the other side with conviction.
The band’s chemistry is front and centre. From its sharp opening to the explosive hook, ‘Bends & Breaks’ showcases a well-honed live energy now channelled into a focused studio recording. There is confidence in the pacing and a clear intention behind every shift in tone.
Built for the stage, aimed at the future
The single also marks the first official release under their current name. With a renewed identity and growing momentum, The Heretics are entering a new era on their own terms. ‘Bends & Breaks’ sets the pace for what is expected to follow, hinting at an upcoming run of material that leans fully into grit, melody and emotional honesty.
Having already taken the stage at Cambridge Junction and built a reputation across UK festivals, the band are no strangers to high-stakes performance. Their upcoming schedule includes summer appearances at Dublin Castle in Camden, The Six Six in Cambridge, and several major events across the country. A headline slot at NFest in Cambridgeshire rounds out a busy season.
Behind the volume, the heart of the single lies in its core message. Not everything breaks under pressure. Sometimes it bends, shifts and ultimately realigns. That feeling of refusing to fall apart pulses through every section of the song.
Review
‘Bends & Breaks’ is the right song to launch this new phase. It hits hard, but still carries a sense of purpose and care. The performance feels instinctive and lived-in, while the production gives each part space to breathe.
With this release, The Heretics offer a snapshot of who they are now. They sound more focused, more defined and ready to build something lasting. There is no looking back here, only forward and loud.
You can pre-save ‘Bends & Breaks’ here and you can follow The Heretics on Instagram.