SO.CO Team
Benefits return with new single "Land Of The Tyrants"
Teesside’s Benefits are back with their new single “Land Of The Tyrants,” their first release since 2023’s acclaimed debut album, NAILS. The track lands as the band’s first salvo since their blistering debut—a record that, in the heat of its rage and disillusionment, secured them a fevered fanbase and top spots on year-end lists from Louder Than War to BBC Radio 6 Music.
Benefits by Thomas Jackson
The past year saw Benefits' incendiary rise through a Glastonbury debut and a whirlwind EU and UK tour, only to be marred by a series of setbacks and lineup changes. Yet, instead of calling it quits, they’ve recalibrated. Now a two-piece featuring frontman Kingsley Hall and electronic wizard Robbie Major, Benefits are pushing their sound into new territory.
“Land Of The Tyrants” ditches the immediate aggression of NAILS for a sonic evolution. Built on a 90s dance rhythm and industrial whispers reminiscent of Underworld, the track pairs Hall’s frenetic stream of consciousness with the production chops of James Welsh, of Erol Alkan’s Phantasy label. Guest vocals from Zera Tønin of Arch Femmesis add an eerie, haunting layer, transforming the track into an abstract punk statement that’s both a departure and a progression from their previous work. As Hall puts it, “We’re still angry, but we’re channeling it differently. This is punk, but not as you know it.”
Benefits by Thomas Jackson
Benefits embark on an extensive tour of the UK and Europe, starting on 21st September opening for the legendary Arab Strap in Glasgow:
21/09 GLASGOW Barrowland Ballroom
05/10 HUDDERSFIELD The Parish
06/10 LANCASTER Kanteena
07/10 GLASGOW The Hug and Pint
08/10 EDINBURGH The Wee Red Bar
09/10 ABERDEEN Tunnels
10/10 STIRLING Tolbooth
11/10 MIDDLESBROUGH Play Brew
12/10 LIVERPOOL Shipping Forecast
13/10 PRESTON The Ferret
17/10 ROTTERDAM Left of the Dial
18/10 UTRECHT acu
19/10 ROTTERDAM Left of the Dial
20/10 OSTEND Cafe de Zwerver
22/10 SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
23/10 BRIGHTON Hope and Ruin
24/10 MARGATE Where Else
25/10 LONDON The George Tavern
26/10 NEWPORT Le Pub
09/11 ICELAND AIRWAVES
Header Image: Robert Barrett