Bristol-formed alt rock quartet My First Time kick off 2026 with the release of new single, ‘Picture Of Health’.
Written as a stark assessment of the chastening emptiness of modern life via a character (coined The Picture Of Health) desperate to win someone back, ‘Picture Of Health’ explores the grey area between self-image and self-worth, between projection and reality.
“Living vicariously through fitness and financial gurus online, The Picture Of Health sits indulging in every cheap hit available”, explains lead singer, Isaac Stroud-Allen. “Viewing himself as a sort of pale-faced, heavy breathing Tom Cruise, The Picture Of Health mythologises his own collapse, reframing addiction, consumerism and emotional vacancy as proof of success.”
Listen to ‘Picture Of Health’ on Sport Playlists New Releases.
Opening with a melee of crashing drums, heavy-set, snarling bass and scuzzy electronic riffs, ‘Picture Of Health’ joins a growing back catalogue of restless, politically-charged records that offer a sobering picture of contemporary British society. From taking pot shots at the entertainment industry on recent single ‘Sippy Cup’ to exposing the pitfalls of faux-aspirational, get-rich-quick culture on ‘Brand New’, My First Time are fast-becoming a critical voice for a young generation left out to dry.
Hailed as “one of the weekend’s true surprises” by Clash Magazine after their electric performance at The Great Escape last summer, My First Time enjoyed a bustling breakout year of live shows, festival performances and intimate showcases in 2025. The band supported SOFY on her UK headline tour in April, played alongside Picture Parlour at London’s 100 Club, performed at Wilderness Festival, Dot To Dot and Get Together, and crushed a trio of rowdy London dates at Soho’s Third Man Records, Folklore in Hackney and The George Tavern. My First Time also made their European debut in December, performing to over 3000 people at Trans Musicales in Rennes, France.
To coincide with the release of ‘Picture Of Health’, My First Time have also announced a short headline UK tour this April, with dates in Leeds, Bristol and London. The band will also support Coach Party at Islington Assembly Hall on February 18, and are already confirmed for festivals including Motel Mozaique and Mad Cool.
