Only The Poets have released their debut album, And I’d Do It Again — a bold, exhilarating statement from one of the UK’s most exciting new alt-pop bands, featuring our focus track 'Monumental'.
Across 14 meticulously crafted tracks, Tommy Longhurst, Andrew “Roo” Burge, Clem Cherry, and Marcus Yates reveal their most vulnerable selves, navigating heartbreak, jealousy, regret, and hope. Each song captures the alchemy that has earned them such a fervent following — whether it’s the euphoric, liberating rush of ‘Emotionally Hungover’, the haunting allure of ‘Guess She’s Cool’, or the breathtaking intimacy of ‘Madeline’.
Among the standouts is single, ‘I Keep On Messing It Up’ — a hook-laden pop gem driven by bright, ’80s-inflected piano, shimmering synths, and irresistible bass grooves. Over this buoyant backdrop, Longhurst turns the lens inward, confronting his own mistakes with self-effacing candour. Already celebrated as a magnetic live frontman, here he demonstrates a striking leap forward as a songwriter, sketching vivid vignettes from some of his most personal experiences.
Listen to ‘Monumental’ on the Reading FC Official playlist.
“We’re just so proud of this album and that we had the courage to make it,” Longhurst says. “It’s the best representation to date of us as a band – there’s been a lot of self-reflection, growth, and discovery. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Formed in Reading, Only The Poets built their career from the ground up — from playing to 20 people at The Dublin Castle in London and working manual labour jobs to stay afloat, to signing a major label deal and selling out 1,500-capacity shows across the UK and Europe. Their deep bond with fans is the beating heart of their performances: rousing, communal, and emotionally charged. Last year, their “Experience the Future” shows in London, Amsterdam, and Berlin gave select fans an early glimpse of the new material — a rare, intimate preview before the full release.
Tonight sees the band play a landmark headline show at O2 Brixton Academy. Seven years after charging just £1 for entry to their first ever gig, the Reading four-piece Only make history as the first band ever to headline the legendary London venue the same symbolic price – a celebration of live music as something everyone should have access to, regardless of background or income.
They also offered unsigned UK bands/artists the chance to support them at the show, with Bristol alt-indie group Belle Dame and singer-songwriter SEREN announced as the Battle of the Bands winners.
