Introducing: Oh Romance

This Edinburgh alt-rock trio has been defying the odds and igniting stages across the UK since their explosive sold-out tour in 2022. From legendary venues like Sneaky Pete’s to their unforgettable debut at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Oh Romance has proved they’re not just another band but a force reshaping Scotland's indie-rock scene.

With a debut single that made waves on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing Rock and a standout performance at Y Not? Festival alongside Britain’s biggest names, they’ve captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Their 2024 nomination for the Scottish Live Music Awards’ Indie, Rock and Alternative Live Artist of the Year only solidifies their status as a must-see live act. We sat down with the band to talk about their meteoric rise, their love for the central belt's vibrant music scene, and what’s next for one of Scotland’s most exciting bands.

Oh Romance has quickly become a standout in Scotland's alternative rock scene, playing iconic venues and major festivals. How has your journey from selling out your 2022 UK tour to headlining King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut shaped the band’s evolution?

Alex: On paper it sounds like a breeze, but it’s been tough. We’ve worked so hard to get where we’re at now and we’ve been very fortunate to have been given these opportunities, but we’re still earning our stripes. 

Your latest single, "Tongue-Tied," has been described as your most anthemic track yet. How did you approach creating a song with grittier alt-rock vibes, and what inspired its unique description of “The Stones and Limp Bizkit sharing a cigarette in a Tesco car park at 2 a.m.”?

Alex: Our songs have always had a bit of an “edge” to them, so getting there with “Tongue-Tied” wasn’t difficult, but tuning down our guitars helped. That’s exactly what it [“Tongue-Tied”] is - rock ‘n’ roll with a kiss of nu mental. “Take a Look Around” meets “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”. Heavy, catchy and a wee bit naughty.

The themes in your EP Kiss & Tell—toxic relationships, loneliness, and self-reflection—resonate deeply with listeners. How do you balance these raw emotions with the energy and groove-heavy instrumentation your fans love?

Alex: Catharsis. If people listen to our songs and connect with something in there, whether it’s sadness, happiness, joy or the good or bad shit in between, then I think we’ve done our job.

Your debut single “Animals” received major attention on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing Rock. What was it like getting that early recognition, and how did it influence the direction of your music?

Alex: It was class, honestly! Definitely a tick off the bucket list for sure. Most bands and artists would probably take that as a sign to only work and focus on one particular sound - we didn’t. In fact, I’d say we’re still honing our craft. We never set out to be a heavy band, just one that people thought sounded class and looked good while doing it.