Hull’s bdrmm have returned with a new single, “John on the Ceiling,” and announced their upcoming third album, Microtonic, set to drop on February 28th via Mogwai’s Rock Action label.
The new track brings a pulsating, after-hours feel, hinting at the direction of an album that sees the band branching into new sonic territory. Inspired by their experiences supporting Daniel Avery and attending Field Day, Microtonic sees bdrmm embracing a fusion of dance and electronic music—a shift that had been subtly present in recent releases but now takes center stage.
Originally conceived early in their career, “John on the Ceiling” presented a creative path that bdrmm didn’t feel fully prepared to pursue at the time. Completing it now became pivotal to defining the sound and approach of Microtonic. Frontman Ryan Smith describes the track’s themes as revolving around cycles of doubt and the struggle to avoid repeating past mistakes, asking, “Can people ever truly change?”
The 10-track Microtonic was recorded with longtime collaborator Alex Greaves and features guest appearances from Sydney Minsky Sargeant (Working Men’s Club) and Olivesque (Nightbus). According to Smith, the project reflects a newfound freedom to experiment with electronic music, drawing from genres ranging from ambient to experimental electronica. Although bdrmm’s foundational guitar-heavy style is still present, it now weaves into a broader, more atmospheric palette.
Following the success of their 2023 album I Don’t Know, which received acclaim from Consequence and Rolling Stone UK for its thrilling evolution, Microtonic captures bdrmm’s journey into a genre-blending sound, marrying their shoegaze roots with an expansive electronic influence.
The band also announce a 2025 tour today, with tickets going on sale this Friday at 10am, in support of the album:
March
6 Wylam Brewery, Newcastle UK
7 The Welly, Hull UK
8 Project House, Leeds UK
9 Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow UK
11 Gorilla, Manchester UK
12 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham UK
13 The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham UK
15 Hove Old Market, Brighton UK
16 Papillon, Southampton UK
18 The Fleece, Bristol UK
19 Electric Ballroom, London UK
22 Club Volta, Cologne GE
23 Säälchen, Berlin GE
25 Bogen F, Zurich SWI
26 Santeria Toscana 31, Milan IT
27 TPO, Bologna IT
29 Trabeno, Paris FR
30 Botanique – Orangerie, Brussels BE
31 Melkweg OZ, Amsterdam NL