Leeds’ punk-rap powerhouse Sleuth Gang are back, and they’re pulling zero punches with their raw new single Safe Bet — out now via Dead Rat Records.
This seven-piece wrecking crew made waves last year with their debut EP ‘Initiation,’ and Safe Bet feels like a step deeper into the chaos. It’s an emotionally explosive indie-rock anthem soaked in the tension of toxic relationships, self-sabotage, and the gut-churning spiral of emotional manipulation.
Built on a slammin’ groove and an earworm of a chorus, Safe Bet comes at you with the force of three vocalists (Lewis, Sam, and Jeremy) pouring their lived experiences into the mic. According to Lewis, “It’s about reshaping yourself just to feel accepted — being a ‘safe bet’ for someone to manipulate. You end up handing over your power. It’s not good, but it’s real.”
Produced by Dave Boothroyd (yep, the guy who’s worked with Bring Me the Horizon and Blink-182) and recorded at York’s 6db Studios, the single smashes together gritty storytelling and slick, high-energy production. If you’re into Soft Play, IDLES, or The Streets, this one’s gonna hit home.
The video? Pure gold. Directed by Sheffield filmmaker Bobby Mercury, it’s set in a ‘90s working men’s club — sticky carpets, dodgy lighting, bingo night regulars, the works. Sleuth Gang perform their hearts out to a cold, unmoved crowd. It’s chaotic, awkward, and somehow incredibly relatable. The perfect visual metaphor for what it feels like when you’re screaming for connection and getting nothing back.
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to Safe Bet on SoundCloud or your favourite streaming platform
So, who exactly are Sleuth Gang?
The full gang includes:
- Lewis Jones, Sam Hunter, and Jeremy Gordon on vocals
- Dan Rushton on bass
- Lennon Rowntree and Tom Dickson on guitars
- Travis King on drums
Their sound blends the punk snarl of Dead Kennedys and Frank Carter, the swagger of QOTSA, and the lyrical punch of Beastie Boys, topped off with a good dose of Yorkshire grit. It’s messy, loud, and honest — and that’s exactly what makes them stand out.
Formed in 2023, Sleuth Gang’s been on a fast rise. From catching the ear of BBC Introducing’s Jericho Keys, to winning 2024’s Battle of the Bands at The Fulford Arms in York, to playing a sold-out headline show in Leeds — they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With more music lined up for 2025 and a slot at Scotland’s Doune the Rabbit Hole festival, you’ll want to get in on this early.
Sleuth Gang are one to watch — or better yet, one to blast at full volume.
Give them a follow, add Safe Bet to your playlists, and keep your eyes peeled. It’s a safe bet this gang is going places.
Follow Sleuth Gang:
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