Bristol-based rock group Oswald Slain released their debut single ‘Happiness is Overrated’ on November 8th 2024.
Formerly known as Little Thief, Oswald Swain’s sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of classic Americana, echoing the timeless vibes of Neil Young and The Band, whilst infusing it with the gritty, energetic rock essence familiar from their previous works. Anchored by the driving rhythms and fuzzy guitars, their music offers both reflective depth and an irresistible groove, promising music that resonates with both heart and soul.
Under their previous moniker, the band toured the UK multiple times, playing slots at esteemed festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, Liverpool Sound City, Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Greenman Festival, receiving support from the likes of Far Out Magazine, RTE, BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1.
Co-founding members Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, who have been writing music together for over 10 years, took the difficult decision to change the band name and move forward in a new direction.
Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution. Recorded over the miserable January of 2024, Oswald Slain’s music reflects a period of introspection and growth. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.
Teaming up with producer and fellow band member Ryan Rogers, their debut single was produced in-house in their DIY studio built in their back garden. Mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special), ‘Happiness Is Overrated’ is a song that pushes back against the pressures of being happy.
Reflecting on the single, vocalist and lyricist Charlie Fitzgerald says: “Happiness Is Overrated is a rise above misery and a rebellion against the pressures of being ‘happy’. The song came out of a pretty low point in my life: Final lock down, locked up at home. Everything had kinda fallen apart in my musical world and we were just drinking corner shop wine and trying to keep morale up. I had been listening to Bob Dylan’s ‘115th Dream’ on repeat and loved the story-telling aspect of the lyricism, so enjoying writing something with lots of words and more of a storyline.
The lyrics sat on my computer for a few years and never really got used until one rainy day in January 2024, they found a final resting place in this big, sad, bar-crawl of a tune. The band loved the juxtaposition between the melancholy theme, and the upbeat swagger in the music, and it became the perfect introductory track to our new chapter as Oswald Slain.”
