Cumbrian/Geordie Alternative Folk Rock foursome, Hadrian’s Union, are back with the long awaited fourth official album release SPLENDIFEROUS, which offers a brand new sound for 2025. The band are delighted to announce a mini tour in collaboration with Rural Arts, a charity that programmes performances in rural venues to achieve creativity in the heart of every community in the North.
SPLENDIFEROUS is released in a year that marks the original conception of Hadrian’s Union two decades ago. The band is an energetic union of frontman/founder Stew (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), David (Drums/Percussion/Backing Vocals), Mat (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Vlad (Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals). We are predominantly an original Indie Alt Folk Rock band but our interests in many genres of music have led to experimentation with Ska, Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Brit Pop and much more.
Hadrian’s Union have released four albums, all to critical acclaim.
The third album, Aural Borderalis, was awarded a 5 star review in EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) magazine –
“Folk rock at it’s finest.”
Folk and Roots London magazine wrote “The music is varied and ultimately for the listener all of Hadrian’s Union’s shows and recordings are an exciting experience. Waltzes, ballads, music hall, drinking songs and so much more that you will find in the Union.”
The latest album SPLENDIFEROUS was reviewed by Graham Cleaver, Director, ICRfm. “….Splendiferous shows the band, whose name reflects their Northumberland/Cumbrian roots, invigorated and clearly enjoying themselves….Maddy (Steeleye Span) Prior, a fan of HU in their previous incarnations, might look to ‘Poacher’ for some traditional references, but would encounter a reggae vibe, with a nod to The Clash. There is something here for everyone.”
RnR magazine gave a four star review. Andrew Darlington wrote “A generous fourteen tracks to make your pulse rev up and your brain stand on end. From the fade-in-thump of ‘Be in the Now’ they claim they’re giving up on drugs emphasised by David Pratt’s sharp staccato percussion fusillades. Light, airily tuneful ‘Coz I Do’ is poptastic, informed by Britpop, Then a lilting skank that steals your eyes and comes back for the sockets, accentuated through guitarist Stew Simpson’s vocals. He breaks the black mirror. He’s the coin that won’t be tossed. ‘Credit Black’ has neat fills, swerves, cunning plans, changes where you least expect them, and a headful of music. ‘Perfect Match’ is rowdy Oi hit-fun. The deep, moody introduction to ‘Shoehorn’ is the devil’s own symphony played on the instruments of hell. Then there are character sketches: ‘Dave Doodie’ tells a devious tale, ‘Queen Louise’ struts and prances around the bass while Mat Mellor’s guitar flicks like a tongue in a lover’s mouth. The jumping rock of ‘Big Ole Daddy B’ asks ‘do you spit, swallow….or gargle?’ The anthem air-punching ‘Raise Your Hand’ ushers you out by celebrating freedom. For Hadrian’s Union’s fourth album, the holy trinity of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll don’t fail them. Splendiferous is everything your ears need.”
The Crack Review magazine wrote “……From the foot-to-the-floor, pell-mell, rocking riffs of ‘Perfect Match’ to ‘Poacher’ (shades of The Clash at their most reggae-fired) to ‘Big Ole Daddy B’ (whiplash Americana extolling the virtues of hairy men) they’ve got it going on. Thrilling stuff.”
Hadrian’s Union will be performing at the following venues:
Friday 7th February 2025 at Grantley Village Hall 7.30pm
Saturday 8th February 2025 at The Old Girls’School Community Centre, Sherburn in Elmet 7.30pm
Sunday 9th February 2025 at Settle Victoria Hall Time, time to be confirmed
Tickets are available from www.ruralarts.org
For more information about Hadrian’s Union go to
www.hadriansunion.co.uk