Here’s the latest single from Oxfordshire band The Dreaming Spires. ’21st Century Light Industrial’ is a song of escapism that many listeners will associate with, exploring the monotony and mundanity of our everyday working lives. Inspired by Milton Park in Didcot, a light industrial park where all the band members have worked at one time or another, the song captures everyday feelings of alienation and resignation, captured in smartly observed lines like: “…got to be more than this, because we barely exist, when we’re working at the 21st century light industrial park,” delivered by Robin Bennett in dry, understated tones that reinforce the song’s theme. That weary vocal is lifted by upbeat rhythms and a light, engaging melody.
Robin says of the song: “The ‘same ten songs’ heard on the radio (one that sticks in the mind is ‘Millennium’ by Robbie Williams) place the setting of this song around the year 2000. After a brief interlude with a major label record deal, by 2003, I was back working at Milton Park in a temp job, dreaming once more of escape.”
’21st Century Light Industrial’ is the second single from the forthcoming album “Normal Town”, which will be released on 24th October 2025. The album extends the single’s themes of everyday life, both its beauty and isolation, alongside nostalgic reflections on home. This talented group of players and songwriters includes brothers Robin and Joe Bennett, who formed early-2000s band Goldrush, which was signed to Virgin Records. Together, they have toured in Saint Etienne’s live band and with the acclaimed Bennett Wilson Poole. The band is completed by Jamie Dawson on drums (Annie Keating, Carter Sampson), Tom Collison on keys (Danny & the Champions of the World) and Nick Fowler, who has played alongside the likes of Gaz Coombes and Peter Buck. Collectively, The Dreaming Spires create roots and americana-infused rock that is well-crafted and accessible. Check out the single and look out for a UK tour this November.
