86TVs

The launch of 86TVs has seen former Maccabees duo Hugo and Felix White embrace a new beginning: an us-against-the-world attitude of proving their powers as a new band that reflects their early days before The Maccabees reached their towering peak.

Completed by third White brother Will and drummer Jamie Morrison (Stereophonics), 86TVs today unveil their eagerly anticipated debut EP ‘You Don’t Have To Be Yourself Right Now’. The EP features the recent tracks ‘Higher Love’ and ‘Worn Out Buildings’ as well as their new release ‘Spinning World’. Premiered earlier this week by Steve Lamacq at 6Music, ‘Spinning World’ presents a subtle stylistic shift from the band’s first two singles. Originating from Will’s more introverted songwriting approach, its initially restrained introduction suddenly crashes into life, the band’s musical intuition firing up a skyscraping chorus with vapour trails of guitar and their patented, close-knit vocal harmonies. It’s also infused with a dynamic power, as it drifts down into ethereal atmospherics before once again erupting in a rousing, psych-tinged crescendo. Will says, “I love doing that chorus live with everyone in unison. Something about it just feels right to me, hearing all our voices together.” The EP is completed with a brand new track in the shape of ‘Dreaming’. A beautifully direct song exulting the power of love and the devastation of loss, it’s 86TVs’ first epic: a slowburner which achieves maximal impact by taking the time to unveil its full, affecting majesty. 86TVs produced the EP alongside Stephen Street (The Maccabees’ ‘Colour It In’, Blur, Suede) during sessions at the band’s own Olympic Studios and at the producer’s studio The Bunker at 13. Formed in the wake of The Maccabees’ split, 86TVs went public in 2022 with a tour as special guests to Jamie T. Their first two singles have emerged to a groundswell of critical acclaim alongside a first flurry of radio support. Released towards the end of 2023, ‘Worn Out Buildings’ was nominated for Radio X’s Record of the Year before ‘Higher Love’ hit the A-list at 6Music, and was playlisted and named Track of the Week at Absolute Radio.