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Brighton\u2019s rising indie sensation Isla Rico are back with their highly anticipated new single, Smell The Roses, dropping November 7th via Regent Street Records. The track marks the start of a bold new chapter for the five-piece, blending 90s-inspired anthemic energy with heartfelt, modern storytelling to create a sound that is both evocative and irresistibly catchy.<\/p>\n
What began as late-night writing sessions in Brighton university flats has blossomed into a fully realized indie project led by friends Callum Richards and Jasper Whitehead. United by their love of big stadium instrumentals, raw emotion, and the timeless spirit of 90s music, the duo\u2019s early collaboration has grown into a full five-piece lineup featuring Harvey Rafferty on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Brad Hull on bass, and Sayon Beautfort-Harwood on drums. The band\u2019s name, Isla Rico, is a nod to a tiki bar in Cal\u2019s back garden\u2014a playful origin that now carries the weight of a band gaining serious momentum in the indie scene.<\/p>\n
With a loyal following fueled by their electric live shows, Isla Rico have already made waves on major festival stages including Y Not Festival, Lazy Days, and The Great Escape. Acclaimed by the press, they\u2019ve also earned praise from BBC Radio 6 Music\u2019s Chris Hawkins, who described them as \u201cthe best of new indie Britpop.\u201d<\/p>\n
After working with producer Andy Gannon (Clean Bandit, Jax Jones, The Courteeners), Isla Rico have teamed up with Matthew Fisher (The K\u2019s, Dirty Blonde) to push their sound further. The result is Smell The Roses, a soaring indie anthem built on shimmering guitars, driving rhythms, and a melody that strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity. Speaking about the track, the band says:<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, Smell The Roses is a new beginning as a band. We wanted to be authentic to ourselves lyrically and instrumentally. Back to our roots, plugging our guitars in and capturing how we sound live, sharing our message no matter how sh*t the world can feel at times. Sometimes you\u2019ve got to just find the joy where you can and smell the roses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drawing inspiration from The Verve, Sam Fender, and New Radicals, Isla Rico channel classic Britpop attitude into cinematic, contemporary production. Their storytelling is deeply personal yet universally relatable\u2014music for anyone who needs a reminder to pause, breathe, and take in the moment.<\/p>\n
Following the launch of this new era to a sold-out crowd at YES, Manchester, Smell The Roses represents the band at their most confident and compelling. With its blend of soaring instrumentals and reflective lyricism, Isla Rico invite listeners to rediscover the joy of living in the moment\u2014a message that feels especially vital today.<\/p>\n \n