With the release of 2024’s critically self-titled full-length debut, Milton Keynes, UK-based indie outfit Torus — currently Alfie Glass (vocals, guitar) and Jack Orr (drums) — quickly built a profile both nationally and internationally: The album was praised for its “immediately accessible tunes,” by Kerrang!, and that lead to tours with South Arcade, Skindred, Fu Manchu, The Entitled Sons, and Soap, as well as a set at Desertfest London.
Last year, the rising British outfit embarked on a new era with the departure of Harry Quinn (bass) and the decision, for now at least, to continue as a duo. Glass and Orr quickly got to work on new songs and jams as duo, and fittingly, this period of intense creativity has resulted in a batch of new material that the and will be releasing over the course of the year.
Torus begins 2026 with “Ruby Red,” a bruising, Songs for the Deaf-era Queens of the Stone Age-like ripper, anchored around fuzzy power chords, thunderous drumming, a relentless and hypnotic groove and some rousingly anthemic hooks and choruses.
“On this new single we explore themes of obsession, emotional damage and losing control when you love too hard,” Torus’ Jack Orr explains. “The lyrics are raw and direct, channelling desert rock weight with modern grungy tension. This release continues our run of singles leading into our next EP, pushing the darker, heavier side of Torus.”
Co-directed by their former bandmate Harry Quinn and the band, and shot and edited by Quinn, the accompanying video is a much more light-hearted juxtaposition to the song’s brooding, much more heartfelt vibe, while matching the song’s frantic pace. “After throwing ideas around with our ex bassist Harry Quinn who filmed the video, we decided to lean into the wacky old Beatles short film vibe and do something fun that would show off our personalities a bit more, with the ridiculous quest of trying to find the magic milk from the sacred cow that would heal us from all of our wrongdoings mixed with a brutally honest relationship driven song that had to be made in that moment heading towards a slightly darker side,” the band’s Alfie Glass explains.
“Ruby Red” was recently released through the duo’s own label, Headcharge Records. The band also founded Headcharge Club to support and uplift the music scene in Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding area. Since its formation, it has b been driving a grassroots movement locally by putting on DIY events and festivals, helping to build and strengthen the local music community.
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