Introducing The Agency… and “Harbour Song”
The Agency: Weaving Dark Tales Through Dystopian Soundscapes
The Agency… is an alt/indie rock collective renowned for their ability to captivate listeners with haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and cinematic soundscapes. Since their inception, they have distinguished themselves with a unique blend of indie rock, post-rock, and folk elements, crafting musical experiences that transport audiences to eerie, otherworldly realms. Their previous releases, Of Ghosts and In the Haunted Woods, illustrate the band’s fearless exploration of the supernatural, emotional depth, and the human condition. With a penchant for weaving dark tales through dystopian soundscapes, The Agency… continues to push the boundaries of their genre, creating evocative and immersive music that resonates on a profound level.
Formation and Early Days
Formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, The Agency… emerged from the vision of vocalist and songwriter Steven K Driver. With the addition of Steve Beyer (guitar), Garry Cosgrove (drums), Andy Ludbrook (bass), and Scott Wall (piano), Driver's vision was fully realised, and The Agency… began to take shape. The collective developed a distinctive sound that merges dystopian electric soundscapes with folk lyrics and gothic themes, finding moments of light within narratives of misanthropy and existential confusion.
The band’s lineup has included notable contributors such as Fraser Smith (Little Man Tate/Shed Seven) and DJ/Producer Aaron McClelland (aka Fonzerelli), alongside various stars from Newcastle’s vibrant music scene. Initially playing local gigs, The Agency… quickly gained recognition for their ability to craft immersive musical experiences, with their performances ranging from intimate duos to expansive ensembles, including a choir.
A Haunting Sound
The Agency…'s music stands out for its narrative-driven approach, with each album taking the listener on a journey through haunted landscapes—both literal and metaphorical. Of Ghosts, offered a poignant blend of introspection and eerie folk lore, with tracks like "She" and "Jack and Spade” standing out for their melancholic tones and cinematic storytelling. The album drew comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.
In the Haunted Woods, proved a darker and more expansive follow-up that deepened the band’s exploration of the human condition. The album features standout tracks like "Numb" and "Defender," continuing their tradition of blending rich storytelling with moody, textured soundscapes. In the Haunted Woods cemented The Agency…’s place as a band unafraid to dive into complex emotional and sonic territory, creating music that lingers long after the final note.
"Harbour Song"
On November 1, 2024, The Agency… will release "Harbour Song," the debut single from their highly anticipated upcoming album. This captivating track features a call-and-response waltz with the evocative voices of Elise Shields and Rosa Thomas from The Samphires, Edinburgh and Newcastle’s best-kept musical secret. Their contributions, alongside Driver's rich baritone vocals, create a mesmerizing blend that embodies the spirit of the myth of Hero and Leander, leaving its denouement open to interpretation.
The Agency…’s distinctive soundscape is brought to life with Ludbrook and Malcolm Jackson’s atmospheric production, which enhances the melancholic melodies and intricate instrumentation. Driver's narrative craftsmanship shines through in the track, which reflects influences from iconic duets like Nancy and Lee and modern echoes such as Campbell and Lanegan. "Harbour Song" offers unique sonic twists and showcases the emerging talent of The Samphires, promising to captivate listeners with its rich gothic allure and evocative storytelling, inviting them to experience its haunting beauty time and again. 
Alongside the single, the band is also releasing Jackson’s, under the name of Linguistic Spermy Dervlish, heavy industrial "Undercurrent Remix," providing a darker, more intense interpretation of the track.
Present and Future
In conjunction with the release of “Harbour Song,” The Agency… will embark on a U.K. tour, bringing their immersive live experience to fans across the country. The tour includes performances at The Hope and Anchor in London on October 31, SOCA Live in Birmingham on November 1, and the Folklore Rooms in Brighton on November 3.
The touring lineup features Driver (guitar and vocals), Andy Ludbrook (bass), Scott Wall (piano), Ben Anderson (guitar), Andrew Carr (drums—formerly with Bonehead), and Martin Thompson (guitar—Meiosis). The band will also collaborate with other musicians, including Steve Beyer, on a new album slated for release in 2025.

<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/88x31.png" /></a>
This work is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License</a>.

Paul McCartney's official Soundcloud page. 

Benny Benstead is following