Sunderland’s own Swindled are making cosmic waves with their latest offering, Cosmic Immigrants — a suave, groove-laced slice of art-pop that confirms what many on the live circuit have long suspected: this band is something special.

Out April 11th, the track is the second single from their forthcoming third EP, What A Nightmare!, and it finds Swindled at their most ambitious yet. Drawing from a rich palette of indie roots, synthy textures, and sweeping, sci-fi inspired soundscapes, Cosmic Immigrants is more than just a song — it’s a statement.

From the moment it first surfaced in their live set last year, Cosmic Immigrants sparked instant intrigue. Now fully realised in the studio with production by Andy Bell, the track lands as a polished, expansive effort that feels light years ahead of their earlier work. There are clear nods to the grandeur of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, but this is no mere throwback — Swindled filter their influences through a distinctly modern, Northern lens.

Lead singer Jonny Swindle describes it as a turning point. “It felt natural for the song to go down the route it has — suave and groovy,” he says. And it shows. The band embraced a more layered, cinematic approach to instrumentation, venturing beyond their guitar-led comfort zone and into lush, futuristic territory.

Lyrically, the song tells the story of two lovers ditching Earth in search of refuge on Mars — a sci-fi metaphor for modern disillusionment and the ultimate form of escapism. It ties in perfectly with the dreamlike themes running through the rest of their upcoming EP. “Leaving Earth for Mars is almost unachievable,” guitarist Will Swindle explains, “unless perhaps dreaming.”

It’s this blend of bold concept and relatable feeling that makes Swindled such a compelling listen. Their confidence to follow creative instinct over formula is refreshing — and it pays off. Cosmic Immigrants is effortlessly cool, musically daring, and distinctly their own.

With a growing reputation as live performers (the track already a fan favourite), and upcoming festival slots at Roulette Festival, A Stone’s Throw, and Northern Kin, 2025 is shaping up to be Swindled’s breakout year.

Cosmic escapism has rarely sounded this good. Swindled are ones to watch — no question.

Follow Swindled @swindledofficial