ARCANE ROOTS RELEASE NEW EP
Arcane Roots have officially released a special new EP titled A Wave, Across The Sea, featuring three entirely distinct, alternative endings to their recent comeback single. This exclusive release is available solely via Bandcamp and will not be coming to any streaming platforms. The EP includes the alternate finales [Hands Of God], [Heal Them], and [There He Is], offering listeners three completely reworked, rewritten, reproduced, and remixed conclusions to the brilliant title track originally unveiled in January 2026.
Vocalist and guitarist Andrew Groves shared his thoughts on the creative process behind the new release:
"We always knew our first release would be a very particular labour of love, especially after being away for so very long, but with so many new pathways opening up to us it felt as though we were compelled to create a beacon of things to come from this new version of Arcane Roots. If only just to capture these new possibilities. 'A Wave, Across The Sea' EP, the most deluxe version, was completely remixed and reproduced to scratch every little aspiration and itch we’d had along the way. The story itself demanded its own grandeur and a visceral & narrative-led approach to the production. Each section & character with its own space, tempo and sonic palette."
"The abrupt ending of the single version of A Wave, Across The Sea was left on a question and somewhat narrative juncture of sorts; ‘What will you do with all your pain?’. The alternative endings each explore that question in turn and the potential outcome of those decisions. It was so fun to be able to work on a track in that way and explore it fully, both musically and thematically. A massive thank you to Karl Pestka (Viola & Violin) and Guðni Franzson (Clarinet & Bass Clarinet) for their beautiful playing on each ending. What an honour it was to have you grace our music and take it to such dizzying heights."
On the live front, Arcane Roots are preparing to play their biggest headline show to date at the Here at Outernet venue in central London on November 11th, 2026. Exciting UK outfits False Advertising from Manchester and Love Rarely from Leeds are locked in as support acts. This performance marks the band's final headline show of 2026, and tickets are already selling fast.
The remaining 2026 live itinerary is exceptionally limited. It consists of two now fully sold-out warm-up shows at the Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes on July 4th and Chalk in Brighton on July 7th, both featuring support from Every Hell. The band will also perform highly anticipated festival exclusive sets as the Axiom stage headliners on July 10th and on the Forest stage on July 11th at 2000trees Festival, followed by a Main stage appearance at ArcTanGent Festival on August 21st.
The initial single version of 'A Wave, Across The Sea' arrived earlier this year, marking the band's first new music since 2018. The track functions as a six-minute masterpiece that constantly shifts form, perfectly showcasing the dramatic dynamic range and expansive musicality that listeners have come to expect from the group.
Arcane Roots are a UK alternative rock band widely celebrated for their intricate musicianship, emotional intensity, and genre-defying sound. Formed in the late 2000s, the band’s final lineup before their 2018 split consisted of Andrew Groves on vocals and guitar, Adam Burton on bass, and Jack Wrench on drums. This 2026 reunion sees them return with renewed creative purpose and an expanded setup, as founding member Daryl Atkins rejoins the ranks alongside Icelandic composer Bjarni Biering, whose multi-instrumental versatility and fresh perspective signals a new era for the project.
By seamlessly blending math rock complexity, post-hardcore energy, and expansive electronic textures, Arcane Roots built a fierce reputation for ambitious songwriting and technical precision. Their early EPs, including 2011's Left Fire, earned them a dedicated cult following through riff-heavy tracks that paired soaring melodies with intricate rhythmic shifts.
Their debut full-length album, Blood & Chemistry, arrived in 2013 and pushed their sound further into emotional, anthemic territory without losing any of their trademark precision. They evolved once more with 2017's Melancholia Hymns, embracing synth-driven atmospheres, ambient influences, and a highly introspective lyrical focus. This bold creative shift earned immense critical praise for its inventiveness and maturity. It also saw them grow significantly at UK radio, securing two back-to-back BBC Radio 1 'Hottest Records In The World' and garnering over 30 plays on the station for the lead track 'Curtains', which stands as a five-minute masterpiece.
The band remain deeply celebrated for their dynamic live performances, which fluidly transition between delicate ambient passages and explosive, cathartic climaxes. With this new EP and live schedule, they step confidently into a new chapter, one that completely honors their past achievements while boldly exploring the new sounds and ideas that lie ahead.
