INTERVIEW: Bacchanal discuss origins and influences alongside new single ‘To Do Lust’

Surrey trio Bacchanal return with their brooding new single ‘To Do Lust’, continuing the band’s recent shift toward a darker, more emotionally charged sound. Known for blending grunge grit, indie urgency, and raw rock energy, the Farnham-based three-piece have steadily built a reputation for crafting songs that balance muscular instrumentation with unflinching lyrical themes.

At the heart of ‘To Do Lust’ lies the slow collapse of an affair, as desire collides with the difficult acceptance that walking away may be the healthiest path forward. The track opens with lines delivered like fragments of a telephone conversation, drawing listeners into an intimate exchange before gradually building into a tense, hypnotic swirl of layered guitars and driving rhythms. Anchored by a gritty, half-spoken vocal, the song unfolds across four minutes before resolving in a reflective outro that lingers long after the final note.

Fresh from the release of their debut album DIY Lobotomy and a relentless schedule of live shows since 2021, Bacchanal are continuing to sharpen their distinctive sound as they head deeper into 2026. We caught up with the band to talk about the story behind ‘To Do Lust’, the creative process that shaped its haunting atmosphere, and what lies ahead for the ever-evolving trio.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Jeff: Smells Like Teen Spirit blew me away when I heard it, it inspired me to play guitar

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

Jeff: Nirvana, The Smiths, QOTSA, The White Stripes

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Jeff: Huge fan of pop music and happy to listen to anything – massive fan of SZA.

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Jeff: Whatever mood I’m in at the time, wherever the strings take me.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

Jeff: Always fun to play live, especially when people who you don’t know pay you compliments afterwards. Guilfest last year was great, we’re back there this year for the third time.

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Jeff: Getting 2 of our tunes played on BBC Introducing was very satisfying, playing with mates, which has improved my own ability to play an instrument, is a very understated benefit and hugely enjoyable.

How would you define success as a musician?

Jeff: Enjoy the songs you create and don’t try to write music to impress others, do it to appease yourself.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Jeff: Practice to the point where it burns your fingers and play open mics.

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Listen to Bacchanal’s new single ‘To Do Lust’ below.