The Rogues have today released their new single titled ‘New York’. There’s something endearingly cheeky about a band from Newport, South Wales writing a song called ‘New York’, and The Rogues lean into that contradiction rather than trying to hide it. This isn’t a wide-eyed postcard from Times Square or a starry-eyed indie kid fantasy—it’s more like staring at the city through a cracked phone screen and wondering why everyone’s pretending it’s not exhausting. The song carries that restless, half-romantic, half-fed-up energy that feels less like chasing the American dream and more like questioning why you ever bought the ticket.
Musically, ‘New York’ keeps things scrappy and direct, avoiding the bloated drama that songs named after major cities often fall into. The Rogues sound more interested in momentum than polish, letting the track breathe just enough to feel alive without sanding off its rough edges. There’s a sense that the band knows exactly when to push forward and when to pull back, which gives the song a confidence that doesn’t scream for attention—it just expects you to keep up.
What really sells “New York,” though, is its attitude. The Rogues don’t worship the city; they side-eye it. It’s indie rock with a raised eyebrow, a song that understands how mythologized places can feel strangely empty once you get close enough. For a band from Newport, South Wales, that outside-looking-in perspective works in their favor, making ‘New York’ feel less like a love letter and more like an honest text you send when the honeymoon’s already over.
About The Rogues & ‘New York’
The Rogues are a 5-piece indie rock band from Newport, South Wales who are quickly cementing their reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging new bands on the scene.
The band is made up of Andrew Flannelly on Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar, Alex Ainsworth on Lead Guitar & Keys, Ben Slade on Bass Guitar, James Mundy on Drums & Percussion and Rhodri Eley on Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals.
Formed in 2022, the young 5 piece have been making waves ever since with their second single ‘Skinny Dipping’ from 2023 being featured on the BBC Radio Wales A-List for 3 consecutive weeks and also being featured on national television during Match of The Day.
The band’s debut EP ‘1963 (Live at Rockfield Studios)’ was recorded in October 2023 with legendary producer Nick Brine (Oasis, The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Ash & The Darkness) The lead title track from which entered the Official UK Physical Singles Chart at No. 3 within a week of release.
2025 was a busy year for The Rogues seeing them being named as one of This Feelings ‘Big in 2025’, as well as gracing big stages like the Isle of Wight Festival and supporting indie legends Dodgy and Welsh rockers Cardinal Black as well as selling out their own headline gigs.
Having already been featured on Bethan Elfyn’s ‘Wales Mix’ via BBC Radio Wales and being set to be featured on BBC Radio Wales A-List from next week, ‘New York’ in contrast to other works is a raw and honest offering with stripped backed instrumentals letting the opening vocals really shine and hit home. The instrumentals are intricate and complex, but in no way over powering the vocal melody. The whistle in the chorus adds a swing element to the overall production, really befitting the song’s title. The guitar riffs and solos in the mid section are exquisite and allowed to really run with the baton before the final wistful yet powerful final verse kicks in. It’ll have you saying “wow” and hitting replay over and over. Top notch quality.
““New York” is about those days when life feels a bit too routine – when you’re stuck in the same mundane places, wishing for change. It captures a restless urge to disappear and chase a belief that you’ll find real happiness & freedom waiting elsewhere.
The song’s swing-inspired rhythm captures the magic & hope that New York City represents – a place where anything seems possible. The whistled melody carries a sense of hope and longing that a lot of us can relate to. It’s that feeling of questioning what else is out there, and dreaming about a life that’s bigger, brighter, and more free than the one you’re living right now.”
Featured image by Tom Damsell.
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