Imagine if hip hop had been born in post-industrial northern England – that’s what Sleaford Mods sound like. Harnessing the energies of the post-punk revival, they infuse it with cutting sprechgesang about class, austerity measures, and life in the United Kingdom, crummy weather and all.
The Lunchbox - Andrew & Jason: Sleaford Mods interview part 1
In many ways, vocalist Jason Williamson and instrumentalist Andrew Fearn are like chroniclers of their times. First emerging out of Notthingham in 2007, they’ve since released 13 studio albums, each refining their consciously rough-hewn sound.
Drawing inspiration from the classical post-punk of the 1970s and 80s (and joining the new wave of 21st century post-punk), it’s a specifically British energy that suffuses Sleaford Mods.
Gaining popularity with every release, the pair eventually signed to Rough Trade Records in 2016 for their ninth LP, English Tapas. Their latest album, The Demis of Planet X (featuring performances from Gwendoline Christie, Big Special, Sue Tompkins, and more), released on 16 January, 2026 – and has proven to be one of their more accessible projects.
With catchier hooks and softer synth melodies at points, a certain sense of dread nevertheless runs through the LP.
Keeping their fingers on the United Kingdom’s pulse as it slowly flatlines (in their eyes), it’s as timely, as biting, as unique as they’ve ever been.
Really, trying to explain Sleaford Mods seems almost impossible – which is why bother long-term fans and newcomers should see them at Rockhal when they’re set to hit the stage on Friday, 16 October. As long as you don’t mind a bit of foul language.
The exclusive venue presale goes live on Thursday, 9 April at 10am. Otherwise, the general public will be able to purchase tickets on Friday, 10 April at 10am.
