Sheffield-based duo Good Cop Bad Cop, formed initially between Joe Carnall Jr. and Matt Helders of Arctic Monkeys, have stepped into a new era with their recent release ‘Running Away With The Circus.’ Opting to leave their guitars in their cases, with Carnall playing “everything that doesn’t involve sticks,” the post-punk two-piece deliver a new psychedelic sound filled with playful synths, hip hop nuances and expert songwriting.

Produced by former Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson, a.k.a. Gold Teeth, ‘Running Away With The Circus’ serves as an introduction to the outfit’s upcoming sophomore album Welcome To The Marble Zone, out 5th April.

"This album is the most personal thing I've ever written,” said Carnall. “It maps my life over the past three years: fatherhood, memories, songwriting, teaching, death... and more fatherhood."

Highlighting the relentless nature of being an adult in the 21st century, the new single emphasises the importance of stepping away from the world for a moment to preserve one’s sanity.

"Over the past few years, I've been intrigued by the sound-clash of guitars and electronic music, as I found myself listening to a lot of New Order whilst writing the record,” Carnall added. “Aside from the obvious 'hooky' bass lines and 808-inspired drums, I became a little obsessed with Bernard Sumner's vocal melodies and deliveries, which is abundantly clear on 'Running Away With The Circus'."

Carnall began writing for Good Cop Bad Cop back in 2018 after rising to prominence on the Sheffield music scene as the frontman of the 2000s indie band Milburn. A follow-up to their self-titled 2019 debut, Welcome To The Marble Zone is a stunning blend of the past, present and future, finding a unique sound that is both “then and now.”

TRACKLIST

1. Marble Zone
2. Running Away With The Circus
3. Mr Misfit
4. Does It Get Easier?
5. I Cried For A Friend This Morning
6. M.E.X.I.C.O. C.I.T.Y.
7. Far From Home
8. Houdini
9. Madness In The Aftermath
10. We’re Alright!

Stream Good Cop Bad Cop’s latest single here!