Aqualine Shine On New EP 'Tripwire'

Guildford-based alt-rock five-piece Aqualine have released their new EP, Tripwire, a five-track collection that blends post-punk, grunge, and indie with inventive production, hip-hop undertones, and soaring guitar work.

Building on the momentum of their 2024 debut EP, the band have become known for raw, high-energy performances and emotionally charged songwriting. Their music has earned airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music with Steve Lamacq and BBC Introducing, including a live session.

Recorded largely live in the studio, Tripwire captures the band’s natural energy while exploring themes of isolation, mental health, and self-identity. Tracks like Hit Me, Poppy, and Orchidline combine tight rhythm sections with emotive vocals and experimental guitar textures reminiscent of Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.

Talking about the EP, the band explain: “The recording process for this was all live in the studio. This was a new approach, as the only live recording we had done as a band was demos in our rehearsal room for fun. It was an interesting challenge playing around with recording to a click for some songs or parts of songs, and then not for others. It was an attempt to get the most natural take and backbone of the songs that we could. Then we layered a few overdubs over the top after we had found that take.

For example, Orchidline, being so delicate, was really hard to find the right take for and to all be present. It was written at a very difficult time for the band. A couple of us were really struggling with our mental health. It was holding us back and stopping us from progressing with our lives. Writing the song was an attempt to express these irrational thoughts that were taking over so we could move on. It's a special song, as it captures this period and helped us move forward as a band.”

Produced by Simon Schenk-Mair, mixed by Matt Glasbey (Bloc Party, David Gilmour), and mastered by Katie Tavini, Tripwire showcases Aqualine’s range and positions them as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging alternative acts.