Big Fear Share Vivid New Single 'Mildew'

Following a groundswell of tastemaker buzz from BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X among others, rising alt-pop trio Big Fear unveil their gripping new single 'Mildew' (out May 23rd), the latest cut from their hotly anticipated debut EP Career Day.

Fronted by the non-binary, asexual and endlessly expressive Alice Edwards, Big Fear—completed by Jack Wilkinson and Ben Crone—have quickly carved out a reputation for sharp, unflinching sonic storytelling. Sitting somewhere between the sensuality of FKA twigs and the theatricality of Kate Bush, their sound is laced with industrial synths, biting wit, and a smirking nihilism that’s entirely their own.

Produced by Charlie Andrew (alt-J, Wolf Alice, David Gilmour), 'Mildew' captures the trio at their most cinematic and unnerving. The track dissects agoraphobia through a sprawling soundscape of shimmering analogue synths, tight percussion and plucky, overlapping guitar lines. Edwards’ vocals—elegant, intimate and emotionally taut—float above with operatic confidence and a fragility that lingers long after the final note.

“Across the EP, we’re looking at these looming fears that feel almost too big to do anything about,” says Edwards. Continuing to talk about Mildew, Edwards explains: “Mildew is very much a dialogue between oneself and anxiety, with the view to explore how anxiety is a very limiting cage to one’s actions and behaviours, but the call is coming from inside the house - mental illness convinces you that your thoughts and behaviours are rational.”

Already garnering support across key Spotify editorials (New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds Indie, Peach, Hot New Bands—where they also featured as cover artist) and Apple Music’s New In Alternative, Big Fear’s ascent shows no signs of slowing. With a recent sync placement on Channel 4’s Made In Chelsea and a string of sold-out, chaotic and glitter-streaked live shows, they’ve firmly established themselves as one of the UK’s most vital and thrilling new acts.

'Mildew' is a razor-sharp glimpse into the upcoming EP Career Day.