News: Belfast's Wynona Bleach Announce New Album, Share New Single 'Be Positive'
- PruMai123
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Belfast’s rising alt-rock force, Wynona Bleach, are back with their highly anticipated second album, Animal Style, set for release on May 29th, 2026 via Fierce Panda Records (UK) and Propeller Sound Recordings (US). To kick off the new era, the band has unveiled their electrifying new single, ‘Be Positive’, available now.
Following the critical acclaim of their 2022 debut Moonsoake, Wynona Bleach have crafted a record that blends the raw energy of punk and alt-rock with the expansive textures of shoegaze and grunge. Produced by the band’s own Jonny Woods, alongside acclaimed producers Andy Bradfield (Bjork, Rufus Wainwright, The XX) and Avril Mackintosh (Bryan Adams, Marillion), Animal Style represents some of the band’s most complete and ambitious work to date.
‘Be Positive’ sets the tone for the album, delivering crunching guitars, punchy drums, and grounding basslines that underpin soaring, commanding vocals. Layered harmonies and a driving, atmospheric production give the track a mysterious intensity, culminating in an anthemic chorus. Speaking about the track, the band shared:
“When nostalgia may seem your only way to feel positive about the future, it might be best to kill your darlings. With that in mind, we wanted a big ‘Phil Collins’ snare in it. Using the cheapest lexicon reverb rack we could find, we wrote the entire song around that snare sound, recorded analog. The track title is a nod to a band member’s blood type and to our goth rock heroes, Type O Negative.”
The album was recorded in a historic Belfast ballroom above a working men’s club, marking a new chapter for the band as a four-piece. After completing sessions, Wynona Bleach embarked on an extensive US tour, including 22 shows across the country, 10 showcases at SXSW 2025, and a personal invitation to perform at Bob Clearmountain’s Apogee Studios in Los Angeles. These milestones led to a partnership with Propeller Sound Recordings in the US while continuing their Fierce Panda deal in the UK.
“Animal Style is a return to our basic loves—a more guitar-focused album with less guitars,” the band notes, hinting at a refined yet expansive sound that nods to their alt-rock roots while exploring new sonic territories.
Since forming in 2018, Wynona Bleach have steadily built a reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most compelling bands. From festival appearances at Reading & Leeds to a 12-date headline tour across Russia, the band has consistently impressed international audiences. Their debut album, Moonsoake, recorded in an abandoned Portuguese factory, garnered critical praise and led to them supporting Alice in Chains on their Irish world tour dates.
In addition, Wynona Bleach were nominated for the Northern Ireland Music Prize for both Album and Live Act in 2022 and have toured extensively across the UK, Ireland, and the US. Their music has received support from BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing NI, RTÉ 2FM, and KEXP, while Spotify editorial placements and press coverage have amplified their rising profile.
With Animal Style, Wynona Bleach are poised to cement their place as one of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting rock exports.
Pre-order the upcoming album Animal Style:
Watch the new single below:
Comments