Norwich Folk-Rock Risers Takeda Announce Debut Album, Share First Single

Norwich-based quartet Takeda have officially announced the release of their debut album In Venus’ Train, arriving September 17th via Drongo Records. To kick off the release schedule, the band released their blistering new single ‘Sugar Mountain’ - a jiving folk-rock cut that captures the raw energy of their live performances with studio precision and emotional depth.

Blending alternative rock edge with folk roots, ‘Sugar Mountain’ showcases Takeda’s unique sonic identity: intricate guitar work layered with a punchy rhythm section, all wrapped around the magnetic vocals of frontman Josh Harrison. Produced by David Pye (Szun Waves, Trudy & the Romance, Faithless, Dido), the track leans on a crunchy distorted acoustic guitar tone, delivered via a Martin acoustic run through two valve amps “cranked” to full volume.

At its core, ‘Sugar Mountain’ is a song of emotional extremes. It begins with a finger-picked delicacy before escalating into a fuzz-soaked climax of soaring vocals and heavy dynamics. Harrison’s vocals guide the song through its shifting terrain - whisper-quiet one moment, impassioned and unrelenting the next.

“Sugar Mountain is about feeling life slip away from you, like sand escaping from a clenched fist,” explains Harrison. “It was recorded live in the room. We wanted to get across the intensity of our live shows. It’s supposed to feel unstable, borderline schizophrenic — massive dynamic range. Same with the vocals, from a quiet mumbled voice to an impassioned, shouted climax. The way the whole band explodes on demand and by surprise. That’s a theme with this whole album, lyrically and musically.”

Takeda’s origin story is as intense as their sound. In spring 2022, Josh Harrison escaped a cult in rural England, carrying with him a backlog of songs shaped by isolation, control, and a longing for freedom. Those songs would become the blueprint for Takeda. Joined by Charlie Wilson on drums and David Woodgett on bass, the trio honed a fierce yet melodic sound that punches far above its acoustic origins. Later joined by guitarist Ollie Welch for live performances, the band quickly developed a reputation for cathartic, high-volume shows — proudly calling themselves “the loudest acoustic guitar on Earth.”

The upcoming album In Venus’ Train dives deeper into the themes of obsession, grief, transformation, and love. Drawing on folklore, biblical metaphor, and spiritual rebirth, the record references British folk revivalists like Fairport Convention and heavier, alternative acts like Tool. The result is a sound that feels both ancient and urgent, as if Nick Drake picked up a fuzz pedal and joined a noise-rock band.

‘Sugar Mountain’ is out now via Drongo Records, keep an eye out for updates on the upcoming debut album and upcoming UK tour announcements.