AFTERDRIVE Shift Into Overdrive With Debut EP Dress To Drive

Suffolk’s fast-rising alt-pop outfit turn desire, obsession and reckless abandon into a cinematic four-track debut, as they take their explosive sound across the UK.

AFTERDRIVE are stepping on the accelerator. Following a breakout run of alt-pop anthems including Fashion, Neon View and Jewellery, the Suffolk four-piece have arrived with their debut EP, Dress To Drive — a cinematic, high-octane introduction to a band rapidly establishing themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging pop-rock names.

More than a collection of singles, Dress To Drive unfolds as a four-track narrative charting the psychological descent of a protagonist chasing desire, image and escape. Moving from attraction to addiction, composure to recklessness, and ultimately towards loss, the EP captures the darker side of living fast and chasing feelings at any cost. Produced by Thomas Mitchener alongside the band themselves, it pairs sharp alt-pop hooks with a story built for the big screen.

Leading the charge is Fake License Plates, a fan favourite finally receiving its official release after becoming a fixture in the band’s live sets. Exploring the late-night mentality of making reckless decisions while feeling untouchable, the track channels the thrill of getting away with something — at least until reality catches up.

“We are so excited for everyone to hear the EP and come and see it live on tour,” the band explain. “Fake License Plates is about that late night headspace where you're already wired and reckless, about doing something you shouldn’t be doing and somehow getting away with it, like you’re invisible from all the consequences.”

It’s been a monumental year for AFTERDRIVE. From supporting McFly at Borde Hill to headlining Halo Festival in Ipswich alongside indie heavyweights Two Door Cinema Club and The Vaccines, the band have continued to build serious momentum. A sold-out headline show at The Waterfront Studio, a UK run supporting The Entitled Sons and an extensive UK and European tour alongside US pop-rock star Maggie Lindemann have further sharpened their reputation as a formidable live act.

That momentum is translating to radio, too, with continued support from Alyx Holcombe across BBC Radio 1’s Indie Show and BBC Introducing Rock Show, alongside Jess Iszatt and BBC Introducing’s Angelle Joseph.

Now, with Dress To Drive setting the pace, AFTERDRIVE are taking their new material on the road. Following a sold-out hometown show at The Baths in Ipswich on 19 September, the band continue with dates at Birmingham’s O2 Institute 3 on 24 October and London’s Islington Academy2 on 27 October.

The message is clear: AFTERDRIVE are moving beyond the ones to watch conversation. With a defining debut, growing national support and a live show built for bigger stages, the next stop looks considerably further down the road.

AFTERDRIVE – Dress To Drive is out now.