Picture this: you’re in a dimly lit club, the synths are pulsing, and the air is thick with the kind of bittersweet energy that makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. That’s the vibe of “Local Guys,” the latest single from A Thousand Mad Things, the alias of UK singer-songwriter-producer William Barradale. Dropped just in time to herald his debut EP Cry and Dance (out October 3rd via Nettwerk), this track is a magnetic blend of post-punk, synth-pop, and new wave that’s as emotionally raw as it is irresistibly catchy. Ready to dive into the world of A Thousand Mad Things? Let’s go!
A Dancefloor Diary of Queer Alienation
“Local Guys” is the beating heart of Cry and Dance, a five-track EP that’s all about navigating desire, displacement, and self-discovery. With its sleek, danceable groove and Barradale’s operatic vocals, the song captures the ache of unrequited longing—specifically, the kind of impossible infatuations that come with being queer in a small town. “It’s about the stupid infatuation of being hated,” Barradale says, summing up the track’s mix of romantic masochism and defiant vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of yearning for straight boys who never look back, delivered with a playful yet piercing edge that’s both humorous and heartbreaking.
Musically, “Local Guys” channels the darkly melodic spirit of ‘80s icons like Depeche Mode and Soft Cell. The synth hooks are sharp and propulsive, creating a groove that’s perfect for the dancefloor while still carrying an emotional weight. Barradale’s voice—rich, theatrical, and dripping with melodrama—elevates the track into something that feels like a confession and a celebration all at once. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sway under neon lights, processing your own moments of longing and resilience.
The production is slick yet raw, with a no-wave edge that gives it a timeless feel while staying firmly rooted in 2025’s indie music scene. The interplay between the pulsing synths and Barradale’s soaring vocals creates a tension that mirrors the song’s themes: fitting in versus standing out, fantasy versus reality, crying versus dancing. It’s a track that doesn’t just ask you to listen—it demands you feel it.
Who Is A Thousand Mad Things?
A Thousand Mad Things is the brainchild of William Barradale, a UK artist who’s unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Formed in 2023 after a creative spark with a friend inspired by the operatic drama of Billy Mackenzie (The Associates), the project is a vessel for Barradale’s expressive storytelling. Drawing from the ‘80s synth-pop and cold wave scenes, he crafts music that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, blending the pleasure and pain of life’s outsiders into something universally relatable.
Barradale’s journey is one of transformation. Growing up as a queer kid in suburban England, he found solace in the melodramatic sounds of his musical heroes. “All the artists I love have some kind of distress or catharsis in their performance,” he explains. “It’s about release—making sense of what’s inside.” That sense of release is palpable across Cry and Dance, with tracks like “Wide Awake,” “Girl,” and “She’s on the Run” weaving fictionalized yet deeply personal tales of chaos, escape, and self-discovery. Each song is a snapshot of Barradale’s world, delivered with a voice that’s as commanding as it is vulnerable.
Why “Local Guys” Matters in 2025
In a music scene where authenticity is everything, “Local Guys” stands out for its unapologetic honesty. The indie music world in 2025 is buzzing with artists exploring identity and emotion through genre-blending sounds, and A Thousand Mad Things fits right in while carving out a unique space. The track’s queer narrative feels especially resonant in a time when stories of marginalized voices are gaining more visibility, yet it’s universal enough to connect with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
Plus, the timing couldn’t be better. With A Thousand Mad Things set to open for The Human League in Brighton on July 23rd, Barradale is stepping into the spotlight alongside his childhood heroes. It’s a full-circle moment that proves his music is ready to make waves beyond the underground.
Get Ready to Cry and Dance
Cry and Dance is shaping up to be one of the most exciting debut EPs of 2025, and “Local Guys” is the perfect introduction to A Thousand Mad Things’ world. Whether you’re drawn to the shimmering synths, the theatrical vocals, or the raw emotion of the lyrics, this track is a must-listen for fans of post-punk, synth-pop, and new wave. Check out the full EP tracklist—“Wide Awake,” “Girl,” “Local Guys,” “She’s on the Run,” and “My Car”—and catch A Thousand Mad Things live at upcoming shows like Liverpool Sound City (May 4th), The Great Escape (May 16th), and the big one with The Human League in Brighton.
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So, what do you think of “Local Guys”? Are you feeling the bittersweet dancefloor vibes, or is there another track from Cry and Dance you’re excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
