scuss.

scuss. is the coming together of long-time friends and former bandmates Tommy Nicklen and Jack Wilkinson-Holton. Following the disbandment of their previous band during Covid, the pair stepped away from the music scene for the next five years. Well, almost. The writing never stopped, and neither did that lingering itch to get back out there and make music. Eventually, the pair decided to reconnect, revisit the material they'd been quietly building and see if there was something worth pursuing. Turns out there was. And just like that, scuss. was born.

With the foundations in place, the search began for the right people to bring the project to life. First to join was local drummer James Le Besque, known for his work with Tooth & Eclipse Machine, and for a while the three began shaping the sound together.

But this time around, the vision was bigger. Keen to explore a different dynamic and create a broader, more expansive sound, Jack's sister Leah Wilkinson-Holton joined on keys and synths, taking the lead on vocals and adding an entirely new dimension to the project.

The final piece of the puzzle proved a little harder to find. Bassists came and went, earning the position the affectionate title of their kryptonite, but the search finally came to an end late last year when young James Burr joined the fold, completing the line-up.

Over the past year, the five-piece have been locked away writing, experimenting and finding their feet together, gradually shaping the sound and identity of scuss. What started as a handful of ideas has grown into something much bigger, with each member bringing their own influences and ideas to the table. Now, with a collection of material they're genuinely excited about and a sound that's beginning to take its own shape, the band feel they have a fresh and exciting sound for the South West. 

Blending dreamy rock, grunge and psychedelic influences, scuss. bring together hazy atmospheres and a raw, alternative edge. Drawing on the contrast between softer, immersive soundscapes and heavier, guitar-driven moments, their music is both expansive and unapologetically gritty. scuss. explore the space between the dreamy and the distorted.

Making their introduction with debut single 'Rapture', the band have already begun making waves, with the track featuring on BBC Introducing in the West. The release marks an important first step for scuss., offering a glimpse into their sound and setting the tone for what's to come.

As they continue to develop their identity and establish themselves within the Southampton music scene, scuss. are looking towards the next chapter. With their second single, 'Threshold', set for release in December, the band are building momentum and laying the foundations for what promises to be an exciting journey.