LAST HOUNDS ARE

Mikey Skelcher - Vocals

Chris Collins - Drums

Ben Taylor - Bass

James Valentine - Guitar

Tom White - Guitar

Midlands crossover crew Last Hounds mark a new chapter in their career with EP Growing Pains, out 20th June via Venn Records (Bob Vylan, High Vis, Gallows). Collecting previously released singles with the addition of new song ‘Low’, Growing Pains is the perfect combination of blistering hardcore angst and low slung nu-metal groove. All in all, ‘Low’ is the band’s statement of intent, as vocalist Mikey Skelcher reveals.

“‘Low’ is your wake up call to take back control, flip the script, and own every inch of your story. No matter how deep they bury you, once you stop giving a shit about what they think, there’s nothing they can do to stop you. This song is for anyone who’s been crushed under the weight of other people’s bullshit. Underestimated, overlooked, written off, told to “be realistic.” Fuck that!”

Over the years Last Hounds have relentlessly honed their craft with debut album ‘Burden’ (2021, Venn Records) setting the tone for their swagger fuelled punk and high-octane anthems. This modern hardcore sound that the band describe as ‘crossover’, steps into more diverse genres like hip-hop, breakbeat and nu-metal, which translates into an electrifying live show that has pulled the boys out of the back rooms of pubs to supporting NOFX at Brixton Academy last year. Skelcher sees the EP as a landmark release for Last Hounds.

“Every single song from the Growing Pains EP has challenged us. We have grown so much as a band and we have made something we will be eternally proud of. Honestly, we wouldn’t be where we are now without this body of work as it’s opened so many doors.”

Growing Pains will be the first release under the guidance of Jason Aalon Butler and DJay Brawner of TUFFMGMT. Butler, vocalist of bands Fever333 and letlive. came across the British five-piece online and instantly felt a connection.

“Last Hounds are a band that remind us of what it means to believe in your craft and in yourself while offering the game something it needs- creative and earnest music. I’m excited to be working with the band and look forward to them supporting letlive. on some of our upcoming UK/EU shows”

For a band like Last Hounds, the chance to not only support but work alongside one of their biggest influences is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Before Butler even heard the name Last Hounds, vocalist Mikey Skelcher had letlive. lyrics tattooed on his body and his knack of playing each show like his life depended on it certainly attracted a few welcome comparisons to Jason Butler and other high-profiled singers like Frank Carter and Oli Sykes. Ben Taylor, bass player, is thrilled to be joining letlive. across Europe.

“If you’ve been with Last Hounds from the start, you know how much Letlive. has shaped us as artists. Getting the chance to hit the stage with them is honestly a dream come true.”

As well as supporting letlive., Last Hounds return to Hellfest, this time on the Warzone stage sharing the line-up with another one of their influences, Baltimore hardcore band Turnstile. With festival appearances at 2000 Trees and Xtreme Fest also set for Summer, and plans for more international touring and new music for later this year, it feels Last Hounds are laying the foundations for what will be a very busy 2026.

Catch Last Hounds on tour

21st June - Hellfest Open Air, France

1st July - Berlin Privatclub, Berlin, Germany w/ letlive.

2nd July - Logo, Hamburg, Germany w/ letlive.

3rd July - Gebäude 9, Cologne, Germany w/ letlive.

10th July - Electric Ballroom, London, UK w/ letlive.

12th July - 2000 Trees Festival, UK

13th July - Electric Ballroom, London, UK w/ letlive.

26th July - Rock Olmen Festival, Belgium

2nd August - Xtreme Fest, France

30th August - Burn it Down Festival, UK

3rd October - Tundra and Lightning Festival, Norway