Heavy Alternative Quartet Spectral Unveil ‘Saints of Excess'
UK based quartet Spectral offer a haunting yet highly compelling offering of catchy hooks lending from the realms of pop and alt rock, enticing electronics, fierce guitars all fueled with alluring emotion from Clark Kelly's powerful vocals. Working with JJ Catalyst (Mothica, Hollywood Undead, The Rose, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) and Ruairi O’Flaherty (Lana Del Rey, Paramore, Kendrick Lamar, Pale Waves), Spectral conjure a thrilling combination of riffs and pop sensibilities. The band are preparing to unveil their debut EP, 12:12 on the 12th of September 2025. 'Saints of Excess', the first single, provides a tantalizing taste of what awaits.
Vocalist and lyricist Clark Kelly comments on the first single: "Saints of Excess revels in a lush undertow of gothic decadence. These are haunting confessions of vulnerability that we all experience with the hedonism of love".
The intriguing and sensual mood of 'Saints of Excess' is enhanced through the subtle details found in the song's instrumental arrangements. "There's not a huge number of parts in this track, so what I tried to do was find ways for the instruments to do slightly different things", Fletch explains. "[F]or example in the chorus the clean guitar is just playing a few notes of melody, in the latter part of song it develops into some syncopated fifths and then the build-up sees a quicker tremolo strumming pattern. I think this helps balance the underlying melancholy feel of the track but still allows for a bit energy to come through!"
The interplay between the quartet's ethereal elements and grounded rock aspects are also a delicate balance. "One of the unusual decisions I took was to write the rhythm guitar last so that this could be more of the 'icing on the cake', rather than being in its more traditional main role. Particularly later in the track the rawness really contrasted nicely with the strings and haunting vocals, and I feel it makes for a more interesting texture then had I done it the other way around!"
About Spectral:
Hailing from the deep dark heart of Northern England. Spectral’s blend of spooky alt-rock fueled by dirty guitars, chunky beats and emotional vulnerability will leave your soul craving more. The Spectral coven is composed of Fletch (Keys, samples and guitars), Clark Kelly (Vocals), Matt Blore (Drums, Percussion and samples) and Luke Fitzpatrick (Bass).
Line-Up:
Clark Kelly (Vocals)
Fletch (Keys, samples and guitars)
Matt Blore (Drums, Percussion and samples)
Luke Fitzpatrick (Bass)
Links:
Website: https://this-is-spectral.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_is_spectral
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@this-is-spectral
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@this_is_spectral
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@this_is_spectral
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/this.is.spectral
Credits:
Composed and performed by: Spectral
Vocals Recorded at Yellow Arch Studios by Chester Heath-Cook
Produced & Mixed by JJ Catalyst
Mix Assistant: Andrew Castillo
Mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty at Nomograph Mastering
Artwork by Michael Cowell
Photos by Tom Lloyd Photography
12:12 Track List:
1. Kali
2. 12:12
3. Saints of Excess
4. Sacrifice
5. Falling