Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals are having a moment. Fresh from being named a BBC Introducing One To Watch for 2025, the Cornish collective have released their shimmering new EP Witching Hour, a sun-drenched blend of Californian cool and modern pop that’s earning them comparisons to Stevie Nicks and HAIM.

Their London show at Lafayette even drew Dua Lipa to the crowd, a fitting nod to a band whose star continues to rise. The title track and focus single, “Witching Hour,” captures the bittersweet pull of teenage longing — that mix of magic, jealousy and heartbreak that defines youth.

“‘Witching Hour’ is about that teenage ache of wanting someone you can’t have and being jealous of the girl who does,” Bailey explains. “It’s that mix of longing and magic, when love feels impossible but you can’t help falling anyway.”

Across its four songs — “Supermoon,” “Moonshine,” “Witching Hour,” and “Chrysalis” — the EP channels full-hearted emotion into widescreen pop-rock, somewhere between Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Fender. It’s an evolution of sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh, balancing melancholy ‘70s country-rock with bright, melodic ‘80s pop tones.

“This EP captures us at full stride,” Bailey adds. “It’s about growing up — first loves, heartbreak, jealousy, hope — all those moments that change you. It mirrors our own journey too; making this music feels like shedding old skin and stepping into something new.”

All four songs were written by Bailey Tomkinson, with “Chrysalis” co-written by Ian Barter (Dermot Kennedy, Amy Winehouse) and “Moonshine” co-written with the band’s guitarist — and now husband — Jordan Lee Collins. Production comes courtesy of Josiah Manning (Seth Lakeman).

The release follows a whirlwind summer of festival appearances, including standout sets at Boardmasters, Kernowfornia, and The Great Escape, plus support slots with Keane and Simple Minds. The band — completed by Tadhg Cullen (bass), Callum Masters (drums), and Daniel Woodfield (saxophone) — launched the Witching Hour EP earlier this week with a sold-out show at The Waiting Room in London.

Beyond the music, Bailey has also become a voice for environmental activism, working with Music Declares Emergency’s No Music on a Dead Planet campaign. Her effortlessly boho aesthetic has made her a favourite of brands like Wrangler, Free People, and Levi’s — a fitting reflection of her free-spirited, authentic artistry.

Witching Hour is out now on all streaming platforms, a spellbinding snapshot of a band stepping confidently into their next chapter.

Read our previous interview with them here.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.