A band containing Macclesfield talent have released their first new song of 2022.

Manchester five-piece Sea Fever, which contains Macclesfield guitarist Phil Cunningham, released Beleaguered Land on Wednesday June 17.

It is the first brand new tune from Sea Fever since their 2021 album Folding Lines.

Sea Fever vocalist and guitarist Iwan Gronow told Macclesfield Nub News how the new track came about.

Iwan Gronow (left) and the artwork for Sea Fever's new single. 'Beleaguered Land'is three and a half-minutes long, and can be listened to by clicking the play button at the top of this article. (Image - Sea Fever / Iwan Gronow by Anthony Harrison / @AHphotos1986)

"It is about escapism," said Iwan.

"Beleaguered Land was meant to go on our debut album Folding Lines. But we decided to not do an 11-track album and just hold it back as a single.

"The timing of it [the release] works pretty well as it drops at the time of our upcoming gigs as well [including Manchester on June 18].

"It's about growing up somewhere where you feel like you need to move on or go somewhere different to do what you need to do.

Sea Fever are from left to right: Phil Cunningham, Iwan Gronow, Tom Chapman, Beth Cassidy, and Elliot Barlow. (Image - Sea Fever by Anthony Harrison / @AHphotos1986)

"We have a lot of dance and a lot of indie tracks, and this fits more in the indie side really.

"It is definitely close to Built to Last [Track 4 from Folding Lines].

"It is a no-nonsense indie track with Tom's [Chapman] driving bass and Phil's [Cunningham] guitar gives it a sort-of melodic edge.

"We worked really hard when to make sure there was melodies on it, but it wasn't getting too cluttered.

Ex-Henbury High pupil Phil Cunningham shines on the track with his guitar work. You may know Phil from his work with New Order. (Image - (Image - Phil Cunningham of Sea Fever by Anthony Harrison / @AHphotos1986)

"We recorded three tracks in Brittany, [Western France] and this was one of them.

"It was nice to be in a different place to record, and was a worthwhile journey."

Iwan, has known Sutton-raised guitarist Phil Cunningham for over 22 years.

They met via the late music manager Joe Moss, who managed Iwan's old band Haven as well as Phil's former Macclesfield Britpop band Marion.

Phil and Iwan in Brittany. (Image - Sea Fever Twitter / @SeaFeverBand)

"Phil is the King of Macc," said Ivan.

"He is really fun to work with. I used to go over to Macc quite a bit."

Sea Fever have already written their next album, but it is looking more likely for a 2023 release. So the release of Beleaguered Land will tide fans over.

You can listen to Beleaguered Land at the top of this article, or on Spotify or Apple Music.

Iwan can be followed on Twitter, where his band have an account as well.

The band will play Macclesfield's Bluedot Festival this July.

See Also: Phil Cunningham recalls his early days playing gigs in Macclesfield

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