The wait is finally over. The Reytons, one of Yorkshire’s finest, they are back. And with an absolute banger of an album. A Love Letter To A Broken Town (2026) has landed as the South Yorkshire outfit’s fourth album just over 2 years since their previous. One thing The Reytons have always done is show how proud they are of where they’re from and the influence it has played on their music. So this love letter of an album is to their hometown Rotherham which has featured in so many ways whether its music videos, artwork or of course, their lyrics – “Clifton Park was Disneyland.”
This album is a celebration and tribute of their roots as working-class lads, highlighting community and resilience in overshadowed places. Not only can you expect their grit and aggression but also heartfelt story telling. It’s very easy to see how the band have matured with this album whilst also maintaining their roots to deliver a new side to The Reytons but still being the northern powerhouses they’re known for.
The album kicks off with the first single ‘Jukebox.’ The track is guided by a consistent simplistic guitar riff which is unforgettable and very heavy basslines from Lee Holland. Jonny Yerrell’s early influences bleed through as he spits out the story of a peculiar character entering a classic pub scene you could see anywhere in the country showing their relatability factor. What I love about the lyrics is the repeating theme of the desired “quid” the character needs to play all his songs on the jukebox which really brings the story to life.
Following on and leaning into their more emotional nature was ‘Wish You Were There.’ This track was a huge highlight on the album for me with bouncing rhythms and gliding guitars from Joe O’Brien. The evocation of the memories of a previous special someone is compounded by the guitars and intense bridge build up before the final explosive chorus and long held vocal notes from Yerrell. Something I always love about The Reytons is their references to their local areas. Mexborough, Greasbrough and now moving further afield over to Denton with ‘Denton Rock.’ This track also sheds light on a special someone and the ups and downs but overshadowed by the upbeat melodies and pitches to make for a very danceable number.
‘Busker’s Paradise’ is the gorgeous second single from the album, I feel this is the album’s new ‘Shoebox.’ This track really exposes urban decay in local areas and the social realism behind every day scenes becoming all too common. Despite deeply moving guitar riffs and fragile vocals, the track focuses on a positive trajectory. Whilst touching on economic struggle and decline, the track looks to capture community endurance and resilience.
‘241’ is the one. Classic Reytons swagger and power. Simple everyday references like “rizla”, the Caribou cup and of course the 2 for 1 deals. This is everything you know and love about the band with storming choruses and glaring attitudes. What a tune. Who doesn’t love the wordplay of ‘Penny Pincher’, rhyming mardy with Bacardi come on. Another track featuring hefty choruses and cascading guitars laying the track’s foundation. The rolling drums from Jamie Todd on the bridge really inspires the intensity that will rile up any crowd in a live setting. This is one I hope to see featured on their upcoming UK tour.
‘Broken Promise Of A Lullaby’ shows the bands dynamism as they return to a more tender approach after two screamer tracks. Hope transpires from the speaker listening to this one with subtle guitar solos and Holland’s soft bass build ups. The title feels contrary to the themes of the song as the track nods its head to patience and togetherness. The final single from the album came in the form of ‘Best Night Of His Life.’ Whilst some have their criticisms of swearing in songs, I felt all the swear words were well placed in this track to add to the in-your-face energy. The back and forth between the backing and fronting vocals in the choruses built up the chaos of the track nestled amongst the huge walls of sound.
‘Wicker Arches’ provides more shout outs to the band’s local area and serves as what will be a beautiful singalong anthem. The band massively mellowed themselves out on this one detailing out the story of a couple from very different lives. Once again, capturing the relatable factor as this could be how many fans were brought together. I can’t wait to see everyone swaying along to this one in the crowds. ‘Hello How Are You Today?’ was the third single released from the album and another standout track for me. I particularly loved the Kendal Calling reference as I was there at their most recent appearance at the festival. This was a very short and sweet track with wonderful vocal rhythms in the choruses and more expert O’Brien cascading guitars.
‘Charlie Chalk’ was very much before my time and made for a track that really sparked my curiosity. Upon research, Charlie Chalk was another quintessential part of The Reytons story telling as a reference to their upbringing. A 1980s character acting as a beacon to their childhoods and tying into their growth within a northern working-class town. You can’t have a Reytons album without an absolutely outrageous track. ‘Get The Badge In’ does just that. Reading this title when the tracklist came out made me laugh and pretty excited to see what on earth they would come up with. And it must be said, it’s a very catchy number. A groovy Todd drumline and echoing choruses takes the absolute piss out of the self-proclaimed hardmen and their Stone Island clobber. I loved the abrupt ending where Yerrell just says go fuck yourself with a subtle laugh.
This was a brilliant anthemic album showing The Reytons’ dynamism, their growth and maturity whilst respecting their roots. More clever storytelling captures everyone’s imagination with the swaggering attitude they keep up to the max. Once again, this is another independent release, showing how well they can do without any major backing. No label. No backing. All Reytons.
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