South Wales has long been a breeding ground for sonic alchemy, but few acts are currently blending the ethereal with the gritty quite like Waterpistol. Following a stellar run of form, the six-piece psych-rockers have officially ushered in their 2026 account with the release of their latest single, ‘Felin’.
Freshly backed by the prestigious BBC Horizons 2026 Launchpad Fund—a collaborative nod of approval from BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council Wales—the band is stepping into the spotlight with newfound momentum. If their previous offerings were about testing the waters, ‘Felin’ is a deep dive into a pool of shimmering reverb and vintage swagger.
Musically, Waterpistol occupy that sweet spot between the feedback-drenched textures of ‘90s shoegaze and the timeless, jangling melodies of golden-age rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a cocktail that draws heavily from the kaleidoscopic world of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, the crystalline pop sensibilities of The La’s, and the cult-classic songwriting of Liverpool legends Shack.
The band’s trajectory since forming in late 2022 has been nothing short of a whirlwind. From a debut show supporting CVC in a packed-out hometown venue to conquering the UK festival circuit—including standout sets at Green Man, FOCUS Wales, and Sŵn—they’ve quickly transitioned from "ones to watch" to a vital fixture of the Welsh scene.
'Felin' is not merely a captivating dance track; it delves into the inner workings of the artist's mind. The single explores the tumultuous nature of the creative process, capturing both the euphoric breakthroughs and the frustrating plateaus that haunt every songwriter.
The band notes that this release serves as the opening chapter of a much larger narrative, with ‘Felin’ offering “the first glimpse of a wider collection of material already taking shape behind the scenes.”
Having already secured airplay on BBC 6 Music and earned a spot on DIY Magazine’s coveted playlists with previous tracks like “Où est ton âme?”, the bar was set high. With ‘Felin’, Waterpistol haven't just cleared that bar; they’ve raised it, proving that their brand of psych-infused rock is exactly what 2026 needs.
You can stream the new single above, and for more, be sure to follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
