Manchester’s musical heritage is a heavy mantle to carry, but Lucigenic wear it with a shimmering, hypnotic grace. Their latest offering, ‘Shine On’, set for release on the 2nd January 2026, acts as a radiant gateway into the new year. Taken from their ten-track debut LP, ‘Silence Counts for Nothing’, the single is a captivating wash of atmospheric alternative rock, blending the grit of the Rainy City with a transcendental, trippy warmth.
The track is anchored by a persistent, chugging guitar progression that feels like a heartbeat. It’s this steady pulse that gave birth to the song’s mood and expressive nature; a poignant meditation on the figures we lose and the love that lingers. Exploring the arduous trek through grief toward resilience, the song serves as a sonic lighthouse, encouraging you to "Shine On through the darkness." There is a distinct 70s psychedelic flavour baked into the arrangements; the keys swirl like incense smoke, while the percussion provides a muscular, unwavering foundation.
The pedigree behind the sound is undeniable. Fronted by Lucy Davies, whose passionate vocal delivery anchors the track’s emotional weight, the band features Gary Wyatt on guitars and keys. The rhythm section is equally formidable, boasting the legendary Simon Wolstencroft (The Fall, Ian Brown) on drums and the versatile Thomas ‘Twem’ Twemlow on bass and lead guitar. Recorded at Manchester’s Hope Mill Studios, the production manages to feel both intimate and expansive, channelling the spirit of influences like The Chameleons and Mazzy Star while carving out a niche that is entirely their own.
Accompanying the single is a visual treat that blends grit with whimsy, splicing high-energy live footage from their album launch with surreal, cartoonish backgrounds. It’s a fitting metaphor for a band that balances raw post-punk energy with dream-pop sensibilities.
If you want to hold a piece of this magic, Rough Trade Records is stocking a stunning limited edition clear glass vinyl of the parent album, though with only 200 copies, they won’t linger. As 2026 kicks off, the band is hitting the road hard, including a high-profile spot at Tim Burgess’s Merch Market at London’s Troxy on 11 January and a summer date at the iconic Tim Peaks Diner stage at Kendal Calling.
For more details, join Lucigenic now on Instagram and Facebook.
