Manchester has always had a way of producing bands that shake the foundations of rock ‘n’ roll. From the swagger of Oasis to the ballads of Verve and anthems of The Stone Roses, the city breathes music like no other. And now, Rolla is carrying that legacy forward—not as imitators, but as torchbearers of a new era.
From the moment they hit the scene, it was clear that Rolla weren’t just another just another indie band trying to make a name for themselves. There was something raw in their sound, something urgent in their delivery. A mix of grit and melody, chaos and control, their music felt like a late-night gig in a packed-out pub—sweaty, electric, and unforgettable.
In just a couple of years, the 5 piece were hand picked by Kasabian to open their arena shows and have since gone on to play festivals such as Truck and Neighbourhood Weekender, before they played at the iconic Salford Lads Club last year, raising vital money in the process. They are set to step up again in 2025 with plans including prestigious support slots with Pastel and festival dates at The Godney Gathering and Truck.
But before that it’s the release of their new EP, We Owe You Nothing, the first Rolla release that is being released physically. The EP features two previously released tracks and two unreleased tracks, one of which, Beautiful Lie will be released ahead of the EP’s release.
Here is the ThisIsTheMusic track by track preview.
We Owe You Nothing is a track that embodies the raw no-nonsense sound of British Rock ‘n’ Roll. It comes roaring out of the blocks thanks to its thunderous guitars, driving rhythms, and a defiant attitude, the song feels like a battle cry for a generation refusing to be held back. There’s an unmistakable swagger to this track, like early Oasis or Kasabian, and that anthemic chorus is one that is always sung back word for word.
It Ain’t Easy drips with attitude, grit, and a relentless energy that demands attention. Packed with soaring guitars, pounding drums, and anthemic vocals, the song perfectly encapsulates the raw, no-nonsense spirit and confidence that has defined the band’s rise. It has a timeless British rock ‘n’ roll sound, whilst sounding fresh and exciting. The driving rhythm and dynamic shifts keep the momentum rolling and builds towards the anthemtic chorus, that has been sung back to the band. Lyrically, the track speaks to the struggles of perseverance and the challenges of pushing forward—something that will resonate with many.
The melancholic strum of acoustic guitars immediately sets Beautiful Lie apart within ROLLA’s sonic soundscape. The track has a real vulnerability about it, which is echoed in the vocals, which lyrically the ache of loneliness and the struggle for direction in life’s relentless push forward. Yet as Beautiful Lie builds, its soaring hook turns heartache into something uplifting and those Verve comparisons come bubbling to the fore.
“Beautiful Lie is probably the most professional and mature song we’ve ever written. Every part of it, from the structure, to the melodies and the weight of the lyrics, it feels intentional. It’s got that anthemic, hands in the air energy that was made for festival crowds, one of those songs that doesn’t just sit in the background, but takes over the space it’s in. It’s a huge contrast to the heavier tracks on the EP, but in its own way, it’s just as powerful, built for big moments, big stages, and big crowds.”
James Gilmore on Beautiful Lies
The Slide opens in a flurry of backwards guitars and background fuzz, before merging, into an epic anthem soaring riffs, and a swagger not seen since Oasis. The track feels like a journey, shifting between moments of ethereal beauty and raw, explosive energy, which really comes to the fore in the stunning outro Verve comparison’s return, thanks
Rolla doesn’t just play rock music; they embody it. The passion in the delivery, the tight musicianship, and the undeniable presence of the EP all point to a band that are on a mission. With the release of We Owe You Nothing Rolla have managed to capture both grand, stadium-ready moments and intimate, soul-searching reflections, and show why they are ready to blast their way to the top of the indie scene and show why they aren’t just another indie band.
We Owe You Nothing EP is released on Friday 7th March and is available to pre-order on vinyl with Beautiful Lie released on Thursday 6th March.
Gigs
March
7th – Birmingham, Mama Roux’s (main support to Pastel)
8th – London, Tufnell Park Dome (main support to Pastel)
15th – Manchester, hmv (in-store)
29th – Sheffield, The Indie Showcase
May
3rd New Century Hall Manchester
June
14th – Scunthorpe, Westview Live (HEADLINERS)
JULY
19th – Somerset, The Godney Gathering
24th-27th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival
Rolla Socials
ThisIsTheMusic 
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