Manchester has never been short of bands who understand melody — but few do it with the quiet assurance of Ventrelles. Fronted by songwriter Phil Knox, the quartet (Connor Long – Guitar Paul Mawhinney – Bass and G-Lo Knott – Drums) have carved a niche in the city’s psych-pop underground since 2018, earning a reputation for their shimmering soundscapes, soulful basslines, and no-nonsense attitude. Their music nods to Manchester’s storied past yet feels refreshingly modern — more dream than drizzle. Now, with their first release on 42’s Records and their debut appearance on vinyl, Ventrelles are ready to step out from the shadows with Emily’s Song (released 31st October).
And what an introduction it is. Emily’s Song glows with the same bittersweet rush that made The Cure’s Inbetween Days so timeless — bright, chiming guitars, wrapped around an undercurrent of belonging and a propulsive rhythm that feels both joyful and nostalgic. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to move, even as something deeper lingers just beneath the surface.
A short but stunning burst of melodic energy, it’s built on a dream-soaked foundation that recalls The Pale Fountains’ warmth and Echo & The Bunnymen’s atmosphere, while glinting with the cool, textural edges of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Yet for all those influences, it’s unmistakably Ventrelles — open, warm, and carried by the purest of hooks.
The guitars glisten in soft focus, washed in chorus and reverb; the bassline moves with almost Motown-like glide, and Knox’s vocal sits gently above it all — part yearning, part contentment. Beneath the breezy exterior lies a quiet melancholy, that familiar Mancunian trick of turning heartbreak into something uplifting. It’s music that feels instantly nostalgic, like remembering a summer you never quite lived.
Frontman Phil Knox calls it “three minutes twenty-eight seconds of pure unapologetic melodic charm,” and he’s spot on. Bassist Winny describes it as “a song that was just waiting for us in the room,” and you can hear that spark in every bar — the sense of a melody arriving fully formed, as if pulled from the ether. It’s instinctive, unforced, and perfectly weighted.
Guitarist Connor Long puts it more explosively: “Put lightning in a bottle, shake it up, and spray it over the winning team.” That’s exactly the spirit of Emily’s Song — euphoric, immediate, and joyfully alive.
Signing to 42’s Records feels symbolic too — a Manchester institution backing one of the city’s most melodically gifted guitar bands.
For Ventrelles, this isn’t just another single — it’s a statement of intent.
With a debut album now on the horizon, Emily’s Song feels less like a one-off single and more like the opening credits to something much bigger. Ventrelles have captured that rare blend of Manchester melody and modern psych-pop shimmer, delivering a track that feels both familiar and fresh.
Emily’s Song is a radiant burst of Mancunian melody – it’s the sound of a band in full stride, and a utterly timeless single that deserves to echo far beyond their hometown.
Emily’s Song is released on Friday 31st October and is available for pre-order here.
Gigs
Sunday 2nd November Wax and Beans (Stripped Back – Single Launch show)
Saturday 15th November Hope and Anchor, Islington (with support from The Institutes and The Resolve)
Sunday 23rd November Yes, Manchester (supporting Marseille)
Ventrelles Socials
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