Gustaffson have released new single Underground, the third and final offering before their highly anticipated debut album Black & White Movie, out Friday 21st March 2025. Underground embraces the untold, everyday stories of the people travelling on London’s Underground. Gustaffson lead singer & lyricist Andrew Gower implores listeners to open their eyes to the magical tales of London life.
Gustaffson
Uninhibited by the pressure to create sub-three-minute fodder for algorithms, Gustaffson have forged a track infused with ’60s psychedelia, a sweeping six-minute journey, exploring the dark, claustrophobic corners of the commute, yet finding its way to an optimistic celebration of shared humanity, the elegiac choral backing vocals bringing the song to an uplifting climactic end.
Speaking on the track, Gower says: “In the studio we referenced epic drawn out songs like ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Stones. Whilst grounded in truth and the world’s harsh realities, there’s crucially a collective journey to joy. I was determined to tell a story with real characters and open a gateway into their complex lives.”
Underground encapsulates the spirit of the band’s forthcoming debut album, the title of which—Black & White Movie—is lifted from the song’s lyrics.
The single release is accompanied by a music video directed by BAFTA nominated Metin Huseyin (Outlander). Shot on location on London’s famous Underground, the video stars three-time Olivier-award winning actress Sharon D. Clarke (Doctor Who), Matthew McNulty (The Terror), Kiran Sonia Sawar (Black Mirror) and Waj Ali (Carnival Row). We follow them as they play four beautifully flawed protagonists: Sister Mary, Brother John, Daughter Jane & Doctor Mo.
“I love this song,” Huseyin says. “When Andrew asked me to be involved, and I heard the song for the first time, I was blown away and have continued to be with each subsequent listen. It’s rare things that elevate us and this is a rare thing; raising the spirits and warming one’s cold extremities both physically and emotionally.”
Underground is the third single from Black & White Movie, following on from the soulful On Broadway and the haunting Flowers, featuring Emmy-winning composer Bear McCreary (Outlander, Walking Dead). The album, out on Friday 21st March 2025, was produced by Elbow’s Craig Potter and features a cameo from legendary actor Sir Ben Kingsley.
Liverpool-born singer and songwriter Andrew Gower formed Gustaffson in 2020 with lifelong friend and guitarist James ‘Webbo’ Webster. Though he has been writing music since the age of 15, Gower is best known for his acting roles in acclaimed TV shows such as Black Mirror, Outlander, and Carnival Row.
The formation of Gustaffson was serendipitous. While on a film set, Gower met Elbow musician and producer Craig Potter, sparking a musical collaboration. Gustaffson recorded their debut EP, The Jacaranda, at Blueprint Studios in Manchester with new band members David Gleave (bass) and Graham Bennett (drums). The EP was played across national BBC Radio stations and was named Record of the Week on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour (BBC Radio 6).
Black & White Movie tells extraordinary tales of ordinary lives. With 13 tracks that serve as individual cinematic experiences, Andrew Gower’s poignant lyrics, honed over 15 years as an actor, shine light & dark on the duality of human existence. Seamlessly blending the iconic sounds of both music and film worlds, this album invites listeners on a journey where every track is a movie in its own right. Gustaffson are excited to present this original vintage record in a modern algorithmic world.
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