Random Hand Celebrate Two Decades With Chart-Topping New Album

by | Oct 13, 2023

Twenty years in, and top of their game, West Yorkshire, Keighley-bred ska punk icons Random Hand have gone from strength to strength in 2023 as they celebrate their 20th year as a band with a new, chart-topping self-titled album. Released at the end of September via Bomber Music as the band headlined their biggest sold-out London show to date for their own Handfest at The Dome in North London, which Rockshot Magazine went down to check out, the critically acclaimed album hit number #5 in the rock charts, #25 in the indie chart and #58 in the main physical release charts.

Random Hand

Random Hand (Press)
Random Hand (Press)

“Getting in the charts isn’t obviously something a DIY Ska Punk expects to achieve,” exclaims bassist Joe Tilston. “So, when I broached it with our label, the unexpected challenge was taken up with excitement and determination. After months of hard work from all involved, we managed it! After a really strong sales week in the charts, it looked for a moment that the goal was out of reach. But getting the whole scene backing the campaign in the last 36 hours was something we could not have seen coming, and it humbled us beyond words.”

Random Hand - Handfest @ The Dome

Random Hand - Handfest @ The Dome (Louise Phillips)
Random Hand - Handfest @ The Dome (Louise Phillips)

“It’s hard to believe we’re 20 years in, when it feels like we’re just getting started in so many ways,” continues Joe. “The scene feels so positive and growing in a way we had always hoped it would, back when we were starting. As long as people want us, we’ll be striving to help elevate and promote the music and people we love.”

Listen to the album here and below:

20 years ago, as the seemingly unstoppable third wave of ska punk came crashing down on the world of popular music, only to leave a misunderstood scene in its wake, Random Hand worked tirelessly on keeping the spirit of the bands that inspired them alive and kicking. Having taken a brief pause from touring to pursue solo projects after the release of 2015’s ‘Hit Reset’ album, the band have returned with aplomb.

“We pushed ourselves to breaking, then further still,” explains Joe. “We stopped to recover and then came back with a passion and energy we didn’t think possible. Random Hand have now played over 2,000 shows and we are currently curating a series of our own HandFests across the UK this year, the first in Leeds in February sold out two days in less than 45 minutes.”

Random Hand are: Robin Leitch – Vocals & Trombone, Joe Tilston – Bass, Dan Walsh – Guitar, Sean Howe – Drums

Handfest Helps Random Hand Celebrate 20 Years In The UK Ska-Punk Scene

 

Glastonbury Festival 2019 - The Park (Kalpesh Patel)

Glastonbury Festival 2025: The Park Returns With A Wild, Wondrous Lineup Of Music And Mayhem

Towering over Worthy Farm from its panoramic hillside perch, The Park is once again staking its claim as Glastonbury’s most eclectic, electrifying, and enchantingly offbeat corner. With the Festival’s latest announcement unveiling the full lineup for The Park Stage and its constellation of surrounding venues, 2025 is shaping up to be one of The Park’s most unforgettable editions yet.

The Bracknall @ Roundhouse (Kalpesh Patel)

The Bracknall Open For The K’s At London’s Roundhouse For A Triumphant Britpop Revival

In a night charged with anticipation and indie rock fervour, London’s Roundhouse venue  played host to a blistering set from The K’s — but it was Essex alt-rock outfit The Bracknall who first lit the fuse. Opening for one of the UK’s fastest-rising live acts is no easy feat, especially at a venue as revered as Camden’s Roundhouse, but The Bracknall delivered a commanding, confident performance that firmly positioned them as serious contenders in Britain’s new wave of guitar bands.

The K's @ Roundhouse (Kalpesh Patel)

As The Lights Go Down, The K’s Got A Feeling At The Roundhouse

One of the most exciting breakout bands of the last 12 months, The K’s took to the stage at London’s Roundhouse to incredible warmth and adoration from the boisterous crowd. With their second studio album arriving in June, the group are not resting on their laurels and aiming for the top, playing the biggest venues of their career and taking nothing for granted.

Josh Freese with The Churnups (Foo Fighters) @ Glastonbury Festival 2023 (Kalpesh Patel)

Josh Freese Exits Foo Fighters: A Sudden Shift For Dave Grohl’s Men

In a move that has sent ripples through the rock community, Josh Freese—one of the most sought-after drummers in...
Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice @ Brixton Academy (Kalpesh Patel)

Wolf Alice Announce Fourth Album ‘The Clearing’ With Raucous New Single ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ And Global Tour

British alt-rock powerhouse Wolf Alice are back, and louder than ever. The Mercury Prize-winning quartet have officially announced their highly anticipated fourth studio album and major label debut, The Clearing, set for release on 29th August via RCA Records. The announcement is accompanied by a thrilling new single, Bloom Baby Bloom, which offers a raucous, radiant glimpse into what fans can expect from the band’s next chapter.

Courtney Hadwin (Orlando Avalon)

Courtney Hadwin Unleashes New Single ‘D.N.A.’ And Announces Debut Album ‘Little Miss Jagged’

Courtney Hadwin’s journey from teenage viral phenom to bold, genre-defying artist takes a huge leap forward as she...
Dido (Press)

Dido Marks 25 Years Of ‘No Angel’ With Deluxe Anniversary Vinyl

More than two decades after its quiet release, Dido’s No Angel stands tall as one of the most defining albums in UK...
Ellis J Barraclough (Press)

Ellis J Barraclough Steps Into The Spotlight With New Single ‘Blasphemy’ And Live Band Debut

At just 19 years old, Ellis J Barraclough is emerging as a compelling new voice in the UK’s indie-pop landscape —...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing