The Samurai Seven continue their unexpected comeback with the release of new single ¡Dios Mío!, their second new recording in more than 20 years, following September’s Make It Real EP. The track arrives as the Oxford indie favourites begin a run of UK dates supporting The Boo Radleys, with the tour opening in Manchester.
The Samurai Seven
A rush of infectious harmonies, sugar-sweet melodies and punk-fuelled urgency, ¡Dios Mío! captures the distinctive pop sensibility that first brought The Samurai Seven to wider attention in the late 1990s. Its sound draws on the harmony-rich approach of The Beatles, pairing melodic exuberance with a sharper, more confrontational edge.
The title translates from Spanish as ‘My God’, but the song takes a playful approach to its central refrain, ‘Each time you diss me, you diss yourself’. Beneath its bright, propulsive arrangement is a pointed response to dishonesty and boorish behaviour, particularly the kind of workplace posturing that can spill from the office into the Christmas party and onto professional social media.
Vocalist and guitarist Simon Williams, who wrote the track, explains: “Lyrically, the song calls out boorish male behaviour in the workplace, whether in the office, at the Christmas party, or disingenuous peacocking on Linkedin. The hook in the chorus is a respectful nod to Dr Dre; king of the diss track”.
The single was recorded by the current four-piece line-up of Simon Williams (vocals and guitar), his brother Matt Williams (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jimmy Martin (bass and vocals) and Chris Hayward (drums). Sessions took place at Runway Studios with producer Hugo Nicolson, whose previous credits include Primal Scream, Radiohead and Björk. The recording was then mixed by Stuart Jones at Woodworm Studios, with mastering completed by Tim Turan.
For a band whose original trajectory was cut short just as their reputation was gathering momentum, the new material represents a remarkable second chapter. Emerging from Oxford, The Samurai Seven became one of the most talked-about names on the late-1990s indie circuit. They made an impression at Oxford Sound City in 1997, recorded five John Peel Sessions and attracted support from broadcaster Steve Lamacq. Their early releases also appeared on influential independent labels Fierce Panda and Shifty Disco.
That promising run came to an abrupt halt on Valentine’s Day in 1999, when Simon Williams was shot in a drive-by incident after leaving a pub in his hometown. The circumstances of the attack remain unexplained. Although his sight was saved thanks to the skill and dedication of the NHS, his lengthy recovery forced the band into an extended absence, costing them much of the momentum they had built. Their debut album, Le Sport, eventually arrived in 2002, but by then the opportunity that had seemed within reach had passed.
The four members remained friends over the years, but a reunion seemed unlikely until 2024. Jimmy Martin suggested getting together for a one-off rehearsal to celebrate his birthday, while Matt Williams’ recovery from a serious illness prompted the group to reconsider what opportunities they might still have to play together. What began as a single session gradually developed into regular rehearsals, renewed interest from fans and offers of live performances.
The release of the Make It Real EP in September marked their first new music in more than two decades. With ¡Dios Mío! following so quickly, The Samurai Seven are now building on that return rather than simply revisiting their past. Their forthcoming Oxford headline show at The Bullingdon on 19 November will provide a chance for the band to celebrate their comeback on home ground, following the dates with The Boo Radleys.
Upcoming UK Live Dates:
NOVEMBER – with The Boo Radleys
6th – Manchester, Night & Day
7th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
8th – Glasgow, Stereo
13th – Lewes, Con Club
15th – London, Oslo
NOVEMBER
19th – Oxford, The Bullingdon
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