The four-piece pop-punk band Ninebanks, hailing from Sunderland, stays true to its roots while claiming its own individual voice. Formed by Callum Cowie (guitar), Lewis Foster (guitar), Jack Woods (vocals), and Jordan Dagg (drums), the group carries the energy and sincerity they bring to the stage directly into their songs.
Their latest single, “Safety & Skeletons”, released in August 2024, represents the most mature side of Ninebanks to date. Recorded with the production of Johnny Rob (Deptford Sounds), the track feels like a melancholic yet mesmerizing emo anthem—telling the story of battling depression and the cost of looking at the world again with courage.
Vocalist Jack Woods explains the song’s origin with these words:
“The song was inspired by the anxiety and fears during the pandemic, and the mental health struggles that many people inevitably fell into. Unlike some of our other fun tracks, this one deals with a much more serious subject. But I think it marks an important step forward for us in both songwriting and production, and it reflects the band’s growth.”
“Safety & Skeletons” proves that Ninebanks’ music isn’t only about stage energy; this time, the songs carry inner fractures, silent screams, and the courage to rise again.
Upcoming Shows
For those who want to witness this new era of Ninebanks live, here are the dates:
- Oct 18 — Sunderland, Independent (with Kerrangd)
- Dec 6 — Newcastle, Digital (with Kerrangd)
Next Step: What Daisy Did
The band is currently awaiting the mixing phase of their new single “What Daisy Did.” Set to be released before the end of the year, this track seems poised to add another layer to Ninebanks’ maturing narrative.
Final Word
Ninebanks is keeping pop-punk’s spirited vein alive while stepping into a more introspective and courageous path in their songwriting. “Safety & Skeletons” is not just a song—it’s an anthem of facing the dark and still holding on to life. Rising from Sunderland, their sound proves that pop-punk can still touch both hearts and wounds.
