In collaboration with
- Words Liam Cattermole
- Photographer Joslyn Whiteman
- Photography Assistant Matt Howes
- Photography Assistant Fredi Mecaj
- Creative Production Studio Notion
- Production Assistant Shakira J’Bair
Ahead of Latitude festival, Asha Lorenz and Louis O’Bryen of Sorry talk their early festival memories, recent single releases and what to expect from their rather "naughty" rock shows.
Sorry’s back-catalogue is perhaps best summed up on the single ‘Cigarette Packet’. Equal parts listless and visceral, the menacing synths and groove-laden basslines are impossible to ignore, like the stench of stale lager spilt onto pub carpets. Lead singer Asha Lorenz narrates tales of London-dwellings and the existentialism that comes at the end of the night, once the vices run out and the morning light creeps in from behind the curtains: “I could feel the world end with the end with the cigarette packet.”
Originally called Fish, Sorry’s break came when they played the original Slow Dance event: the zine-cum-record label-cum-collective that spotlighted fellow oddball bands like Black Midi before mainstream attention. Eventually, their relatable stories of late-teen despondency piqued the interest of Domino Records, where they’ve been ever since, releasing a string of skittering singles and two brazen albums that have entrenched them firmly in Britain’s indie milieu.
Their latest single, ‘Jetplane’, is one of the five piece’s most frenetic: the drums rumble alluringly, Asha howls and shrieks a batshit story and the saxophone adds to the fidgety tension. It’s impossible to sit still while listening, which is probably why it went down so well while the band were on the road with Dublin rockers Fontaines D.C. last year.
Having just finished a UK tour of their own, which took them around iconic venues like Brudenell Social Club in Leeds and Camden’s Electric Ballroom, Sorry will be heading up to Suffolk to play Latitude Festival. Here, lead singer Asha Lorenz and guitarist Louis O’Bryen talk their early festival memories, their recent single releases and where they want to take their music next.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?
I can’t remember the exact date. It’s a love-hate relationship depending on the song.
Outside of music, where do you draw influence from?
Swimming gives me visions. Books and movies, and things people say to me.
How has the festival season been for you so far?
I haven’t gone to a festival yet, and to be honest, they can go either way.
What’s your earliest festival memory?
Pingers in the park, but it felt like a festival.
What can people expect from your Latitude set?
People can expect a naughty rock show that will get them turnt. It will probably be the best thing they see there.
Who are your inspirations when it comes to live performance?
I saw CocoRosie once at Latitude, it was badass.
Who are you most excited to see at Latitude this year and what song are you looking forward to them performing?
Probably Air and ‘Sexy Boy’.
What’s your ideal festival experience?
Ideal festival experience? Good pingers, naughty friends and some naughty bass drops.
What do you hope the audience takes away from your festival set?
A crumble of emotions.
What’s next for you?
Glastonbury, Pyramid Stage.