Single Review: Cross Wires - Preachers

 

There's this guy I know called George*; we all know a George. He's the kind of guy who spends plenty of time on the internet confirming his own prejudices with like-minded bigots and misogynists, claiming literally everything is "Utter Woke Nonsense". George claims that the Covid pandemic was caused by our Lizard overlords tracking us by the installation of 5G masts and that Chemtrails are making us lose our tiny little minds. He reckons that fluoride in water is responsible for the rise of the Trans community. 

George is also a BLOODY PATRIOT and would like to go for a pint with Nigel Farage in the Pig & Blanket. He spent a Tuesday evening in September driving around an industrial estate attaching Union Jack flags to lampposts and singing Rule Britannia completely out of key. George claims he was named after the Patron saint of England, but really his Mum fancied renowned Ladies-man George Michael in 1984. He thinks that a British equivalent of ICE is long overdue and would call it SNOW, because snow is WHITE MATE and it's linked to ice, so yeah. George is always pinging up on Face Watch. 

* Not his actual name, it's probably Terry.

Cross Wires are from Romford in Essex and you can rest assured they know a George or two. We've been a fan of Cross Wires since the early days of this blog and a few years back I did a lovely video interview with front man Jono Chapman, which you can see above. We both look significantly younger and healthier than we do now. 

The band spent 2025 recording their forthcoming third album Under The Watchful Eye of Another Man's God with producer Rory Attwell.  The first taste of the new album is blinding new single 'Preachers', which sees Chapman take aim at prevailing influence of ultra right wing online commentary, conspiracy theorists, misogynistic content creators and the erosion of trust in conventional news sources.

 The track opens with a single synth chord that slowly swirls into a darker realm before the introduction of drums and guitar. The guitar has a sprightly tone and the rhythm section have an urgency to them that suggest this track may well have a statement to make. The overall effect is similar to those early Bloc Party singles that made such a splash. Chapman's vocals echo the urgency of the band; there's anger, resentment, resigned disappointment - but ultimately - a desire to fight back in the scowl he delivers here.

The lyrics are some of Chapman's best to date as he reads between some uncomfortable lines for those stuck in a world of trying to decipher truth at any cost:

Life hasn't meaning when everything is a conspiracy.

The chorus also sounds almost like a plea to change this misplaced trust in online influencers that often profit from the vulnerability of their followers at a staggering rate. This also serves as a knowing wink at the camera/breaking the fourth wall moment, with Chapman aware that trying to influence the influenced is a open to it's own mistrust.

Don't trust anyone but me. I've come to save your soul. You've been indoctrinated and it's time to let it go. 

'Preachers' ends with the same synth chord that heralded it's arrival; a full circle moment that emphasis' the points made. The track is a strong statement of intent from a band that revel in their underdog status, but are striving for more. Ultimately, they succeed here and this is a great starting point to getting into the band. 

George, George! Geooorggge!!!!!! Are you listening? 

That red pill won't help you now.