Wille & The Bandits Announce New Album Salt Roots and Release First Single & Video “Trouble Round the Bend”

Wille & The Bandits, a band celebrated for fusing styles as freely as they speak their minds are back with their most ambitious project yet with a new album.  Salt Roots is due for release Feb 27th, 2026. This ten-track album dives deep into the band’s eclectic musical DNA, from huge riffs that shake the ground to beautiful melodies and grooves that carry you away like the tide, this album is the culmination of everything we’ve worked towards.

Known for their passion for environmental and social justice, Wille & The Bandits have partnered with Surfers Against Sewage, one of the UK’s leading ocean charities, to use their music as a platform for change. Together, they are shining a light on the devastating impact of sewage pollution in our seas and rivers. The message is simple:

Dirty Riffs to Defeat Dirty Seas.

The first single from the album, “Trouble Round the Bend,” is one of the most powerful songs they’ve recorded with heavy riffs, deep grooves, and that raw energy they love to capture on stage. Lead singer Wille Edwards explains “It’s the sound of a band firing on all cylinders. It is heavy because it needs to be. The riffs hit as hard as the reality of sewage being dumped into our seas. That’s why in the video we put ourselves right in it, standing knee-deep in the mess we’re all facing, to show we can’t ignore it any longer”
 
For Wille, the issue is personal. He goes on to explain “Living by the sea has always been at the heart of our family life. Swimming in the ocean almost every day isn’t just a hobby, it’s how my children and I connect with nature and each other. But lately, that joy has turned into fear and frustration. My family has been falling ill after swimming, and we know that untreated sewage is a growing problem: in 2023 alone, there were over 464,000 sewage spills in England, lasting a total of 3.6 million hours, polluting our waters and putting people’s health at risk. This pollution doesn’t just affect those of us who live here, it takes away the chance for visitors to enjoy the sea safely too. I want to use my music to make some noise about this issue, to amplify our voices and push for cleaner seas so everyone can experience and enjoy the ocean safely. That’s why we’re using dirty riffs against dirty seas.”
 
 Critics have long praised Wille & The Bandits for their socially aware songwriting and musical adventurousness.

“Socially conscious lyrics and planet-hopping instrumentation make for the most refreshing sound in ages.” said Classic Rock Magazine

Watch Video HERE 

 
From Wille’s early days busking across Australia to headlining stages around the world, the band’s rise has been fuelled by authenticity, innovation, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. Their cross-genre sound has taken them from Broadway to the West End, Kazakhstan to Australia, They were picked to perform at the London Olympics after being voted one of UK’s best live acts; being listed in the Top Ten must see bands at Glastonbury by BBC Radio 1.
 
The band are William Edwards (Lead vocals, Guitars)  Harry Mackaill (Bass), Stevie Watts (Hammond Organ) and Zachariah O'Loughlin on Drums. 
 
 They’ve shared stages with rock icons such as Joe Bonamassa, Deep Purple, Status Quo, and Warren Haynes, all of whom have praised their musicianship and fearless creativity. Wille & The Bandits continue to redefine what modern roots music can be.

The album was produced by Wille and his long-time collaborator Josiah Manning (Inglorious, Kris Barras, Elles Bailey). Wille and Josiah have known each other for years and always respected one another’s work, so when Josiah suggested they start writing together, it was an easy yes.
Both share a broad musical palette and a deep appreciation for making records in a real, human way, tracking with a live band in the room, capturing the energy, chemistry and imperfections that make the music feel alive. This album is a direct expression of that philosophy.

Salt Roots isn’t just an album, it’s a rallying cry.

The band head out on tour March 2026.

Music-News said of the band ““One of the best up-and-coming acts Britain has to offer.” Whilst The Daily Telegraph say “Among the most exciting live bands in the UK.” 

Salt Roots UK TOUR
March 2026
 
4th Fleece | Bristol
5th The Brook | Southampton
6th John Peel Centre | Stowmarket
7th The Star | Guildford
11th Night and Day | Manchester
12th Voodoo Rooms | Edinburgh 
13th Rum Shack | Glasgow
14th Cluny | Newcastle
18th Acapela | Cardiff
19th Albert’s Shed | Shrewsbury
20th Adelphi | Liverpool
21st Amped | Huddersfield
22nd Bodega | Nottingham 
27th Greystones | Sheffield
28th Carnglaze Caverns | Liskeard * with Martin Harley, True Strays, Echo Town and James Dixon
Apr 29th Half Moon Putney | London 

Tour Tickets on website  https://www.willeandthebandits.com/
 
Pre-orders for Salt Roots are now open 
pre order
https://www.willeandthebandits.com/pre-order-salt-roots
 
Trouble Round the Bend is OUT NOW on all digital platforms
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