The Thing Is deliver a fierce alt-rock statement with I Would Rather

Music Review | 27th April, 2026

Belfast’s Rising Alt-Rock Force Keeps Turning Heads

Five-piece alternative rock outfit The Thing Is have been steadily building a reputation for flipping expectations and injecting something genuinely fresh into the indie and alt-rock scene. Known for their electric live shows, the Belfast-based band have quickly climbed the ranks locally, and far beyond it.

Fronted by a commanding female lead, the group have carved out a distinct identity that refuses to play by the genre’s traditional rules. Rather than blending in, they lean fully into what makes them different. The result? A sound that feels bold, authentic, and entirely their own—proof that this band is more than the sum of its parts.

With a growing catalogue of singles already under their belt, The Thing Is are fast becoming one of the most exciting names in emerging alt-rock. Their latest release, I Would Rather, only strengthens that claim.

I Would Rather: Raw Energy Meets Dark Alt-Rock Edge

I Would Rather wastes no time grabbing your attention. It kicks off with a killer riff before launching into an avalanche of gritty guitars and thick, fuzzy bass tones. From the outset, the track pulses with vibrant, restless energy, equal parts soulful and explosive.

As the song builds, that tension finally erupts into a heavy, powerful chorus that hits with real impact. It’s the kind of moment that feels tailor-made for sweaty live shows and packed-out venues. But just when you think you’ve got the track figured out, it takes a turn - closing out with darker, almost Sabbath-esque tones that flip the entire mood on its head.

Lyrics That Hit Back: Identity, Resistance, and Breaking Free

Lyrically, I Would Rather digs deep into themes of reclaiming identity and resisting control. At its core, it’s about choosing self-preservation over submission, a message that lands with both emotional weight and defiance.

The bridge stands out in particular, painting vivid and chaotic imagery that mirrors inner turmoil and the urgent need to escape. It captures that tipping point, the moment where walking away becomes the only option.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Vision

The track was produced and mixed by Darragh Tibbs, known for his work with a range of rising Irish acts, while mastering was handled by Aye, Sound Mastering. The result is a polished yet gritty sound that perfectly matches the band’s raw intensity.

Visually, the band continue to push their creative boundaries. The music video, directed by Eoin Bannon, complements the track’s themes with a striking and atmospheric aesthetic.

I Would Rather also marks another milestone in the band’s journey, having been recorded through Chordblossom’s Kickstart artist development programme, a platform that continues to spotlight some of Northern Ireland’s most promising talent.

Final Thoughts: A Band Refusing to Be Ignored

With I Would Rather, The Thing Is prove they’re not just another band on the rise, they’re one to watch closely. Fierce, dynamic, and unafraid to challenge expectations, they’re carving out a space that feels entirely their own.

The single, I Would Rather, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Anna Burnett