The breakup of Black Midi sent waves throughout South London and beyond. The band that helped lay the foundations of the Windmill scene shocked their fans when Geordie Greep announced their split on an Instagram livestream. With a solo album from Greep, we were left wondering: what about the other two members, bassist Cameron Picton and drummer Morgan Simpson? On one of those accounts, I can tell you I know exactly what they’re doing.
Picton, known for writing and singing fan favourites such as Near DT, MI and Eat Men Eat, has begun playing live with his new project, My New Band Believe. Filled with hope and a sprinkle of mournful renunciation, they already have two singles under their belt and a promising live lineup drawn from a long list of talented musicians.
I caught My New Band Believe at the fabled Brixton Windmill for Independent Venue Week. The Tavern had assembled an array of talent to celebrate the occasion, and Picton’s project was chosen as the closing remark. Supported by Kieran Leonard and Big Red, the foundations were laid for a strong evening. Leonard performed solo with just an amp and guitar, delivering riffs reminiscent of the early days of Black Country, New Road — bar chords and overdrive that felt right at home. Big Red’s set was understated and warm, bringing a homely feel to the venue.
When Picton leapt to the stage, raucous applause rippled through the room, and the band launched immediately into their debut single Lecture 25. It’s a sensational track: fast drums, pacing vocals and a melodic hook complemented by poetic lyrics. Picton moves through the song with regretful prose, speaking to the things one could be and the very human experience of failing to live up to your potential. The song builds beautifully to its apex with crashing piano and proves Picton’s unwavering ability as a songwriter.
The band also played their new single Numerology, which at the time of the gig was still unreleased. The track leans heavily into Picton’s jazz-trained roots and captures anyone with an insatiable desire to dance. It falls into a rhythmic cycle of echoey guitar as Picton repeats the same chord, joined by various percussion pieces. His frantic vocals made reference to Charli XCX’s 365 and the occult logic of numerology.
The rest of the set amalgamated jazz-inspired improvisational jams with rock songs in unorthodox time signatures. Picton announced that the members on stage for each number would be in an ever-evolving rotation, with instruments and positions swapped between tracks. Notably, Lewis Evans made an appearance on saxophone for the penultimate song. This ever-changing cast kept the music feeling fresh. However, Picton quipped that he needed a spreadsheet to keep the gig organised and that he probably wouldn’t take this route again — perhaps due to the awkward silences between songs, occasionally interrupted by the clatter of a dropped instrument.
The crowd remained still and attentive throughout, listening intently to whatever My New Band Believe had to offer. For a new band, you could feel the excitement in the room. Picton returned alone for the final track, a cover of To Make You Feel My Love, written by Bob Dylan and later popularised by Adele in 2008. It was a striking reworking of a modern standard: with unwavering vocals and minimal guitar, Picton had the room in the palm of his hand. I found myself thinking back to it long afterwards, on my rail replacement bus home.
Words: Dexter Clark