West Yorkshire rockers Midnight Architects honor Britain’s oldest national trail in their latest single release. When you think of the Pennine Way, muddy boots, soggy moorland, and Arthur Wainwright may spring to mind.
However, loud guitars, drums, and Northern rap are not typically associated with this iconic trail. It may surprise many in the walking community that the 268-mile hike now has a new theme tune.
The track titled “Slaves to the Way” is Midnight Architects’ second single from their forthcoming album. Aiming to capture the very essence of the 16-day walk, which starts in Edale in the Peak District and ends in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, the song highlights the physical challenge of the much-loved trail and the romance of the English countryside. But not as you may expect…
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The Sound of the Trail
Kicking off with aggressive power chords and a football-chant-like refrain, this song speaks to a new audience in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. Inspired by the restraints of lockdown, Lead Guitarist Alex Krzesinski decided to start his Pennine Way adventure in 2020, which soon turned into an annual pilgrimage. Putting pen to paper with the rest of the band, the opening verse soon fell into place with the lyrics:
“Sick and tired of the new world order they’ve got us all lined up like lambs to the slaughter got to get away from the bricks and the mortar the Pennine Way from the Peaks to the Border.”
The catchy chorus: “I’m a slave I’m a slave to the Way” reflects a commitment to a life-changing journey that you are unable to quit until the very last milestone is passed.
Landmarks and Lyrics
The song references various landmarks along the Way, including the notorious Jacob’s Ladder and the Stoodley Pike monument near Todmorden, which is also the location of the band’s accompanying music video.
Shot using state-of-the-art drone technology by Halifax YouTuber and fellow Pennine adventurer Grizzly Gaz, the video sees the boys rocking out on the path equipped with blow-up guitars and the latest walking attire.
Bass player Paul Whiteley takes on the role of a Gandalf-like wizard clenching a magical staff, highlighting the band’s avid sense of humor and the fact they don’t take themselves too seriously. After all, it is a song about a walking trail!
Making of the Music Video
Lead singer Kieran Ellam was delighted with the video. Commenting on the day, he explained:
“The shoot was absolutely class. We were all buzzing. We got so much attention from random walkers. We asked everyone we met to take part in the video and sing the chorus, and loads of people did, including a hen do and a group of horse riders. Everyone loved it.”
Drummer Garf Morris added:
“Despite forming the band over eight years ago, this is our first music video. It’s great to release a song that will relate to so many people. It may even inspire folk to get out there on their own Pennine quest.”
Release and Reception
“Slaves to the Way” was released on the 26th of June on all major music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. The music video can also be viewed on YouTube and on the band’s YouTube channel. It’s the second release from the band’s forthcoming album “Too Dumb to Listen,” which will be out before Christmas.
About Midnight Architects
Midnight Architects is a four-piece alternative rock band from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Formed in 2016 at Vibration Studios in Lockwood, their music focuses on guitar-driven riffs, heavy beats, and quirky lyrics rapped in a passionate Yorkshire accent.
The band specialises in writing songs about their local area and their day-to-day experiences. They describe themselves as one of the greatest dad bands in West Yorkshire. “Slaves to the Way” is the second single from the band’s forthcoming album “Too Dumb to Listen.”
The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way is a national walking trail that runs from Derbyshire in the Peak District to the Scottish Borders. Described as the “backbone of England” and “one of Britain’s best-known and toughest trails,” the route passes through nine counties and is split into 16 sections. Thousands of people attempt the 268-mile walk every year.
