Manchester-based outfit Caulbearers return with ‘Brothers At The Wheel’, an urgent and uncompromising single that confronts the structures of power governing modern life, while ultimately offering solidarity and collective action as an alternative to despair. It’s is a rich and timely preview of their forthcoming album ‘Come Back Home’, out on October 30th via Single Cell Recordings..
A collective of musicians formed in 2007 and led by Damien Mahoney, Caulbearers are known for blending diverse musical styles, including soul, funk, hip-hop, dub, nu jazz, folk and post-punk influences. With contributors hailing from around the UK and Europe, their DIY ethic has coursed through every element of their releases, from design, production, videos and gigs to the recording process itself.
Mixed by Seadna McPhail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor) at Eve Mastering, this song was recorded by Mahoney and Chris Hamilton at Toast Recordings and Seadna McPhail at Airtight Studio..
‘Brothers At The Wheel’ traces a journey of political awakening – from a naive plea for those in power to change course before disaster hits, to disillusionment at the resulting hollow words and empty promises that leave the status quo intact.
“If we truly consider humanity as a brotherhood and sisterhood of equals, it seems the ultimate betrayal of our family to exploit, to oppress and to victimise others whilst creating structures that concentrate wealth in the hands of an ever-smaller, unaccountable minority,” explains Damien Mahoney.
“The ‘wheel’ in the title is that system — a machine built to keep turning for profit and power, regardless of the cost to people, communities, or the planet.”
The song’s resolution isn’t despair but solidarity: a call for unity at the grassroots level, recognising that the same struggle echoes in other streets, other words, other languages. In resisting the forces intent on dividing us, the lyrics point to real power within the collective — like a seed that can grow into something more balanced, harmonious, and connected.
The song’s urgency isn’t just lyrical — it’s built into the music itself. ‘Brothers At The Wheel’ comes straight out of the traps with an unrelenting groove: strings, bass, and keys locked into a single insistent pattern, guitar answering in the gaps, percussion driving it forward, while the vocal melody cuts its own path in short, sharp phrases that swap between landing on and off the beat.
Past the tempo shift, the song opens into a second movement: a soaring, wordless lament from ethereal folk artist Ruth Blake — beautiful and mournful, yet defiant, a celebration of the human spirit. Underneath, the arrangement builds in waves — guitars layering, cello and violin rising, keys, bass and drums gathering weight — swelling to a crescendo before dissolving.
‘Brothers At The Wheel’ is available everywhere digitally from September 29th, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, the latter version also including a bonus radio edit, capturing the awakening in full — appeal, disillusionment, and the turn toward unity — within a tighter arc. On October 10, Caulbearers’ album release show will take place at The Carlton Club in Manchester, joined by Ruth Blake and number of special guests, and support from John Haycock.
CREDITS
Lyrics & Music written by Damien Mahoney
Damien Mahoney — vocals
Ruth Blake – vocals
Stefan Skrimshire – cello
Will Lenton – keys
Anton Hunter – guitars
Grenville Harrop – drums
Dan Mitchell – bass
Gavin Mullan – percussion
Olivia Moore – violin
Produced & Edited by Damien Mahoney
Mixed by Seadna McPhail at Airtight Studios
Recorded by Chris Hamilton at Toast, Damien Mahoney at Padded Cell & Seadna McPhail at Airtight
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering
Cover design & artwork by Latent Variables
© 2026 Single Cell Recordings
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR