Words and photos by: Bella Briscoe.
On Sunday 1st February, Only The Poets made a return to Southampton for an album signing event.
It may have been a flying visit, but the band certainly left their mark on the fans who flocked to Vinilo record store to see them. By the time I arrived at the shop, the weather had already made its point. Driving rain hammered the pavement, and yet, outside the shop, fans were already queueing with hoods up, and hands tucked into pockets.
This album signing came at the end of what must have been an exhausting day for Only The Poets. Earlier that morning, the Reading four-piece had made their debut TV appearance on Sunday Brunch, meaning a 6am studio call time. Despite the early start, the relentless weather, and the impending concert the following day, there was no sense of rush once they arrived. What stood out most was how grounded they seemed.
Before the signing began, it was heart-warming to see the band browsing the shop, buying coffee and flicking through vinyl like any other group of music lovers. Supporting an independent record store the day before a huge concert felt like a reminder that, despite their rapidly growing profile, Only The Poets haven’t lost touch with where they came from. Staff and fans were met with warmth, patience and gratitude.
This signing was the day before the first of their O2 Academy Brixton shows – a venue they sold out earlier this year in just ten minutes. The run of shows has already become a historic moment within the music industry, with the £1 headline show that sparked a vital conversation about accessibility in live music. By pricing tickets at £1 and donating proceeds to the LIVE Trust, Only The Poets put their values front and centre, backing inclusivity in the UK’s live scene with tangible action. I enjoyed seeing them still taking time to meet fans, sign records and say thank you on the eve of such a landmark moment.
It’s that same sense of sincerity that runs right through their new album.
The tracks speak openly about love, loss, mental health and emotional resilience. Across the album, there’s a real sense of light and shade. There are songs I can clearly imagine fans shouting back at the stage, arms around friends. Equally, there are quieter, more emotionally raw moments, like Madeline, which leans into vulnerability.
One of the album’s strongest touches is its intro track — something I’ve always loved when done well. Here, it sets the emotional scene beautifully, introducing themes and textures that weave their way throughout the record. That thread gives the album cohesion, making it feel intentional and immersive rather than a loose collection of singles. It invites you in, asks you to listen closely, and rewards you when you do.
Standing in Vinilo, watching fans clutch freshly signed records while rain continued to pour outside, it was impossible not to feel excited about what’s next for Only The Poets. Their growth has been rapid, but it’s never felt hollow. There’s substance behind the success, and a genuine appreciation for the people who have helped them get here. Even as their world gets bigger, they’re still choosing connection with fans, with music, and with community. I’m excited to see where that takes them next. Something tells me this is only the beginning, and I’m confident Only The Poets are well on their way to taking the world by storm.
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