From Dunfermline, Scotland, rises a band that are making a statement. Stay For Tomorrow, a powerhouse four-piece formed in 2018, are not here to wait politely in the wings of alternative rock. They are here to storm stages with sounds carved from the sharp edges of Biffy Clyro’s emotional urgency, Foo Fighters’ explosive grit, and Velvet Revolver’s swaggering spirit. Comprising Joe MacFarlane on vocals and rhythm guitar, Nic Holson on lead guitar, Gemma Wickham on synth-bass and keys, and Sean Priestley on drums, this is a band where every member brings thunder, texture, and purpose. With their recent and arguably most potent release, “In The Way,” the band has kicked down the doors and demanded attention.
The song opens exactly how a rock anthem should — fast, forceful, and fully loaded. It launches with a burst of drums and snarling guitar, dragging you into the fray within seconds. There’s no gentle fade-in or moody build-up here; it’s a head-on collision with energy. You can see the sweat flying and the amps trembling. It’s that raw, clean energy you crave when you’re standing front row, fists clenched, ready for whatever comes next.
Joe MacFarlane’s vocals steal the show — rough-edged yet controlled, intense yet melodic. His performance doesn’t just ride the wave of the instrumentation; it leads it. He delivers with conviction, underscored with a hint of weariness that makes the frustration feel lived-in and real. When he reaches the chorus and snarls, there’s no ambiguity — you either rise with him or get steamrolled. It’s a rallying cry, and MacFarlane sells it with everything he’s got.
From its lyrical view, “In The Way” is a song about momentum. It’s about cutting through hesitation, confronting resistance, and committing wholly to your path — or stepping aside. It speaks directly to that universal tension between ambition and the forces that pull us back. Whether it’s internal doubt or external opposition, the band has little patience for anything that slows the charge forward. The message is clear: you’re either helping build the future, or you’re blocking the way. And they’ve got no time for the latter.
One of the exciting aspects of “In The Way” lies in its production. The track folds in layers that keep it evolving and engaging: gritty guitars grind up against shimmering synths; disco-esque grooves flirt with hard rock ferocity; orchestral flourishes sneak in at just the right moments to elevate the drama. Gemma Wickham’s synth-bass is particularly striking — it pulses like a second heartbeat beneath the song’s furious tempo, giving it a bold, modern sheen. Nic Holson’s lead guitar adds flair without overcrowding the mix, while Sean Priestley’s drums are relentless, grounding the chaos with perfectly measured aggression.
In conclusion, “In The Way” isn’t just a a mere track; it’s a surge of purpose. Stay For Tomorrow has fused the classic force of rock with bold, eclectic textures to create a song that demands to be heard and felt. It’s tight, fearless, and ready to soundtrack the next revolution — whether that’s on stage or in your own mind.
Listen to “In The Way” on Spotify or SoundCloud
Follow Stay For Tomorrow here for more information
