ALBUM REVIEW: Only The Poets – ‘And I’d Do It Again’

After seven years of graft, growth, and steadily building one of the most devoted fanbases in the UK, And I’d Do It Again feels far less like a debut and more like an inevitable arrival. Only The Poets aren’t introducing themselves here, they’re staking their claim as one of the most vital bands in the current music landscape. At a time when the live scene feels increasingly locked behind Ticketmaster queues and extortionate pricing, the band’s actions speak just as loudly as their songs: £1 tickets for their Brixton Academy show, a genuine battle of the bands giving unsigned artists a shot at support slots, and a clear commitment to keeping music accessible. That same sense of purpose runs through And I’d Do It Again, an album that balances arena-ready ambition with the intimacy and emotional honesty that built their following in the first place, proving that Only The Poets aren’t just riding the wave, they’re actively reshaping the future of the scene while delivering a strong debut body of work.

The opening track and title cut, And I’d Do It Again, sets the tone with immediate confidence, sounding like a manifesto as much as a song. Bursting with urgency and widescreen emotion, it captures the restless spirit that’s defined Only The Poets’ journey so far: the highs, the sacrifices, and the stubborn belief that it’s all been worth it. It leans into reflection without regret, embracing the chaos of chasing something bigger than yourself, while musically it walks the line between intimate verses and a chorus built to be shouted back by a crowd. As an opener, it doesn’t ease the listener in; it throws the doors wide open, announcing an album that’s unapologetically ambitious and deeply rooted in the band’s lived experience.

Emotionally Hungover feels like one of the album’s emotional high points, but not in the way its title might suggest, which helps explain why it’s quickly becoming a fan favourite. Rather than wallowing in heartbreak, the track is surprisingly upbeat, capturing the relief and clarity that comes from finally being over emotional exhaustion instead of stuck inside it. There’s a buoyancy to the production and a sense of forward motion that mirrors that breakthrough moment, with the band sounding energised and self-assured rather than wounded. It’s cathartic without being heavy, turning burnout into something defiant and freeing, and showcasing Only The Poets’ ability to channel emotional honesty into songs that uplift as much as they connect.

Saké is effortlessly cool, and that ease is exactly what makes it my personal favourite on the album. There’s a subtle flirtiness woven through the track, carried by its simplicity and a beat that feels smooth and self-assured without ever trying too hard. Only The Poets strip things back here, letting groove and atmosphere take centre stage, creating something that feels intimate and unforced, like a late-night conversation rather than a performance. It’s understated but addictive, with a warmth and confidence that lingers long after it ends, proving that the band are at their strongest when they trust simplicity and let the song breathe.

Don’t Wanna Know taps into the album’s knack for turning emotional conflict into something instantly anthemic. Built around that familiar push and pull between curiosity and self-preservation, the track captures the moment where knowing the truth feels more dangerous than staying in the dark. There’s a tension running through the song, balanced by a punchy, hook-driven chorus that feels tailor-made for live shows, while still holding onto a sense of emotional honesty. It’s direct, relatable, and driven by momentum, showing Only The Poets at their most confident, writing songs that hit hard without overcomplicating the feeling behind them.

Closing the album, Guess She’s Cool feels like a fitting final exhale, reflective, understated, and quietly confident. Rather than going out with a grand statement, Only The Poets choose something more human, leaning into mood and melody to bring the record to a natural close. There’s a sense of acceptance woven through the track, as if the emotional questions posed earlier on the album don’t need neat answers anymore. It lingers rather than explodes, leaving the listener with a feeling that’s both resolved and open-ended, and in doing so, Guess She’s Cool perfectly rounds off an album that thrives on honesty, growth, and emotional clarity.

As a whole, And I’d Do It Again feels like the culmination of everything Only The Poets have been building towards over the last seven years, not a starting point, but a statement of intent. Across the record, they balance emotional honesty with effortless hooks, knowing exactly when to lean into vulnerability and when to let the music simply move. That same balance defines the band beyond the album too: dominating the current music scene while actively giving back to it, whether that’s through £1 tickets, championing unsigned artists, or refusing to let live music become inaccessible. In an era where so much feels driven by profit and hype, Only The Poets stand out by genuinely caring: about their fans, their peers, and the future of the scene and And I’d Do It Again captures that spirit perfectly, cementing them as a band not just worth watching, but worth believing in.

For fans of: The 1975, Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille

‘And I’d Do It Again’ by Only The Poets is out now on Capitol Records.

Words by Ell Bradbury