Bristol alternative, roots-tinted rockers Oswald Slain have unveiled their debut album ‘BUCKY’ on two variants of limited edition vinyl.

Born from the creative cocoon of their home studio, Oswald Slain is a testament to both personal growth and musical evolution, their music reflecting a period of deep introspection and growth for the band. Having reconciled with the chaos of youth and the trials of aging, lyricist Fitz channels these experiences into sincere, humorous, evocative songwriting alongside the timeless swagger of old retro rock records.

‘BUCKY’ was recorded and produced in-house by Ryan Rogers (Mumble Tide) and the band themselves in their DIY self-built home studio, mixed by John Logan and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering (PJ Harvey, XTC, Big Special). For Fitzgerald and Williams, partners in life as well as music, their debut record is more than a curated collection of songs, it’s a love-letter to their trials and errors, their self and musical exploration and perfectly highlights the band’s striking evolution from their previous moniker. Throughout the album’s eight tracks Oswald Slain combine sleazy rhythms, driving drums, nostalgic guitar lines and the evocative lyricism they’re fast becoming known for, to celebrate their personal flaws, flamboyant failures and ultimately sees them finding self-acceptance.

Reflecting on the creation of the album, Fitzgerald says: “Making this record was a massive turning point in our lives. After being a bit unsure of where things were headed and what we were doing, the days spent recording these songs in our little studio were the moments of clarity we needed to get the ball rolling with something new and creatively exciting.

“BUCKY is a short eight track album that captures our moments of surrender, growth and hope within a chaotic and cluttered lifestyle. We made the record pretty quickly, writing songs in the morning then recording them in the afternoon, for the most part pretty live using a cheap dynamic mic on the vocals with no separation from the drums. We weren’t seeking perfection but it felt good not to be too precious about anything. We were living with Ryan Rogers at the time who took a lead role in producing it and added some impeccable enthusiasm which was exactly what we needed. It was nice to make something that felt honest, fun and vulnerable, and we can't wait to get it out into the world.”

Ahead of the release of the album came its nostalgic title track ‘Bucky’, on October 10th 2025. Discussing what they hoped to achieve with the single, Fitzgerald explains, “‘Bucky’ is the title track of the album. It ties the record together as an overall expression. It's a washed out 90’s anthem of nostalgia and escapism; A few minutes away from the constant bombardment of modern day life. When people’s favourite VHS tapes were worn out of love and connection came softer and slower than it does now. It's a lazy attempt at a cheap holiday. A fuck it all off, delete the lot and be free for a bit kind of tune. Something to bring people together in the moment.”

Formerly known as Little Thief, Oswald Slain’s sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of classic Americana, echoing the timeless vibes of Neil Young and The Band, whilst infusing it with the gritty, energetic rock essence familiar from their previous works. Anchored by the driving rhythms and fuzzy guitars, their music offers both reflective depth and an irresistible groove, promising music that resonates with both heart and soul.

Under their previous moniker, the band toured the UK multiple times, playing slots at esteemed festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, Liverpool Sound City, Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Greenman Festival, receiving support from the likes of Far Out Magazine, RTE, BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1. Co-founding members Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, who have been writing music together for over 10 years, made the difficult decision to change the band name and move forward in a new direction.