Bristol band Split Chain have previewed their forthcoming motionblur [DELUXE] with two newly reworked songs featuring Postdrome and Commoner ahead of the digital release on September 11 through Epitaph Records.
by Paul Cashmere
Bristol rock band Split Chain have released two new collaborative recordings, “The Space In Between [DLX]” featuring Denver band Postdrome and “who am i? [DLX]” featuring Arizona’s Commoner, as the latest previews of their forthcoming *motionblur [DELUXE]*. The expanded digital edition of the band’s debut album will be released through Epitaph Records on September 11 and adds a series of reinterpretations featuring artists from the contemporary alternative and hardcore scenes.
The new recordings continue Split Chain’s approach for the deluxe edition by inviting guest musicians to reinterpret songs from the original motionblur album. The expanded release follows recent previews including “scatterbrain” and “sylvia (i won’t belong to you)”, while also adding “untitled”, a track that was previously hidden on the LP and CD editions of the original album.
The project reflects the rapid growth of the Bristol group since forming in 2023. After signing with Epitaph Records, Split Chain released their debut album motionblur in 2025 and spent much of the following year touring across Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. The deluxe edition revisits that material while highlighting relationships the band has developed with fellow artists during that period.
Discussing the latest collaborations, the band said inviting Postdrome vocalist Derryk and Commoner’s Romin to appear on the songs was an immediate decision once work began on the expanded edition.
“As with the previous two singles so far, asking Derryk (Postdrome) and Romin (Commoner) to feature on these songs is something we knew we had to do as soon as we’d decided to re-release motionblur,” the band said.
Split Chain noted that Postdrome had supported the band since its earliest days, while Commoner became friends after the two acts met during Split Chain’s first United States tour with Silverstein.
“To work with people with talent of their calibre was incredible, and what they’ve added to these songs is even more incredible,” the band said. “The songs have been yet again elevated to the point where it truly feels like they’re the definitive versions.”
Beyond the two latest collaborations, motionblur [DELUXE] features guest appearances across nearly every reworked track. Contributors include London’s False Reality on “SPIT”, Las Vegas band Roman Candle on “Headway”, Day Aches, Concealer, Slow Degrade, Whither, Ritual, Nodding Off, Grove Street and Zetra.
The band said the deluxe edition was conceived as a way of celebrating both the original album and the community that has developed around Split Chain since its formation.
“We are so, so proud of what we created with motionblur, and we wanted to come up with a way to celebrate it all over again, in a way that both shows love to the scene that has helped us get where we are now, as well as including many of the friends that we’ve made along the way,” they said.
The musicians also explained that each guest was encouraged to bring an individual interpretation to the songs rather than simply recreate the originals.
“We invited a bunch of mates to feature across the album, so that we could hear their individual interpretations of the songs,” they said. “It came out so much better than we could have even hoped.”
The release also coincides with Split Chain preparing for a long-awaited return to British stages. Despite extensive touring internationally since motionblur was released, the band said they realised they had not properly toured the United Kingdom behind the album.
“Since the band started back in 2023, everything has happened for us so quickly,” they said. “There was a point of realisation for us amongst all of the chaos where we realised that we hadn’t actually toured the UK since way before motionblur was released.”
The group added they were looking forward to returning home alongside False Reality and Roman Candle for the tour.
Split Chain was formed in Bristol in 2023 by vocalist Bert Martínez-Cowles, bassist Tom Davies, drummer Aaron Black and guitarists Oli Bowles and Jake Reid. Emerging from members of several local bands, the group quickly established itself through a run of independent singles before signing with Epitaph Records. Their music blends elements of shoegaze, grunge, emo and nu metal, with the band describing its sound as “dreamo”. Since releasing their debut material they have shared stages with acts including A Day To Remember, Superheaven, Trophy Eyes, Boston Manor and Thursday while also appearing at festivals including Download and Mystic.
The release of motionblur [DELUXE] extends the lifespan of the band’s debut album while documenting the collaborative network that has developed around Split Chain during its first years of international touring. The expanded edition is scheduled for digital release on September 11.
Tracklisting
Under The Wire
bored. tired. torn.
I’m Not Dying To Be Here
Rookie
who am i?
SPIT
greyintheblue
The Space In Between
Subside
Headway
my mistake…
untitled
sylvia (i won’t belong to you)
scatterbrain
Under The Wire [DLX] (featuring Day Aches)
bored. tired. torn. [DLX] (featuring Concealer)
I’m Not Dying To Be Here [DLX] (featuring Slow Degrade)
Rookie [DLX] (featuring whither)
who am i? [DLX] (featuring Commoner)
SPIT [DLX] (featuring False Reality)
greyintheblue [DLX] (featuring Ritual)
The Space In Between [DLX] (featuring postdrome)
Subside [DLX] (featuring Nodding Off)
Headway [DLX] (featuring Roman Candle)
my mistake… [DLX] (Zetra version)
untitled [DLX] (featuring Grove Street)
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