Bristol rockers The Actions have traded their shadowy synths for leaner, more confrontational guitar lines. Their latest single, ‘Take More’, was described by us as ‘a punch of sleaze with a dash of menace’, strutting with an energy suited to 2000s iPod adverts. The duo, Silty and Mo, share vocal, guitar, and bass duties, creating a versatility to their sound, one which will be explored as they release more music in 2026. I asked The Actions ten questions to uncover the suburban angst fuelling their music.
THE ARGUS FAR FIVE
How would you describe the sound of The Actions?
It’s energetic, psychedelic, and a mix of rock and electro. It’s sharp and ‘in your face’.
What are your biggest non-music influences?
We are inspired by things like community, human unity, resistance, resilience, and self-evolution. We are drawn to a genuine approach to life and real people.
If you had to cover any song and put your own spin on it, which would you choose?
‘Not to Touch the Earth’ by The Doors.
What is your earliest memory of music?
We’ve both been classically trained since we were kids. For Marta, it was her first classical guitar essay at age nine, where she performed her first two original pieces. For Mo, it was his first piano lesson at age ten.
What does the rest of 2026 have in store for The Actions?
We have a new album on the way and we’ll be hitting the road soon.
THE ACTIONS FIVE
Your last album, Flourish, leaned into shadowy textures and cinematic synths. Your latest single, ‘Take More’, struts and grooves with sharp riffs and the directness of punk. What spurred this shift in sound?
Flourish was written during the pandemic, a global moment of catharsis where everyone was forced to pause, which made us more introspective. Since then, the world has returned to an ‘apparent’ normality, but honestly, things seem to be getting worse every day. What should have been a global rebirth has turned into one of the darkest chapters in recent history, with authoritarian shifts and endless war.
Personally, we feel there’s no room left for artistic intimacy right now, so our music and lyrics have become much sharper and more direct.
Bristol is a hotbed for brilliant music. How does the city inspire you?
Bristol has always inspired us. Decade after decade, its talent-nurturing scene has produced incredible artists like Massive Attack, IDLES, The Pop Group, Portishead, Beak>, Get The Blessing, Tricky, Roni Size, and Scaler… the list goes on. But it’s not just about the music; it’s the vibe. We love the sense of community, the street art, the food, and the hilly, uneven landscape, which always offers a new perspective on things you already know.
’Take More’ comes with two alternate versions: the ‘Flatland Mix’, and an Iko Twins remix. How did these come about, and what do they add to the single?
We spend a lot of time on song arrangements. We often explore different genres because we need to let the inspiration flow without restrictions. We almost always end up with a couple of alternative versions that give the original track a completely different twist.
Mo is a visual designer and video producer. Obviously this helps when making the music video, but how does it inform the music itself?
It’s definitely handy, but we wouldn’t say it informs the music. On the contrary, we work on visual ideas from the very beginning of the songwriting process, regardless of whether Mo makes the video himself or if we collaborate with external directors.
What advice would you give to people growing up in the suburbs?
Always believe in your dreams and do everything you can to make them a reality. Don’t let yourself be confined by a narrow vision of life or the future. Keep your mind, eyes, and ears wide open, and never let yourself be trapped by disillusionment. Whatever you do, don’t let the world make you cynical.
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