Queen Cult’s bold new single Be Better is some of their best work yet

Guest review by Captain’s Bar events manager, Say Something Music label owner and promoter Scott Evans

Having started the year with a sold-out show at Sapphic Sounds in London, 2024 promises to be a huge year for Macclesfield alt-rock band Queen Cult. Before hitting the road as main support for Fort Hope playing in eight cities across the UK, the trio have released their latest single Be Better.

A lot more aggressive and filled with punk rage than any of their previous output, Be Better marks a real change of pace for the band. This is the first single since last year’s Sneaky Freaque – co-produced with Stoke legend Sam Bloor, it certainly sets out Queen Cult’s intention for the year.

Jacob Swetmore

Queen Cult have been on quite a journey over the last few years, their output from day one has always been strong thanks to their formidable front woman Maisie Johnson, who is an incredible songwriter. Their stage shows have really become electrifying not-to-be-missed gigs.

Be Better starts out with one of their trademark riffs, dialled up with distortion, but it’s when Maisie’s vocal hits that all hell breaks loose. A really great repeated vocal adds a unique sound, and I really love the vocal melody and phrasing, but it’s the chorus that really hits hard with the vocals sounding great, a little Queens Of The Stone Age-esque. 

Sound wise the drumming throughout is big and bold, as I would expect on anything Sam Bloor has been involved with, it’s a great performance from drummer Brodie Carson. Throughout the riffs are tight with Maisie’s multiple guitar melodies and a solid bass from Piers Jarvis. The song is not over done, coming in at under three minutes it gets the job done and moves on.

Speaking on the track, Maisie said: “Be Better is about the love between two friends. The realisation that platonic love can overlap and be confusing at times. Love is not linear. The song highlights the need for boundaries. We can all innocently fancy people we love, but must be careful how we navigate it.” As demonstrated in the line Maisie sings “I’m not chasing…Wrecking homes isn’t something that I’d casually do.” 

Be Better is a solid anthem from Queen Cult bursting with energy and confidence. You can really feel they are about to explode so seriously look out for their live dates and catch them at smaller venues while you can. 

Released February 23, you can listen to Be Better by Queen Cult here:


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