Manchester's Midland Railway are back with "Hair Song," the second single from their forthcoming second album, arriving May 8, 2026.

The band describe the track as "a slightly nihilistic song about the struggles of existence, while leaning into bits of dark comedy. It throws some grungy discordant sounds onto an indie-pop-rock melody, taking the listener on a musical adventure as the song develops." It's arguably their most atypical track to date, pulling from early Manic Street Preachers and classic punk-rock roots that date back to the band's earliest days.

If you haven't been following Midland Railway yet, now's the time. Since signing their first record deal in 2025 and releasing their self-titled debut album, the Manchester five-piece have been on a steady rise. Their debut single "She Loves Ted Bundy" a darkly comedic love song involving a Volkswagen-obsessed serial killer racked up over 700 radio plays worldwide. Geek-rock anthem "The Pokémon Adventure" became a fan staple, while the emotional "A Song for Hannah-Beth" cemented them as a band capable of real depth.

"Hair Song" was produced by Andy James at Through The Roof Studios, who has worked with the band on several previous singles including "All-Day Epic Warhammer" and "Unwavering Optimism."

FFO: Manic Street Preachers, The Undertones, The Strokes, Weezer, Bright Eyes, The Smiths.

Pre-save "Hair Song" now. Out May 8.