Prime purveyors of psychedelia and one of the biggest U.K. bands of the ‘90s, Kula Shaker are back and stronger than ever before. Featuring their classic line-up – Crispian Mills (vocals/guitar), Alonzo Bevan (bass), Paul Winter-Hart (drums) and the fan favourite Jay Darlington (Hammond organ). The band’s previous album, 2024’s Natural Magick, achieved their highest chart position in a quarter-of-a-century. Now Kula Shaker build on that momentum. Today, they released the brand new single “Broke As Folk.”
Foreboding keys and sparse gothic guitar sets an ominous tone before “Broke As Folk” suddenly changes gear. From the shadows emerges a luminous flourish of laidback country-rock grooves. It is supported by Jay Darlington’s inimitable swirling Hammond bursts. Crispian Mills’ melodious voice delivers lyrics which possess an undercurrent of anger at economic inequality. However, in keeping with Kula Shaker’s spiritual philosophy, this is a song which exalts love and the purity of nature as the things we need to get through it. The music captures a similar atmosphere, too. Its organic sound is sourced from its warm, natural production.
What Kula Shaker has to say:
Crispian Mills says, “‘Broke As Folk’ is a song for everyone who didn’t fly in to Jeff Bezos’s wedding, who’s not the 1%. The world is broke and has been for a while. So this is about all that. It’s also about counting one’s blessings. We should be grateful for the spiritual joys that money can’t buy. Like friends, family, and foraging for mushrooms. It’s also got a really cool organ solo by Jay, which is what the world needs right now.”
“Broke As Folk” was written by Kula Shaker and was produced by Peter Miles at Middle Farm Studios in Devon, UK.
About Broke As Folk:
“Broke As Folk” is Kula Shaker’s second new song of 2025. It comes as they put the finishing touches to their eighth studio album. Their previous single, “Charge of the Light Brigade,” placed a mystic twist on Madchester inspired sounds. Its lyrics used the infamous military action of the Crimean War as a metaphor for refusing to be apathetic to contemporary conflict. The band also made a high impact return to the live arena. They had a sprawling UK tour as special guests to Ocean Colour Scene.
About Kula Shaker The Band:
Kula Shaker emerged during the Britpop era but were very much an anomaly. Their sound evoked echoes of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Deep Purple. However, they had energy befitting the optimistic zeal of the mid-’90s. Their debut track, “Grateful When You’re Dead,” was their first introduction to the world. Kula Shaker’s rise was cemented with a series of classic hit singles: the free-spirited rock ‘n’ roll rush of “Hey Dude” (#2), the Indian influences, unstoppable hooks and mantra-like vibes of “Tattva” (#4) and “Govinda” (#7), plus their famous take on the classic “Hush” (#2).
Kula Shaker’s debut album K shot to #1 in the UK and achieved double-Platinum status. It simultaneously climbed charts across the world. Their second record, Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts, also hit the Top 10. It delivered another hit in the shape of Sound of Drums (#3). They resurfaced sporadically between 2007-2016. Then they began a new era of creativity with the 1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs in 2022. It was soon followed by Natural Magick in 2024. It was supported with coverage including NME, The Line of Best Fit and Louder.
The band has a final pair of UK festival dates on the calendar before they head to North America in September. That tour starts with a run of headline shows before they perform as special guests to their friends, The Dandy Warhols.
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