‘Is This How Happiness Feels?’ Reverend & The Makers release eighth studio album

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Category: news
Updated: 08th May 2026
Written by Bryony Mezzatesta
‘Is This How Happiness Feels?’ Reverend & The Makers release eighth studio album

This year, Sheffield’s visionary Indie exports Reverend & The Makers, already knee deep in a catalogue of highly regarded studio albums, release their 8th record ‘Is This How Happiness Feels?’ on Distiller Records. Featuring collaborations with pop sensation Robbie Williams and actress & creative partner Vicky McLure, it is described as the band’s most musically accomplished record yet.

It feels somewhat trite these days to describe frontman Jon McLure’s lyrical storytelling as deeply emotive, introspective, and personal because, well, isn’t everyone’s? In fact, not even these days- haven’t they always been? I cannot think of the last time I heard an artist describe their work as ‘just a bunch of random nonsense’. Songwriting carries the weight of people’s lives because, without that, it lacks authenticity. Isn’t the point of music for us to feel something? Despite my lack of revelry about the band’s declaration that “this album has been a labour of love owing to personal reasons but has emerged as a joyous triumph. It’s easily the best thing we’ve ever done and will surprise a few people too”, I genuinely do believe them. A solid record, erring on the sophisticated yet soulful side of life, it shows Jon’s versatility and depth. It feels like a small departure from their politically riotous indie conception but a bold move on a more mature and melodic trajectory.

Opener ‘Haircut’ ft Vicky McLure offers a reflective look at the passive indifference and self-absorption of long-term relationships. “We’re ships in the night just passing through. You got your haircut. I didn’t notice. I’m sorry, girl.” A strong start, and maybe one to send to your partner. (Isn’t music meant to make you feel something? rpt.)

If two voices were meant to collide, it’s Jon McLure and Robbie Williams on previously released single ‘Fucked Up’. Like caramel, the two work so well together that this duet should have happened long ago. A nostalgic hark back to their younger years, and a perilous deep dive into self-destruction and fame. Despite the severity of the subject matter, McLure remains jovial about the collaboration’s success story; “We’d both been mad bastards, and then you grow as a person, don’t you? Rob’s the soundest fella in the music game. A real pleasure to work with him."

Versatility at its core, the record deftly sways between genres, ‘Laid Back’ offering R’n’B vibes, with ’Crying Over You’ feeling decidedly soulful & classic. It’s an album for all seasons. Unlikely to be a listen end-to-end concept, but one to delve in and out of, mood depending. An album from the heart and one that balances integrity, fun and depth with ease. Bravo.

With several notable festival appearances across the year, plus a headline tour scheduled for November 2026, chances to see the album live are on offer throughout the year. Tickets here.