PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEOPLE LAUGHING RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘MANO A MANO’

OUT 27 FEBRUARY 2026

Nottingham rock outfit People Laughing return with their second single Mano a Mano, following the release of their debut track One Thing and a sold-out show supporting The Molotovs earlier this year.

Riding the momentum of their debut and early backing from BBC Introducing, Mano a Mano sees the band lean into a heavier, more confrontational sound rooted in frontman Matt Grocott’s rock and punk background. At just over two minutes long, the track wastes no time. Massive drums and an imposing low end drive the song forward, while sharp, urgent guitars add tension rather than decoration.

Lyrically, Mano a Mano explores the chaos of burnout and anxiety under extreme pressure. Shaking hands, fractured thoughts and the contradiction between confidence and collapse reflect a mind caught between pushing forward and falling apart. “Got it. Forget it. Yeah fuck it. I’m leathered.” It’s blunt, but not careless. There is frustration in it, but also momentum.

Fronted by songwriter Matt Grocott alongside drummer Luke Hallam and bassist Ollie Carnell, People Laughing are shaping a sound built for immediacy and live impact. Despite being a new project, the band arrive with pedigree. Grocott previously fronted The Shrives, while Hallam and Carnell bring years of experience from previous ventures.

Their rapid rise has already seen them secure a slot at Splendour Festival, receive continued BBC Introducing support and be named by LeftLion Magazine as one of Nottingham’s bands to watch in 2026. The band will also hold a three-date residency at Rescue Rooms across February, March and April.

Mano a Mano is available on all major platforms from 27 February 2026.