It's a new single for British guitar pop veterans THE GOLD NEEDLES, as the radio-ready rocker “Turns To Gold” hits all digital platforms worldwide on October 24. It's the fourth new track from the band this year, following the indie hits “I Don't Know About That” and “Supernature” as well as their scene-stealing contribution to the Big Stir Records Halloween collection CHILLING, THRILLING HOOKS AND HARMONIES (out now), all signaling an imminent album announcement. Until then, “Turns To Gold” (with the Halloween track “Ghost In The Airwaves” included as a virtual B-side) is up for pre-order and pre-save now:

https://orcd.co/goldneedles-ttg

Following the lush textures of “Supernature” and the spooky psychedelia of “Ghost In The Airwaves,” THE GOLD NEEDLES – Simon Dowson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dave Burbage (lead and rhythm guitars), Mark English (keyboards, backing vocals), Carl Slaughter (bass guitar, harmony vocals) and Will Jones (drums) – return to the rock arena with “Turns To Gold”. It's a song that ventures lyrically into the subject matter of the Entertainment Industry – murky and dangerous waters to swim in without sounding overtly cynical or too self congratulatory! – and the Needles possibly take the more cynical route, but with full understanding that it's basically “how this business works” and not be taken as a swipe at the engines that drive the fame game.

Given the subject matter, the band set out to create a song that sounded BIG in every way possible. Musically, it stemmed from distinctive speaker shredding guitar motifs designed to catch the listener’s ear instantly, almost like you've heard them before, but the band promise you haven't! THE GOLD NEEDLES bring their celebrated arrangement skills to bear in getting the right sequence of musical events in this song and are super-proud of the sonic results: you can hear strong hints of the Pistols’ Cook and Jones in the chugging rhythm guitar and classic Thin Lizzy in the riffs and guitar soloing. The oscillating keyboard sounds of the chorus suggest a Cars influence that is definitely intended! It's far from a pastiche replay, though, as these influences are put into modern day context.

“Originally the song had a longer title, 'Everything You Touch Turns To Gold,' and confession time here, this title was almost borrowed from a class 1987 track by legendary Australian band The Triffids entitled 'Everything You Touch Turns To Time.' Ultimately we edited the title down to 'Turns To Gold' – the only minimalist move in the crafting of this very big song,” the band explain. “It's well-known that most of us in the entertainment business have encountered a 'bumpy ride' at times, and certain figures we've come across can either be really positive or really negative. It's all part of the game and it's what moulds us. It's both the rough and smooth rides that take us to our destination.” You can feel the weight of experience and wisdom gained in equal parts: “Turns To Gold” is a musical vehicle that tries to explain just some of the band's journey. But it's also the invigorating sound of THE GOLD NEEDLES rounding the corner onto new terrain, with a new album very soon to be announced. For now, crank up “Turns To Gold” (and “Ghost In The Airwaves”) and feel the buzz of the ride!