By Daffs (TwoDaff)
Formed around 2009 the The 48K’s founding members and principal songwriters are Ryan Lightfoot and Steve Dale who became acquainted through the Doncaster music scene. Although both were in their own bands at the time they decided that they would be better off joining forces and working together. This was the foundation for a strong writing partnership which remains to this day.
The 48k’s are
Ryan Lightfoot – Lead Vocals
Steve Dale – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Pete Liversidge – Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals
Alexander Murdoch – Bass
Chris Morris – Drums & Backing Vocals
Their influences are broad, ranging from Lennon/McCartney, Paul Heaton for the song writing and lyrical elements, with drum and bass influences from the likes of John Entwistle and Led Zeppelin’s Bonham, add Steve Cradock for guitar and for vocals, the Beatles and Beach Boys, giving you a heady mix of Mod/indie/pop/rock. Although not to be pigeon holed into a specific genre lead vocalist Ryan states “we want to write the kind of songs that our audience are still singing on the way home”. With a solid rhythm section and tight vocal harmonies honed over the years makes them a great live and studio band.
“A heady mix of Mod/indie/pop/rock”
The 48Ks’ first album ‘For Every Day A Memory’; a collection of very popular EP’s which cemented the bands sound. Their second album ‘Every Whisper has a Voice’ was released in 2018 to a very receptive fanbase and to critical acclaim from names such as Paul Heaton (The Beautiful South and The Housemartins), Martin Coogan (Mock Turtles) and Tom Clarke (The Enemy). With an invigorated line up and a new purpose, this album marked a turning point in The 48Ks’ story and is their best recorded work to date (at that point).
They are set to release their third studio album in late summer of 2022 and with their strongest line up to date and an ever present desire to progress as artists and musicians, they are promising it will be their best yet. entitled ‘Now is the Time’. The lead single ‘Wishing Well’ has an upbeat pop vibe, a pounding bass line, bright cheery guitars and strong vocal harmonies. It is a perfect introduction to this ‘post-covid’ album, full of optimism and good times to come.
Their second single from ‘Now Is The Time’ titled ‘Heartbeat’ is set for release on 22 July 2022 and I was lucky enough to receive it for a pre-release listen. In keeping with their previous releases it did not disappoint. According to Ryan “Heartbeat ” was written about a strained relationship and holding out that olive branch for when the time comes to repair broken damage. Finding the right words, saying what you want to say eloquently in your head but crumbling when face to face. It’s about time passing quickly, in the blink of any eye without you realising that things and people change. The main theme is hope. The belief that when the time comes, whenever it is, you can seize it, make amends and make it all ok.
Opening with a solid powerful drum beat followed by a glorious driving bass line, its really catchy, and really tight. something you can dance to. “It’s a certain kind of romance, you can feel it in the air” states Ryan before a melodic, gentle guitar riff blends in and softens the proceedings taken a slight edge off the drum and bass line. But that softness ends there.
” Something you can dance to”
The track continues to build, building momentum up to the chorus line, “I’m only a heartbeat…away” complete with backing vocals/chants of “hey”. In full swing now, layered guitars, override the the driving bass/drum groove and give it a full on guitar led song, filled with riffs and lead lines and melodic rhythm guitar.
The song builds and builds to a crescendo of hooks, melodies and vocal harmonies, not forgetting the drum and bass. From the beginning it sounds almost dark, but it really picks up. It’s a feelgood song, full of hope, musically its great, structured, multi layered instrumentals, tight drum and bass and a great vocal with harmonies. It finishes as it starts..with that drum beat.
“A crescendo of hooks, melodies and vocal harmonies”
In my opinion its sure to be a favourite, I think this will really get a live crowd going. I feel its different to previous releases, having a slight ‘Dance’ edge to it, probably down to the bass line and drum groove. I am really looking forward to the release of their album.
The 48Ks have supported names such as Cast, Big Country, Space, The View, The Enemy, Reverend and the Makers and The Hoosiers to name a few. They have consistently impressed audiences all around the UK with their upbeat catchy sets and fun stage presence.
The band have a number of gigs coming up this year.
For more information, including tickets and merchendise go to
