Artificial Icons—produced by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Bring Me the Horizon)—fizzes with anger, frustration, and the balance of survival. These songs aren’t just stories; they’re personal fights via homelessness and addiction, messed-up systems, and broken connections.One of the album’s standout moments is ‘Signs’ which places the listener in a war-torn setting. “I want to write songs that matter. To make people think,” he affirms. People are dying. This needs to be addressed. It’s about looking for meaning. Trying to find a place to belong. There’s frustration, but also determination, even when the world feels like it’s crumbling. I’m so excited that this one features Matt.”
They hit the road hard in 2024-2025, sweeping across Europe with Trivium, Northlane, Of Mice and Men, Orbit Culture, and Funeral for a Friend. Their festival checklist was epic: Download, Slam Dunk (UK), Mystic (Poland), Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring, Impericon, Rockharz, Summer Breeze (Germany), Rock For People (Czechia), Jera On Air (Netherlands), Graspop, and Parkpop (Belgium).
The album careers through the socio-political ‘Artificial Icons’ and ‘Heresy’, a confrontation with blind faith and false hope. ‘All For Nothing’ is aimed inwards.
Artificial Icons goes deeper than before, tethering itself to profound life experiences. 2026 offers Defects a bright light, as Tony Maue (vocals) and James Threadwell (guitar) welcome Rowan Jack (drums) and Orlando Morris-Winmill (guitar) to the journey.
Tour Dates
08 Sept – 1854, Southampton
09 Sept – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
10 Sept – Rebellion, Manchester
11 Sept – O2 Institute3, Birmingham
12 Sept – Boom, Leeds
13 Sept – The Underworld, London