Scottish indie band The Twilight Sad have made a striking comeback with their first new release in seven years. The new single, titled “Waiting for the Phone Call,” features Robert Smith of The Cure on guitar, marking a deepening of their long-standing creative bond. Released under Rock Action Records, the track explores themes of grief, loss, and mental health, signaling a powerful emotional return for the acclaimed duo. The band also confirmed a major European tour in 2025, further solidifying their resurgence on the alternative music scene.
The Twilight Sad — consisting of James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — recorded “Waiting for the Phone Call” alongside their touring members. The single, released today through Rock Action Records, captures the band’s signature emotional depth, enriched by Robert Smith’s atmospheric guitar textures.
The song’s release marks the group’s first new material since 2018, aligning with their announcement of a European tour set for April and May 2025. The band will also rejoin The Cure for select summer dates in the UK, Ireland, and Germany, continuing a collaboration that has spanned nearly a decade.
According to their label, the track was inspired by personal experiences of grief and recovery, turning pain into creative expression.
What the Band Said
Vocalist James Graham described the song as “about grief, love, and mental illness,” revealing he wrote it after losing “the most important person in my life in a cruel way.”
“The title,” he explained, “refers to a phone call that changes everything — one that you never want to receive.”
The haunting tone of Graham’s lyrics merges seamlessly with Robert Smith’s signature guitar work, creating a soundscape that mirrors the depth of emotional struggle and healing.
Critics and fans alike have already praised the collaboration as “authentic and cathartic,” underscoring the long-standing musical kinship between the two artists.
What It Means for the Band’s Comeback
The release of “Waiting for the Phone Call” represents more than a new single — it’s a renewed era for The Twilight Sad. The involvement of Robert Smith adds both prestige and sonic familiarity, likely attracting fans of The Cure and new listeners alike.
Analysts expect this comeback to reinvigorate the band’s following and strengthen their position as one of Scotland’s most influential indie exports.
With its introspective lyrics and lush production, the single underscores the band’s commitment to emotional authenticity and artistic depth.
Upcoming Tour and Future Plans
The Twilight Sad’s 2025 European tour kicks off in April, with major stops in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. After the headline dates, they will join The Cure on tour through June and July, continuing a partnership built on mutual respect and shared musical ethos.
Fans can now stream “Waiting for the Phone Call” on all major platforms.
The comeback signals a vibrant new chapter for the Scottish group — one defined by renewal, collaboration, and emotional truth.
