Nearly ten years have passed since the math‑driven Oxford indie rockers TTNG last captured widespread attention. The group, formerly operating under the name This Town Needs Guns, formed in 2002, forging a complex yet fervent style that reflected the Midwest emo scene, with clear echoes of bands like American Football. After their 2009 debut, Animals, the band’s original singer and guitarist Stuart Smith exited, and they proceeded to issue two additional records, the latest being 2016’s Disappointment Island. Today, TTNG have resurfaced with a renewed lineup, and Smith has rejoined the group.
Smith has in fact been back with TTNG for some time. His return occurred in 2019, as the band marked the ten-year anniversary of Animals with a supporting tour. Beyond that, the outfit had stayed out of the spotlight—until last night, when they unexpectedly dropped a three-song EP titled Juggling Moves (Beginner). The new tracks instantly conjure memories of an era when emo and math-rock occupied two facets of the same musical world. Listen to them below.
