Manchester-based Theatrical Heavy Prog outfit Square Wild have unveiled the official video for the single “Masquerade,” the climactic 6-minute closing track from their newly released debut album, “Otherling,” released on August 24, 2026.
Watch the video for “Masquerade” via the YouTube player below:
Captured and edited by Eric Edmondson, the video delivers a striking visual counterpart to the song’s theatrical energy. Produced with a strictly community-driven, DIY approach, the shoot features band members and close collaborators—including Lucy Shevchuk, Tomos Cooper, Nathan Butcher, Benedict Rhodes, Jannick Lanckreit, Jessica Beebs, Alex Wood, Molly Taylor, and Jack Vallance—and was filmed on location in a local garden generously provided (and subsequently restored) by Trevor Cotterell and Alex Wood.
“Masquerade” serves as the final chapter of “Otherling,” an 11-track record that represents a triumph of sheer persistence over logistical chaos. The album’s journey began in 2022 when the band’s rehearsal space was sold off to be converted into flats. In a race against eviction, the drum tracks were recorded in haste before the room was lost forever. What followed was a four-year obstacle course of remote tracking, extensive re-recordings, and significant life changes: bassist Benedict Rhodes moved away to study ecology, guitarist Jack Vallance undertook a welding apprenticeship, and vocalist/guitarist Lucy Shevchuk traveled between countries.
According to the band, the survival of the project ultimately cost them “eight bassists, three guitarists, five university degrees, four pets, and all of our sanity.” Self-produced and fiercely independent, the record was mixed and mastered by Prasheen Naran, ensuring that the band’s distinct, unfiltered personality remained intact.
Musically, Square Wild operate with a punk ethos and progressive dynamics, rejecting easy classification in favor of heavy riffs and groove-laden rhythms.
To celebrate the release of “Otherling” and the launch of the new video, Square Wild will host a special album launch show on September 12th at The Bread Shed in Manchester. They will be joined by Legs On Wheels, Luna Marble, and Thieves Of Time, with DJ Harley performing late into the night.
Purchase “Otherling” on Bandcamp: https://squarewild.bandcamp.com/album/otherling-2
Tracklist:
01. Shadow Puppets 06:10
02. Pins and Mould 06:22
03. Sailor 03:07
04. Red and Blue 03:27
05. The Drifter 02:26
06. Kill the King 04:16
07. Sloth 04:46
08. Hammerchest 05:56
09. Malleus 07:14
10. Proper Gander 04:21
11. Masquerade 06:41
Lineup:
Lucy Shevchuk / Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Tomos Cooper / Drums
Benedict Rhodes / Bass
Jack Vallance / Guitar
Nathan Butcher / Percussion, Synth