The Itch Drops Shimmering ‘Drugdealer’: Their First Traditional Love Song Inspired by Elton John and Ultravox

Celebrate the shimmering synths and heartfelt vibes of The Itch’s latest single ‘Drugdealer’, a love song with an intriguing twist inspired by the legends Elton John and Ultravox.

When a band blends nostalgic '80s synths with fresh dance-punk energy, you know something special is brewing. Luton’s dynamic duo, The Itch, has done just that with their latest single, ‘Drugdealer’, a shimmering track that marks their first dive into what they call a “traditional love song” — but don’t be fooled, it comes with a clever lyrical twist.

A New Wave of Love: The Itch’s ‘Drugdealer’

The Itch recently unveiled ‘Drugdealer’, the fourth single teasing their debut album It’s The Hope That Kills You, slated for release on April 10 via Fiction and I Oh You. As a fan who’s been tracking their rise, I was instantly drawn in by the song’s shimmering synth intro that feels like a warm blast from the past, yet fresh enough to light up any modern dance floor.

Simon Tyrie, the band’s lead singer, described the track as their “first traditional love song,” but it’s not your typical ballad. Instead, ‘Drugdealer’ plays with the tension between genuine care and the fragile act of sustaining an illusion to keep someone happy. It’s love, but tinted with layers of complexity and vulnerability.

“Tell me what you want to hear, and I will say the rest. Send me to the corner shop for booze and cigarettes,” Simon croons, his voice wrapped in the nostalgic hum of a vocoder. It’s intimate yet mysterious — like a secret whispered on a crowded dance floor.

Musical Influences: Elton John, Ultravox, and That Dreamy 80s Glow

Simon revealed that during the writing process, he was immersed in classics by Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, aiming to craft a metaphor-rich love song in the vein of iconic tracks like Rocket Man and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The unique idea of telling a love story through the eyes of a drug dealer struck him during a seemingly mundane moment — buying cigarettes for a friend at the Wide Awake festival.

The song’s lush synth textures and cinematic strings are unmistakably inspired by Ultravox’s timeless hit Vienna and the eerie, hypnotic groove of Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream from 1979. This fusion of influences creates a hypnotic soundscape that’s as danceable as it is emotionally resonant.

Vintage Vibes Meet Modern Storytelling in the ‘Drugdealer’ Video

The music video for ‘Drugdealer’ perfectly complements the track’s nostalgic yet fresh energy. Simon Tyrie crafted the visuals using a blend of camcorder footage and stills from The Itch’s tours and club nights, giving the video a grainy, intimate feel — a snapshot of their journey captured through retro lenses.

This DIY aesthetic is a perfect match for the song’s themes, blending the personal with the performative, much like the music itself.

Building Momentum: Singles Leading to a Debut Album

Before ‘Drugdealer’, The Itch teased us with singles like Space In The Cab, Ursula, and Aux Romanticiser — each showcasing their knack for infectious beats and sharp songwriting. Now, with their full debut album It’s The Hope That Kills You on the horizon, fans are buzzing with excitement.

This spring, the duo will hit the road for a UK and European tour, bringing their signature pulsating energy to live audiences. Notably, they’ll perform at major festivals like Green Man and The Great Escape, promising festival-goers a dose of their irresistible indie-electronic bangers.

If you want to catch them live, tickets are still available — time to mark your calendars!

Making Their Mark as Essential Emerging Artists

The Itch have been recognized as one of the essential emerging artists to watch in 2026, praised for their ability to tap into the collective mood of today’s youth. Their music is the ultimate antidote to the social media blues, offering a soundtrack for those moments when you just need to dance away your worries.

“Got no money? The sanity black hole of social media bringing you down? The Itch understand, and they’ve got the solution: insatiable, indie-electronic bangers designed for dancing it out, cutting loose and forgetting your troubles.”

Behind the Scenes: The Itch’s Philosophy on Music and Industry

In an interview last year, Simon Tyrie opened up about The Itch’s mission: to create fun, carefree nights that feel untainted by the music industry's usual pressures. This rebellious spirit is at the core of their sound and approach.

His bandmate, Georgia Hardy, added a refreshing perspective about the music biz. Once outside the industry, the rules and expectations seemed overwhelming. But once inside, they realized everyone was just improvising and “winging it.” This revelation gave them confidence to focus on what truly matters — the music and creativity.

This candid approach shines through in ‘Drugdealer’ and their broader body of work, making them feel authentic and relatable in a landscape often cluttered with commercial sheen.

Wrapping It Up: ‘Drugdealer’ and The Itch’s Bright Future

With ‘Drugdealer’, The Itch have delivered a shimmering, heartfelt track that stands out in the modern dance-punk scene. Blending poetic metaphor, '80s synth nostalgia, and raw emotional insight, it’s a song that invites you into their world — a world where love is complicated, music is a refuge, and every beat makes you want to move.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this single confirms The Itch as one of the most exciting acts to watch this year.

FAQ

• What is the new single ‘Drugdealer’ about?
  It’s a love song with a twist, exploring the tension between caring for someone and keeping up illusions to protect their happiness.
• Which artists influenced ‘Drugdealer’?
  The track draws heavy inspiration from Elton John, Ultravox’s Vienna, and Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream.
• When is The Itch’s debut album released?
  It’s The Hope That Kills You is set to drop on April 10.
• Are The Itch touring soon?
  Yes, they will tour the UK and Europe in spring, with festival appearances at Green Man and The Great Escape.
• What makes The Itch stand out in the music scene?
  Their blend of indie-electronic bangers with heartfelt, metaphor-rich lyrics offers a fresh but nostalgic sound perfect for dancing away your troubles.

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