THE NONE Tackle Poverty and Post-Bloc Party Life With New Single ‘At Hope’

Exploring the raw realities of growing up skint, THE NONE’s new single ‘At Hope’ reflects life, struggle, and resilience in today’s Britain.

The Rise of THE NONE and Their Bold New Sound

THE NONE are making waves with their politically charged punk sound that grabs you by the collar and won’t let go. Featuring Gordon Moakes, formerly of Bloc Party and Young Legionnaire, alongside vocalist Kai Whyte (Blue Ruth, Youth Man), guitarist Jim Beck (Cassels), and drummer Chris Francombe (Frauds), this band has been on the rise since their debut earlier this year.

With their collapsing post-hardcore vibe, THE NONE have earned grassroots and media support through two gripping EPs, Matter and Care. Their latest single, At Hope, drops on June 20 via Zennor Records as a limited 7” release, featuring the powerful b-side In Civic Pride.

‘At Hope’: A Raw Reflection on Growing Up Skint

Kai Whyte shares the personal roots of At Hope:

“I remember writing this one 18 months ago… all I could hear in my head was, ‘There are piles of dog shit on my lawn’. I was just looping that in my head and couldn’t move past it. I thought it was a joke and that I was trolling myself.”

Whyte explains how this line captures more than just crude imagery — it’s a direct reflection of life growing up in poverty on a council estate. “There was shit everywhere, stray dogs were still a thing... people getting their fingers cut off. It wasn’t a nice place to be but it gave me some street smarts.”

He adds that the song is about how society treats those at the lowest economic rung — not a statement, but a blunt look at "the state of things." This honest portrayal of poverty resonates deeply, especially as Whyte reflects on how little has changed over the years.

Watch THE NONE’s At Hope Video, Filmed Amid Birmingham's Refuse Strike

The video, directed by Tim Mobbs and shot in Birmingham, captures the grit and frustration of the city’s ongoing refuse strike. Whyte recalls the shooting day:

“I’ll tell you what, we filmed this just after they collected the bins so this is the clean version! There were mountains of trash everywhere and the rats are the size of cats now in Birmingham. It’s a dangerous and dirty job and people need to know that their safety and financial wellbeing are being valued.”

Despite some cleanup before filming, the video still reveals the harsh reality of the working class’s battle against neglect and power.

The Band’s Origins and Influences: A Blend of Raw Energy and Community Spirit

Gordon Moakes shares the story behind THE NONE’s formation:

“Going back five years, I’d been living in Texas and when I moved back just before the pandemic, I really wanted to start a new band – really starting over from scratch. There’s a nice symmetry to it… Not just to play together but to socialise and be cool.”

The influences behind their sound come from a shared love of gritty, straightforward rock. Moakes references USA Nails and Silverfish, describing their music as “ugly, quite simple rock,” while Whyte adds Brainiac and Cable to the mix, aiming to “pop-ify these ugly songs.”

Building a Tight-Knit, Authentic Community

THE NONE’s music has been fueled by word-of-mouth and social media, creating a genuine connection to their audience.

“Those people aren’t being thrust something and forced to like it. It is what it is. If they’re into it, then they’ll come to the gig,” Moakes explains.

Whyte paints a picture of Birmingham’s music scene as fragmented but passionate, with grassroots promoters and community activism shaping the city’s cultural pulse despite economic and social challenges.

Speaking Out: Music as a Weapon Against Injustice

THE NONE have joined many artists in supporting freedom of expression, particularly standing with controversial acts like Kneecap who have faced calls for boycotts.

Moakes stresses the importance of musicians using their platform:

“It should absolutely be musicians doing it. It seems ridiculous to me that you can force boycotts on bands – especially bands that have made a point of coming out of poverty, colonial rule, oppression or whatever it is. Of course those people are going to want to use their voice once they’ve got it.”

Whyte adds a sharp observation: “Big business can’t make art, so they’re telling people what to say and do. If they really knew what people wanted then they’d be the artist.”

THE NONE’s Next Steps: From EPs to Full-Length Ambitions

Looking ahead, the band plans to release vinyl versions of their two EPs later this year, marking the end of their initial phase.

“It will be nice to put them out properly, then we’ll be moving into writing some songs for a full-length album,” Moakes reveals. “We’ve moved on from this excitable moment of just being in a band to turning it into something.”

Whyte shares an optimistic vision for touring and creating:

“We’ve got a few festivals coming up, we’ll try and get out of the country, and then just keep writing. The culture of the band is to be consistently writing.”

Reflections on Bloc Party’s Legacy and Awards

With the original Bloc Party line-up set to receive the Outstanding Song Collection award at the Ivors 2025, Moakes shares his mixed feelings:

“It’s a weird juxtaposition to be an Ivor Novello songwriter and then make this really ugly noise rock over here. But they’re all part of a piece for me. That’s the beauty of songwriting and making noise. It’s all fair game.”

When asked about attending the ceremony, Whyte jokes:

“I think I’m washing my hair that day!”

Upcoming Tour Dates for THE NONE

• May 15 – Brighton, The Great Escape Festival (BBC 6 Music Stage)
• May 25 – Catton, Bearded Theory Festival
• June 14 – Ipswich, Brighten The Corners
• July 12 – Peterborough, East Angrier Weekender
• July 25 – Thirsk, Deer Shed Festival
• October 25 – Rotterdam, Left Of The Dial

For ticket info and updates, check THE NONE’s official sites and ticket platforms.

Conclusion

THE NONE’s At Hope cuts through the noise with a fierce and honest look at poverty and working-class struggles, all wrapped in their signature punk energy. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just entertain — it confronts and connects us to real stories. Are you ready to feel the raw pulse of their sound live?

FAQs

• What inspired THE NONE's single 'At Hope'?
  The song was inspired by vocalist Kai Whyte’s experiences growing up in poverty on a council estate, reflecting the struggles of working-class life.
• Who are the members of THE NONE?
  The band features Gordon Moakes (ex-Bloc Party), Kai Whyte, Jim Beck, and Chris Francombe.
• How does THE NONE describe their musical style?
  Their sound is a mix of post-hardcore and raw punk, influenced by bands like USA Nails, Silverfish, Brainiac, and Cable.
• What themes does THE NONE explore in their music?
  They focus on political and social issues, especially poverty, economic struggles, and working-class life.
• When is THE NONE’s new single 'At Hope' released?
  At Hope is set for release on June 20 via Zennor Records.

Shop your favorite album cover poster from our store to bring THE NONE’s powerful vibes right into your space: Architeg Prints.