A legendary Oxford punk-pop band is returning with their first release in 25 years.
The Samurai Seven, known for their melodic and frenetic energy, will launch their new single at The Bullingdon, Oxford, on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The single, titled ‘Punching Down,’ is said to capture the band’s signature style, which once made them favourites of John Peel and audiences nationwide.
The track was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Hugo Nicolson at Runway Studios and mixed at Fairport Convention’s Woodworm Studios in Oxfordshire.
The Samurai Seven originally formed in Oxford in 1997, quickly gaining popularity through their relentless touring and impressive performances at Radio One’s Oxford Sound City event.
Their career was halted unexpectedly on Valentine’s Night 1999 when lead singer Simon was injured in a drive-by incident in Oxford.
The band eventually regrouped, but struggled to regain their previous momentum.
An album was released in 2002, but the band gradually drifted apart, with members moving on to new bands, starting families, and pursuing studies.
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The original lineup, however, reunited for a rehearsal session in 2025, which reignited their passion for playing together.
This led to more rehearsals, performances at events like the Truck Festival and the Jericho Tavern, and the creation of new material to be released this year.
Fans can catch The Samurai Seven at The Bullingdon on Cowley Road.
The event, presented by OMS Live, will also feature performances by Kokroachez and Suspire.
Tickets can be purchased online.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source uk.news.yahoo.com ’
