The Bends Announce Debut Album, ‘If You Insist’
Rising alternative rock band The Bends have officially announced their highly anticipated debut full-length album, If You Insist, scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, via Warner Records. The album is currently available for fans to pre-order and pre-save across all major platforms.
To celebrate the announcement, the Baton Rouge-bred, Nashville-based quartet dropped their latest single, “Hanging Around,” which is streaming everywhere today. The new track offers a fresh glimpse into the sonic evolution of a group that has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in modern rock.
If You Insist serves as a candid narrative of the band’s meteoric rise over the past few years. The 12-track project documents their rapid trajectory, capturing the exact moment they transitioned from local college bar gigs to launching full-scale national tours. The album's triumphant title reflects the unexpected momentum and whirlwind opportunities that landed on their doorstep following the success of their earliest independent releases.
Alongside the newly released “Hanging Around,” the album will feature fan-favorite singles “Seasons Change” and “Smoking In Bed.” The latter provided the group with a massive breakthrough, officially charting on the Alternative Airplay Top 100 and solidifying their place on mainstream rock radio. The band's growing cultural presence has also been bolstered by high-profile media appearances, including featured sets on Track Star and an intimate performance on Zach Bryan’s acclaimed Belting Bronco series.
The album announcement comes in the middle of a massive year on the road. The Bends are currently trekking across the continent on their extensive "If You Insist" North American Tour. The run features a dynamic blend of headlining club and theater dates, major festival appearances—including a performance at Lollapalooza—and high-profile support slots alongside established giants and rising heavyweights like The Killers, Inhaler, Ole 60, and The Red Clay Strays.
By bridging the raw energy of their Southern roots with the refined songwriting of the Nashville rock scene, The Bends have crafted an authentic debut that captures the chaos, excitement, and uncertainty of sudden success. If You Insist promises to build on that foundation, setting the stage for what is shaping up to be a career-defining release for the young four-piece.
If You Insist Track List
Off My Chest
Loadout
Seasons Change
Dance Away
Lebowski
Smoking in Bed
Hanging Around
Young Love
Whatever
Keeps Me Going
Last Forever
Sticking To The Plan
