Crystal Tides is an electrifying indie rock band hailing from the coastal city of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. The four-piece, comprised of Billy Gregory (vocals), Harry Knowles (lead guitar), George Regan (bass), and Joe Knights (drums), has rapidly captivated audiences with their catchy melodies, lively performances, and heartfelt lyrics.
Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Wombats, and Catfish and The Bottlemen, Crystal Tides masterfully blends infectious guitar riffs and anthemic choruses. Their music, often described as “sunshine indie,” creates a feel-good vibe while still delivering emotive storytelling. They have gained significant traction, selling out headline shows across the UK (including London’s Lafayette and Portsmouth Guildhall), playing major festivals (Victorious, Truck, Great Escape), and receiving extensive radio play on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, and Radio X. Their debut album is anticipated for release in 2025.
“Movies” is the latest single from Crystal Tides, officially released on July 18, 2025.
Lyrically, “Movies” is a cinematic and introspective track that conveys the realities and frustrations of situations that don’t unfold with the effortless perfection seen on film. Lead singer Billy Gregory repeatedly expresses the sentiment that “Life may seem easier in the movies,” especially when one’s own life experiences fall into disrepair. The song explores the “hangxiety” (hangover anxiety) and the restless feeling that arises when reality doesn’t match idealized cinematic narratives. Lyrics hint at trying to “repeat and delete and rewind” actions, mimicking a film’s functions to escape an undesirable reality. The song leaves a sense of mystery about “whatever happened the night before,” allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the narrative.