Marc Valentine, the charismatic British singer/songwriter/guitarist who last year released his debut solo album to critical acclaim, issues a new single, ‘Skeleton Key’, through Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records.

Produced by Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, Ryan Hamilton, The Professionals), Skeleton Key is a 3-minute 20-second blast of upbeat/downbeat powerpop – a haunting tale of emotional pursuit, with spirited guitar lines and a chorus to die for. Explains Marc, “When the idea for Skeleton Key came to me, I was imagining the colours and dialogue of a suspenseful opening scene from a late ’60s Hammer horror film. It’s a song about discovering the darker side of someone and the futile attempt to escape the emotional powers that can unlock everything – though, as usual, there’s a dash of dark humour.”

The single is backed with a cover version of The Shirelles’  ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ – a long-time favourite of Marc’s.

Available as a download and a limited-edition coloured vinyl 7” with picture sleeve, ‘Skeleton Key’ unlocks the door to Marc’s forthcoming album, Basement Sparks, due in 2024 – and, we make no bones about it, destined to embed itself in a good number of skulls this Halloween.

Having honed his craft fronting cult pop-rockers Last Great Dreamers across four studio albums, Marc launched a solo career in 2022, his debut long-player Future Obscure picking up praise from an array of publications.

The limited-edition 7” will be sold through UK record shops, and available to order in the US and Europe via marcvalentine.co.uk and marcvalentine.bandcamp.com

Marc Valentine and his band play the following dates….

Thu 2 Nov – Manchester Gullivers (w/Wreckless Eric)

Sat 4 Nov – London Night Owl

Sat 9 Dec – Holt Voewood (w/Wreckless Eric)

Thur 14 Dec – London Hope & Anchor

Fri 15 Dec – Banbury Wheatsheaf

Sat 16 Dec – Swindon Beehive