The Report is an Indie Rock band from Kingston-upon-Thames, formed in 2019 around the songwriting duo Hugo Allen (vocals/guitar) and Jo Rogers (keys/vocals), joined by Gary O’Key (bass), Jules Harley (drums), and Mark Williamson (guitar). Their sound blends melodic, harmony-rich Indie Rock with classic rock influences, 60s/70s singer-songwriter sensibilities, and nods to 90s indie. Since their debut EP House By The Sea, they have released three more EPs and several singles. Influences include REM, The Feeling, Father John Misty, The Staves, and Half Moon Run, resulting in music with emotionally honest lyrics, layered harmonies, and intricate guitar-piano arrangements. Their style has been described as deeply personal yet universally relatable, marked by a signature balance of melodic storytelling and sophisticated instrumentation.
The Report’s fifth EP, “A Thousand Acts To Follow”, set for release on 27 February 2026, represents a confident and mature step forward for the band. Produced in collaboration with Chris Pepper at Saltwell Studio, the EP combines the band’s signature melodic indie rock with fresh textures and nuanced production, resulting in a record that feels both heartfelt and expansive. Its title cleverly nods to the myriad choices of life and the crowded landscape of streaming-era music, reflecting the band’s playful yet perceptive commentary on standing out with authenticity.
Musically, the EP draws on ‘60s/’70s rock, ‘90s indie, and contemporary influences, blending intricate guitar and piano arrangements with layered harmonies and expressive vocals. The songs explore profound human themes, trust, self-reflection, accountability, and hope, with arrangements that complement the emotional weight of the lyrics. Driving rhythms, harmonically rich textures, and dynamic shifts enhance the narrative of each track, making the music feel immersive rather than performative. Throughout, The Report balances introspection with accessibility, weaving reflective storytelling into anthemic, memorable melodies. As a cohesive artistic statement, “A Thousand Acts To Follow” showcases the band’s growth, offering listeners a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant indie rock experience that is both personal and universally relatable.
A Thousand Acts To Follow EP Track List:
Take Me Home:
“Take Me Home,” the EP’s opening track of The Report’s EP, is a driving rock anthem anchored in trust, dependence, and perseverance. The lyrics; “Don’t take your eyes off the road ahead … just take the wheel for me” and “And when you’re tired and the world is closing in, it’s time for you to rest your head, and I’ll take the wheel again”, illustrate the profound theme of shared responsibility and emotional support. This track emphasizes the mutual reliance that allows one person to lead while another rests, creating a narrative about navigating life together, both literally and metaphorically. The theme of guidance and care dominates the song, with each musical choice reinforcing the feeling of movement and protection.
Musically, the song channels Springsteen-inspired rock with steady drums, driving basslines, and open, bright guitar riffs that propel the listener forward. Harmonized vocals add warmth, evoking community and mutual reassurance. The verse’s clean guitar arpeggios give space for reflection, while the chorus swells with layered instrumentation to reflect the emotional lift of trust and shared perseverance. Subtle dynamic shifts, melodic hooks, and sustained guitar lines mirror the theme of taking the wheel and holding steady through life’s challenges. Instrumental clarity ensures the lyrics, the narrative of guidance, reliance, and resilience, remain central, making “Take Me Home” both a sonic and thematic journey of trust.
Wise Up:
Set in a metaphorical theatre of life, with “Wise Up,” The Report invites reflection, accountability, and active engagement with one’s personal narrative. The lyrics, “time to be the critic, view the parts you’ve played, would you change the script or is it all too late” and “Wise up, there’s a thousand acts to follow … Wise up and take the lead”, encourage listeners to confront past decisions and step boldly into their own spotlight. The thematic focus dominates the track, exploring the inner theatre where life unfolds as a series of acts. Each verse highlights self-examination, while the chorus acts as a call to action, urging empowerment, courage, and decisiveness in shaping one’s story.
Musically, the track supports this theme with layered guitars, subtle percussion, and expansive harmonies. Clean, contemplative arpeggios in the verses mirror introspection, while the choruses swell with assertive instrumentation that embodies empowerment and bold action. Dynamic shifts reflect the tension between reflection and decision, with crescendos emphasizing thematic moments of clarity. Vocal phrasing and harmonic layering accentuate the idea of stepping into the spotlight, while rhythmic stability keeps the listener grounded in the journey of self-awareness. Every musical element, from tonal textures to melodic movement, serves the narrative of taking responsibility for one’s acts, creating a cohesive blend of reflection and motivational energy.
Fireflies:
Closing the EP, “Fireflies” by The Report is a gentle, luminous tribute to the quiet acts of kindness and courage that often go unnoticed. The lyrics; “Fireflies, weaving through darkness, like fireflies, hoping our lights would remain when we’re gone” and “smile is a lifeline to keep hope alive”, frame small gestures and moments of grace as sustaining forces in human experience. The track’s theme dominates, celebrating ephemeral yet impactful actions that leave lasting emotional resonance. Listeners are drawn into a narrative of quiet heroism, where ordinary people’s small acts shine like fireflies in darkness, symbolizing hope, love, and perseverance.
Musically, the song mirrors its lyrical imagery with shimmering guitars, soft percussion, and intimate vocal delivery. Light, airy harmonies swell in the chorus, evoking the delicate glow of fireflies, while sparse verses allow moments of reflection. Melodic rises and falls mimic the unpredictability of fleeting inspiration, and dynamic restraint reinforces the tenderness of these moments. Instrumental layers, subtle yet warm, reinforce the idea that even the quietest acts of courage and kindness can illuminate lives. The combination of intimate production, thoughtful arrangement, and reflective melodic design ensures the listener feels both the fragility and enduring power of human kindness, making “Fireflies” a thematic and musical highlight of the EP.
A Thousand Acts To Follow Is A Compelling Exploration Of Life’s Choices, Blending Introspective Lyricism, Layered Harmonies, And Emotive Melodies To Celebrate Courage, Connection, And The Power Of Authenticity.
~ Daniel (Dulaxi Team);
“A Thousand Acts To Follow” is an indie rock masterclass, effortlessly weaving emotional depth with captivating melodies and rich harmonies. The EP draws listeners into a world where every note and lyric feels deliberate, thoughtful, and deeply resonant, creating an experience that lingers well beyond its runtime. It’s the kind of music that invites reflection, sparks imagination, and rewards attentive listening, making each playthrough feel fresh and revealing. With its blend of heartfelt songwriting and intricate arrangements, it’s impossible to listen passively; each moment demands attention and rewards it with layers of musical and emotional discovery. For anyone ready to experience indie rock that feels alive, honest, and unforgettable, this EP is an essential, exhilarating listen.
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