Powerhouse performer Gretel Hänlyn has returned with her latest single ‘War With America’. It follows a whirlwind 18 months since her debut release that has seen Gretel play forty shows and release two EPs along with a limited edition double vinyl that sold out pre-release.

‘War With America’ was written during Gretel’s first ever trip to LA and produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Wolf Alice, Bloc Party). The track explores the process of emotions that come with being away from home and the feelings of self-consciousness and vulnerability from awkward social situations. Inspired by the jangly guitar riffs of alt-80s artists like The Smiths and The Cure, ‘War With America’ is more visceral than Gretel’s previous records and showcases her exceptional storytelling in a way that screams to be played out in a live setting.

Speaking on the track, Gretel explains: “‘War With America’ is about my trip to LA this year. I was 20, had never been away from home and went away for 6 weeks to stay with friends and write music out there. My friends knew everyone and were older and more mature, they had different and luxurious ways of living and impressive knowledge on niche subjects. There were sneaky secrets and hidden agendas out there and I was surprised at how awfully out of place and alone I felt. It was like being in high school, desperately wishing I could just be part of the cool kids herd. I knew I wanted to belt the chorus, after so many suffocating and internalising social interactions I just needed to be able to scream something out.”