Self release (label)
26 June 2026 (released)
7 h
TV Pins provide frank pointedness on LGBTQ+ themed ‘Version of Love’.
The fight for equality has been a long, ever-evolving battle. Civil partnerships have been available in the UK since 2005, and same-sex marriage came to England, Wales and Scotland in 2014. That doesn’t mean everyone feels acceptance of their identity, or their particular flavour of love.
That’s where TV Pins’ new single ‘Version of Love’ takes up the mantle.
The song is unafraid to poke at single-minded thinking and isn’t backward about coming forward. They put their point bluntly, with solid vocals that carry the message in a toe-tapping Brit rock-pop package.
Production by Mark Neary has brought a simple yet effective combination. The man who has previously worked on productions with the likes of Adele and Noel Gallagher brings out the revving guitar, chugging drums and synth bounce to keep the listener compelled as they take in the song’s frustration.
The synth keyboard, coupled with occasional handclaps, coats the project’s pained sentiment in a lick of breezy brightness to help the medicine go down.
For those in agreement with the song’s inclusive outlook, this tried and trusted rock performance will surely have them bopping along. Supporters are also likely to take heart from the vocalist’s chirpy, no-nonsense exasperation. The lyrics are not asking for permission, but seizing the space they are entitled to.
The single serves as a direct challenge to the naysayers and bigots. The outfit fire off lines like: ‘Your version of love, is so straightforward, your version of love, I’m f-f-fricking bored.’
The righteous irritation, if not straight-up anger, will surely strike a chord for many who have faced a lack of understanding, if not discrimination and bullying.
Unfortunately, the problem with the offering comes in its framing. ‘Version of Love’ tries to put bigotry on the spot, questioning its viewpoint and challenging its assumptions.
While there is obvious value in meeting hostile views with thoughtful discussion and song, it’s not entirely clear how the people who need to hear this side of the discussion will discover the track. What’s more, will they be able to meet it with an open mind when they do?
This is not a subtle piece. There isn’t a moment in which the listener has to take in and decipher the words, come to love a turn of phrase or a catchy hook, before eventually realising the point behind it.
It will be down to the power of the rock production to draw them into this frank musical conversation.
As a fist shook in anger, ‘Version of Love’ acquits itself well, but as a conversation starter it may sadly get stuck on the wrong side of the echo chamber.
