MAX BIANCO – COLD OUTSIDE / YESTERDAY WAS HEAVY – NEW SINGLE RELEASES

“A perfect glimpse behind the curtain as to what Max Bianco is capable of and what to expect from the debut solo album”

5/5

I first stumbled upon Max Bianco’s music when he was supporting The Libertines in front of an intimate crowd at the Lido, Margate.

The venue itself still carries the bones of its 1920’s decor, a few short steps from the sea. This troubadour felt perfect for the room as he graced the stage in his signature fur hat and long overcoat/scarf combination. He was handpicked by Carl Barat after playing an open mic night in the Libertines’ star’s nightclub/venue, Justines, and you could see why.

Flash forwards a few years, and I’ve seen him play all kinds of stages. From Academy’s supporting The Libertines, to Camden pubs and even a stage placed directly above a bar. His music grabs you in with a tenacious grasp, and once he has you there’s no escape.

I’m writing this on the eve of a seminal moment for the Hartlepool born star, as his first release for Bubblebrain Records is just hours away.

On 27/11/2025, he will release the newly recorded single ‘Cold Outside’ which will include ‘Yesterday Was Heavy’ on the B side. Not only is it the first release for Bianco under Bubblebrain Records, but it’s his first in the lead up to his debut album. More details on that to follow at some point soon.

Cold Outside is a track he has played on each occasion I’ve seen him and is usually joined by fellow musicians. The approach to this is no different. Collaboration has been key to producing these two singles.

He’s joined by Charles Bueller (Dead Freights and Strap Originals solo artist), Tom Van Heel (Paul Weller Band), Timothy Midnight (Nick Diver Band) and Alfie Gear (Dirty Gear). Close friends of his, Mimi Rawna and Steve Cutler also make the cut on backing vocals. Additionally, Axel Loughrey (A.L Strange) and Bianco’s partner Yue Xiong feature in Yesterday Was Heavy.

This version of Cold Outside has a real grit to it, as it intro’s with the twang of guitar.

As I listen through my AirPods in an otherwise quiet house, I can almost hear him pluck at the strings in front of me. I picture his classic jovial grin as the vocals suddenly spring into action.

“I wanna go outside just to feel the air. Although my pockets feel so light, there’s nowt left in there”. I immediately picture a stick-like figure in my mind, watching him take to the streets, turfing out his pockets as he goes.

There’s a real poignant line that acts as a pre-chorus “I never thought I’d have to beg just to get by”. It adds a layer to the already prevalent imagery, as the chorus roars into action.

It’s a real catchy chorus that embodies Max Bianco’s charm and the music collective he has built around him. As he bellows “It’s cold outside”, the symphony of backing vocalists respond with repetition. He then continues with “And it’s raining inside” as the group continue to call back.

It takes me to one of his live shows, where usually a musical friend will take to the stage to call back each line. Camden in particular has an incestuous music scene, and everyone knows everyone. They all know Max Bianco and it nearly always leads to a joint singalong.

There’s a slight shakiness to the lyrical delivery in this rejigged version of the hit, and I feel that adds to the raw vagabond spirit that Bianco is renowned for among his many admirers.

As we build towards the end of the song the guitars feel rough and ragged, Max is yelling “I never wanted to be here anyway” over a dirty guitar riff, Timothy Midnight’s drums crash into operation and before you know it, the Alfie Gear guitar solo rips the music apart before one final chorus.

I really feel this song showcases Max Bianco at his best, and this version has superseded any previous recording of it. It takes me away to those live shows, into a crowd of onlookers that are all belting the chorus in unison.

I now turn my attention to Yesterday Was Heavy. I can immediately feel a shift in gear, but I think that perfectly captures the song writing ability of Max Bianco. From the highs of Cold Outside, this ballad pulls at your heartstrings, showcasing a different side to the songwriter.

My immediate reaction is how stripped back this feels. It’s laying everything bare. No more is it a song, than a conversation. The guitar feels understated, which works perfectly when you hear the opening line “It’s 3am. You think I’m nowhere to be seen. I’m hiding from you and everyone else with my best friend called Dean.”

The gentle strokes of an electric guitar just allow the soft lyrics enough room to breathe. He continues “Don’t follow me through the snow you’re not dressed for the weather” over same steady guitar.

A short pause allows you to take your own interpretation of the opening lines, right before Tom Van Heel’s keys and Timothy Midnight’s drums accompany the guitar.

Still with these added layers, the lyrics have their own space. It’s a perfect recount of the morning-after regrets as the chorus chimes “I don’t mean to cause you pain or worry, all I remember about it is yesterday was heavy”. For me, this perfectly captures the fear and dread that looms over you the day after a big night.

As it continues, you can hear Midnight’s constant drumming pairing with Yue Xiong’s percussion work. His delivery of the lyrics is raspy and gravelly. This adds another layer to the imagery.

As I sit at my desk, I can picture a dishevelled Max Bianco across from me, almost fighting to deliver the lyrics.

He’s already known as an exciting and emotional storyteller, and this perfectly captures this. As the listener I find myself grasping on to every word and almost willing him to continue to divulge into the events that preceded the conversation.

It feels like a natural calling that this vagabond was to land upon The Albion Rooms, Margate, to record. It’s The Libertines very own hotel-turned-studio and the scene of many a chaotic Bianco performance in the Wasteland Bar. Paired with in- house engineer Jason Stafford, they were onlooked by The Libertines very own number one album award, every step of the way.

Not only this, but he has been hotly tipped as a working-class hero by none other than Peter Doherty himself. As the Babyshambles reunion continues to power on, Bianco will embark on a support slot on some key dates.

For me, this single is just the start of a new era for Max Bianco, and with the support of The Songbird HQ as Management and Bubblebrain Records, who knows where this may take him. I’m excited to not only see where this journey leads, but also for the future releases.

There are two very different songs on this single, and they act as the perfect glimpse behind the curtain at what he is capable of and what to expect from the debut solo album.

You can stream the single on your chosen platformHERE

Physical copies can be pre-ordered HERE

You can catch Max Bianco live at the following dates:

30/11/2025 – Babyshambles Manchester Warmup Show with Broken Strap at the Six Trees
07/12/2025 – Babyshambles support – O2 Academy, Leeds
08/12/2025 – Babyshambles support – Rock City, Nottingham
09/12/2025 – Babyshambles support – O2 Academy Bristol

Listen to ‘Cold Outside’ here now