Introducing the massive October issue of Dork, featuring Paramore, The Dare, London Grammar, Pale Waves, DEADLETTER and more

The October issue of Dork is available for order now, and it’s packing more punch than a kangaroo in boxing gloves. We’ve pulled out all the stops, called in all the favours, and possibly sent a few too many begging emails to bring you an issue that’s been eight years in the making. That’s right, we’ve finally secured the holy grail, the band who have been on our vision board since day one: Paramore!

Leading our star-studded lineup, Paramore grace our cover after a mere 92 issues of manifest destiny. Talk about playing hard to get! But trust us, it was worth the wait. We caught up with Hayley Williams during their slot on the Eras Tour for a chat so detailed it sprawls across the space of two normal cover features. Newly liberated from major label duty, Paramore are entering an era where they’re fully in control of their own destiny. It sounds impossibly exciting.

Strutting onto his own cover with more swagger than a peacock at a fashion show, The Dare is here to turn your living room into the stickiest, sweatiest club in town. Harrison Patrick Smith’s debut album is the equivalent of a New York minute – fast, furious, and gloriously divisive in the best way. It fizzes with the kind of intoxicating energy that makes silly people say and do even sillier things. He’s already put his mark on the sound of summer 2024 – now he’s making it very clear who’s a bit boring and who’s here to have fun.

Not to be outdone, the indie royalty of London Grammar are gracing their first Dork cover, proving why they’re jewels in the crown of British pop. Their new album, ‘The Greatest Love’, isn’t just good; it’s London Grammar good, dripping with the kind of raw emotion and celebration that makes you want to laugh, cry, and really feel. 

“People expect a sad record about self-hatred from Pale Waves,” says Heather Baron-Gracie. That’s not what they’re getting this time around. The inimitable serial Dork cover stars are back with an album that’s flipped the script so hard, it got whiplash. ‘Smitten’ is exactly what it says on the tin – a love letter to love itself, wrapped up in a bow. you’re going to fall head over heels for this one.

And because we believe in arriving with a bang, we’re introducing you to our latest new favourite band. DEADLETTER have been cutting a swathe through Dork’s scribbled school books for a couple of years now, showing signs of tense, furious aggression and top-drawer songwriting, they stand out from the field of new British bands who know how to pack a punch. They’ve made a record mighty enough to stop moving vehicles – now they’re here to make you listen. Not that we’re giving you a choice.

Elsewhere in our new issue, you’ll find Dora Jar, Dolores Forever, Honeyglaze, Wasia Project, FLO, Stand Atlantic, Boston Manor, Say Now, Gia Ford, Polly Money, Sunflower Bean, Sad Night Dynamite, Katy J Pearson and loads more. You can order the new issue of Dork here, and it’ll dispatch before the 7th October 2024, or subscribe and get the print edition sent directly to your door every month here.

If you like what we do, we’re making available a section of the site for those who wish to support us by signing up to a monthly or annual subscription package. Different from our previous print-only subscriptions, the Dork Supporters scheme allows you to get early access to all our print content in digital form as soon as the issue launches, read digital versions of every single edition of Dork right back to issue 1, and get occasional exclusive extras too. You can sign up for digital-only or digital + print packages, which will give you immediate access. You can find more information here.

And don’t worry if you’re not signing up. You’ll still get everything you did before, as digital versions of our print content unlock to be read free of charge throughout the month. Enjoy!