Release Date: July 11th, 2025 (Distortion Records)
In a world awash with mass-produced pop monotony, it’s always exciting to be allowed to review something that genuinely stands out… Agency V’s debut album, ‘Never Meant to Be’, is one such gem—an electrifying, synth-laden powerhouse that demands attention.
Let’s get the disclaimer out of the way: yes, one of the band members is a friend, so maybe this was never going to be a scathing review. But trust me when I say this—he and his bandmates have delivered something special here.
Peter Steer, a mainstay of the Essex music scene, joins forces with the intoxicating vocals of Marie Williamson and the synth magic of Lloyd Price to form Agency V.
Their sound?
Think electronic rock on steroids—with nods to Gary Numan, Ultravox, and the pulsing heart of ’80s new wave, all wrapped in 2025 lustre.
At 17 tracks, ‘Never Meant to Be’ is not just a full-length album—it’s a value-packed listening experience. In this economic climate, that alone is worth a mention.
The opening title track, ‘Never Meant to Be’, sets the tone immediately—pulsing bass, captivating vocals, and an urgent energy that grabs you from the get-go. It’s an emphatic statement of intent.
Then comes ‘Freaking Out’—my personal standout. It’s deceptively simple: no gimmicks, no unnecessary flourishes, just strong melody, honest delivery, and a searing guitar break that elevates it to something truly memorable. Marie’s vocals here recall the clarity and emotion of Sarah Blackwood (Dubstar and Client) —this is always a good thing.
Following that, ‘Heart of Stone’ might be my least favorite track—but only relatively speaking. It’s still a solid piece: rich guitars, beautiful vocals, and a delicious dose of synth. Its “low” ranking speaks volumes about the consistency of the entire album.
Another standout is ‘Paranoid’, with its unmistakable Simmons-style toms—a clear homage to the gloriously synthetic ‘80s drum sound. For fans of retro electronica, this one will hit a nostalgic sweet spot.
I think we should start a campaign to insist upon Simmons toms on at least one track on every album!
And then… ‘Some Kind of Game’.
Track seven. My real favourite?
Possibly…
It’s here that Marie’s voice fully shines. The bridge shouldn’t work—but somehow it just does. Add in those glorious toms and a ‘Music for the Masses’-style synth run in the bridge, and you’ve got something sublime.
And let’s talk about ‘Stupid Girl.’ Yes, that Garbage blockbuster.
Agency V’s version is, dare I say, better than the original. “Better” is subjective, of course—but this cover sounds bigger, bolder, and beautifully reimagined.
“Never Meant to Be’ could be called an album of two parts… so that’s what I’ll do!
Part Two: The Remixes
The album’s final stretch dives into remix territory—often risky, but here, expertly executed. Each rework offers a fresh take, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of the original material. ‘Never Meant to Be’ (Inertia Remix) is a standout—dark, industrial, and firmly up my EBM/Industrial dark alleyway.
‘Never Meant to Be’ is massive in every sense:
- 17 tracks of passion and precision
- Soaring guitars that lift each track beyond the ordinary
- Captivating vocals that carry both grit and grace
- Synth wizardry an 80’s homage on a modern path
Agency V aren’t here to make up the numbers. They’ve crafted an album that celebrates synth-driven rock with heart, edge, and technical finesse. Influences from Numan to Ultravox to Depeche Mode echo throughout, but this is no tribute act—this is a band confidently forging their own sound.
Marie, Lloyd, and Peter have pulled off something brilliant. ‘Never Meant to Be’ deserves every bit of attention it’s bound to get—and then some.
Mark the date… Friday 11th July – ‘Never Meant to Be’ released on major digital platforms with the bonus of a limited edition on CD
Agency V are already winning hearts on the live scene and hope to visit venues through the UK in 2025… look out for them!
Oh… as the review is being written Agency V have just completed a three night run of live guest appearances for none other than the aforementioned Gary Numan as he warms up for Glastonbury.
Also… the aforementioned CD sold out during on the strength of the 3 shows with Mr Numan… urgent efforts are being made to have another run available for launch date
Agency V are active on social media platforms, YouTube and Bandcamp:
Photo taken by Marvey Mills @ Marvellous Gig Photography
Cover Art by Lloyd Price
Review by John Brown
