Doomed Confessionary: Bob, Hannah & Ted (IAN)
East London, UK based quintet IAN bring a sense of jovial camaraderie through their heavy, loud and droning post-rock dirges on debut album »Come On Everybody, Let’s Do Nothing!«, released on October 17th, 2025 via Human Worth.
Self-described as “a band that appreciates the peaks and troughs of post-rock as much as the crunch of the riff,” IAN’s striking debut delivers five dirges that merge earth swallowing riffs with the atmospheres and dynamics of their post-rock heroes, such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor, with the bite and visceral heft of Cult Of Luna and Amenra.
»Come On Everybody, Let’s Do Nothing!« and the band IAN as a whole, is the culmination of 25 years of musical friendship and the need to find inspiration in films, noise, and the drudgery of British life.
IAN are Ted Reynolds (guitar, vocals), Craig Murray (guitar, samples), Hannah Asprey (cello), Anna Jones (bass) and Bob D’Mello (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Bob: We are IAN, and yet, none of us are IAN. We like making noise, but then we also like being quiet sometimes.
Hannah: We’re long-winded, chunky and pretty.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Ted: It’s ongoing! We’re five people who want to avoid confrontation with each other, who also have certain opinions on how songs should sound, and so we’re always trying to find the best way to communicate with each other. I imagine that’s the challenge with all bands.
Hannah: Just being organised and getting shit done.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Ted: We are very proud of the record, and people surprisingly liking what we are doing. You always hope people connect with it but you never know if they will!
Hannah: Donating a portion of the profits from our album to Mermaids. Protect Trans Youth!!!
What was your biggest regret?
Ted: Nothing really, but I guess if we were forced to pick one I’d say that it took too long to get things going after we initially formed as a band. I imagine our regrets are all personal and life-based rather than band-related.
Hannah: Being out of playing bands for 15 years. I should never have stopped.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Ted and Bob: They have all been fun, to be honest, but the last few shows in Nottingham, Bristol, Coventry and Norwich have definitely been highlights. People have been really positive, which is lovely, and we enjoyed being on stage, being on the road with a temperamental sat-nav, and finding new compartments in Hannah’s car to hide sweets.
Hannah: Supporting Helms Alee was my biggest thrill.
Photo credit: Sunny Singh
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Ted: Honestly, we have been doing stuff since the late 90’s so nothing has been wildly surprising, though it is good to see that the shows are more queer friendly and less beardy men, which is really important for us.
Hannah: That nobody cares how old or young you are anymore. That’s changed in the last 25 years.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Ted: I tend to listen to a mixture of pop music, grime and 90’s screamo like Orchid, Portraits Of Past etc. Bob, who’s sitting here with me as I type this, has just scrolled through his phone and found that he’s been listening to Chat Pile, Shearling, Aesop Rock and Ross from Friends.
Hannah: Remote Viewing, Rosie Tucker, Felicette, NoMan, Lung.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Bob: “Play a good show.”
Hannah: Don’t wait to be good before you start making music. Just do it anyway.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Ted: I just watched all of the »Despicable Me« films, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love a lot of pop, but I don’t feel ashamed.
Bob: I think that as a group of people, we’ve outgrown the idea of feeling guilty for enjoying something. Having said that, my continued enjoyment of Steely Dan is probably embarrassing for anyone connected with me.
Hannah: Copaganda TV shows!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in London?
Ted: I am very lazy and hate people so I don’t go anywhere, but some good bands I’ve seen recently are Host Body, Big Shipping, Peat Bogs, the Maisonettes and Remote Viewing.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ll be playing at DesertFest London in May, ArcTanGent in August, and were hoping to head out on tour with labelmates Kulk later in the year.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re booked in to record our next record in May, which is very exciting. It will be 100% country, with 5% fixed rate interest.
How can people best support your band?
By naming their children Ian, and donating their children to our youth blood drive.
Hannah: Come to gigs and buy our merch!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Ted: Have a good time, all the time. Or get fucked. Whichever you prefer.
Hannah: You lot are great!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well