British dance-rock legends EMF are cranking the volume once again with the release of their brand-new Reach for Something Higher EP, dropping October 24, 2025. The EP is bold, brash, and politically charged — a statement from a band that’s never been afraid to mix activism with beats that move the body and message that stirs the soul. Featuring three new videos, “Hands in the Air,” “LGBTQ+ Lover,” and “The Day the Music Died,” EMF prove that protest anthems can still fill dance floors while inspiring resistance.

Across the decades, EMF have built a reputation for marrying chaotic energy with sharp social commentary. From their chart-topping hit “Unbelievable” to today’s electrified calls for justice, they continue to reflect the heartbeat of their time. Their latest work captures the spirit of modern activism — from LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection — with an unmistakable EMF twist that combines rave rhythms and indie grit. The EP reminds fans why their influence endures in both music and message.

With dance-floor-ready hooks and a conscience that never sleeps, Reach for Something Higher feels like the rebirth of protest pop. For fans who grew up shouting along to EMF in the ’90s or those discovering them now, this new release offers both nostalgia and a reminder: rebellion still has a rhythm.

A New Era of EMF: Protest Anthems for Modern Times

The Reach for Something Higher EP comes packed with four core tracks — “Hands in the Air,” “LGBTQ+ Lover” featuring NYC artpop band Ecce Schnak, “The Day the Music Died,” and a pulsating remix of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough (Loved Up Mix).” A limited-edition CD version also includes alternate mixes and a home demo version for fans hungry for deeper cuts. Both versions are available at EMF’s official site, where physical orders ship worldwide.

EMF have long fused their dance-rock sound with social awareness, and this release amplifies that voice louder than ever. Written largely while touring the U.S. with Spacehog, the band drew inspiration from the country’s ongoing struggles with equality and democracy. “Hands in the Air” captures the optimism of collective action, while “LGBTQ+ Lover” celebrates queer love and freedom at a time when these rights remain under threat. The songs pulse with life — a sound that demands unity, defiance, and joy all at once.

Hands in the Air: A Song of Solidarity

“Hands in the Air,” available now on YouTube, is a rousing anthem of protest and empowerment. Its lyrics echo the voices of people demanding truth, transparency, and equality — a continuation of EMF’s activist legacy. The band dedicates the song to Led By Donkeys, a British grassroots movement known for its bold political art and public accountability campaigns. The dedication connects EMF’s music to a broader global conversation about resistance, making it both personal and universal.

The track is a sonic flash of optimism wrapped in adrenaline — sharp guitars, surging synths, and an infectious beat. It’s the kind of song that makes you raise your hands not just to dance, but to demand change. For EMF, that duality has always been their secret weapon: radical joy as a form of protest.

LGBTQ+ Lover: A Queer Anthem for a New Generation

“LGBTQ+ Lover ft. Ecce Schnak” is the EP’s emotional centerpiece — a shimmering declaration of love, visibility, and solidarity. Watch it here. The track merges Ecce Schnak’s theatrical flair with EMF’s signature rave-rock pulse, creating an expansive soundscape that celebrates queer identity. It’s as much a safe space as it is a song — a loud, proud embrace for anyone who’s ever felt unseen.

“Too many straight voices have been quiet,” EMF said, dedicating the song to their fans, family, and the queer community. Their words echo the ethos of Stonewall, the UK charity working to ensure equality and acceptance for all LGBTQ+ people. In a time when hate crimes and anti-queer rhetoric are once again on the rise globally, EMF’s anthem reminds listeners that love remains revolutionary.

With its soaring chorus and unapologetic message, “LGBTQ+ Lover” belongs in the lineage of timeless queer anthems — songs that don’t just speak to the community but stand with it.

The Day the Music Died: Environmental Resistance in Rhythm

The EP also revisits a fan favorite with a new purpose. “The Day the Music Died” — watch the video here — transforms into a visual love letter to environmental activism. Dedicated to Greenpeace, the video montage pairs EMF’s pounding beats with images of global protests, climate movements, and acts of civil disobedience. It’s a bold reminder that speaking truth to power remains essential, especially when those voices risk suppression.

The band’s decision to highlight Greenpeace reinforces their commitment to activism through art. From environmental protection to the right to protest, EMF use their platform to amplify messages that matter — proving that music can both entertain and enlighten. “The Day the Music Died” doesn’t mourn; it mobilizes.

A Legacy Still Loud

Now well into their third decade together, EMF have refused to fade quietly into nostalgia. Following the critical success of The Beauty and the Chaos in 2024, the band have reignited their creative streak with relentless touring and fresh music. Currently performing across the UK with Jesus Jones and Bis, they’re drawing new crowds while celebrating the fans who’ve been with them since the early ’90s.

Each performance carries the same energy that made “Unbelievable” a global hit, but with an evolved edge — louder guitars, bigger choruses, and even more conviction. As keyboardist Derry Brownson recovers and prepares to rejoin live performances, longtime followers can expect a full-force EMF experience once again.

Their journey from Cinderford, England, to the international stage is now immortalized by a blue plaque in their hometown, recognizing their lasting cultural impact. Few bands from that era can claim the same level of endurance, let alone relevance. EMF’s continued evolution shows that their mission — blending rebellion with rhythm — is far from over.

Still Unbelievable After All These Years

With Reach for Something Higher, EMF have crafted more than a comeback — they’ve created a movement wrapped in melody. Their new songs speak to resistance, hope, and love at a time when the world desperately needs all three. By pairing activism with club-ready beats, EMF remind us that protest doesn’t always mean anger; sometimes, it means turning up the volume and dancing in defiance.

Whether you’re rediscovering EMF or hearing them for the first time, these new tracks feel like a reminder of what music can do: unite, empower, and inspire. Give it a listen, crank it up, and tell us what you think in the comments below.