‘Spooky’ is the new single by Tribes of Europe & Barbara Stretch, out 31st October 2025 via Integrity Records (INT 106) but available for radio immediately. The band’s version of Dusty Springfield’s 1970 classic features a serene one-take vocal by Barbara Stretch and Martin’s enigmatic but understated nylon-strung guitar solo in place of the original saxophone.
The band initially added the cover to their setlist for a radio session but now, following recent singles ‘Opportunity’ (played by Gemma Cairney on BBC 6 Music) and ‘Sun Don’t Mind’ (“The song of the summer … sexy, sultry” – MusicLoveMusic), ‘Spooky’ has its own Halloween release.
Barbara says: “When a radio station asked us to include a cover for a live session, for me it had to be Dusty Springfield. She was the biggest influence on me as a teenager and I’d always wanted to have a go at Spooky. I love that we played it live.”
Martin adds: “Barbara’s vocal is sublime. It was only meant to be a guide vocal, just to keep the rest of us on the straight and narrow while we recorded the backing track but, on the first playback, we all knew she’d already knocked it out of the park. There’s something extra special about the whole band performing in the studio at the same time, all wanting to put the tune across just right.”
Tribes of Europe is the alter ego of Fenland-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Martin Elsey, joined on ‘Spooky’ by vocalist Barbara Stretch (Spoilsports, The Vernons), with Max Taylor (Mika, Groove Armada, Roots Manuva) on Fender Rhodes and backing vocals, Harry Bennett (Clor, Creepy Neighbour) on drums, and bass maestro Chris Taylor (Poison Girls, The Bays) on production and mixing duties amongst the resident chickens at the wonderful Bluebarn Studios in the Cambridge countryside.
Tribes of Europe have enjoyed national support on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Ulster, BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction and various specialist stations & new music shows across Europe & the UK. The band have previously recorded live sessions for the late great Janice Long on BBC Radio Wales and for Gorgeous Radio.
“Unashamedly ‘60s but with a new twist” – Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music
“An instantly catchy and uplifting retro-futuristic creation” – Get In Her Ears
“The whole goddamn super-group bring their A game on this one” – LWM
https://tribesofeurope.bandcamp.com
https://bsky.app/profile/tribeseurope.bsky.social
