‘Please Say Goodbye’ is the second new single from Forty Elephant Gang, the rousing, engaging, and innovative five-piece from East London that blend Folk, Americana and American Blues with classic songwriting. ​​

‘Please Say Goodbye’ is a cosy and reflective waltz capturing a love that is satisfied with the simple things: ‘when you leave, please say goodbye’. Sonically in tune with the first single, ‘Evergreen’, the Gang’s shift from their earlier fast-paced numbers sees them comfortably slide into an atmospheric, laid-back, genre-defying era that retains their trademark soulful vocals, rich harmonies and delicate mandolin picking. 

The first single 'Evergreen' was the band's first slice of new music since the band’s acclaimed 2023 EP, 'The Time We Lost'. This EP came off the back of a successful showcase at the Americana Music Association UK's ‘Americana Music Week’ and a sold-out EP launch at the Green Note. This summer, the band was hard at work in their studio while also performing at the Maverick Festival as well as successful live shows in Spain.  

“The songwriting process began with a deep dive into the mood and structure of classic blues. The lyrics of ‘Please Say Goodbye’ reflect heartbreak and yearning, written with poetic simplicity to resonate with universal emotions. The instrumentation features a minimalist arrangement: a slow, sultry guitar riff and a steady rhythm section to anchor the track. To enhance authenticity, we incorporated a live recording approach to capture the rawness and intimacy of the performance. The lead vocal is plaintive yet powerful, complemented by subtle harmonies that echo the melancholy. Post-production was minimal, allowing the song’s natural textures and emotions to shine.”

“Crafting ‘Please Say Goodbye’ was a journey inspired by the soulful essence of the early British blues era, particularly the Fleetwood Mac timeless classic, ‘Need Your Love So Bad’. ‘Please Say Goodbye’ blends traditional American blues influences with a uniquely British interpretation. We wanted to capture the spirit of longing and vulnerability, blending it with modern production while maintaining the authentic sound of vintage blues.”

Forty Elephant Gang take their name from a notorious gang of female pickpockets from The Elephant & Castle. The band features Andrew White (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Sean Mannion (Mandolin and Backing Vocals) and James Bachmann (Guitar and backing Vocals), who started the band as a trio, with recent additions to the line-up including Martin Moore (Drums) and Frazor Twyman on (Bass), adding a punchier feel to the bands live sound.

Since the band's formation, Forty Elephant Gang has taken its unique sound to large and varied audiences throughout London and the UK. From ad-hoc rooftop parties to Folk and Acoustic nights to rock bars and back again to back-street boozers, Forty Elephant Gang has received a wave of support and won friends and admirers from all walks of life. They are quickly being recognised as one of the best live bands on the circuit right now.