Corlyx return with "Sweeter Than Blood," the first single from their forthcoming fourth studio album, out now via Out Of Line Music. Accompanied by a music video directed and styled entirely by singer-songwriter Caitlin Stokes, the track signals a bold new chapter for the band, expanding their lineup to four members and pushing their sound deeper into alternative rock while retaining the gothic post-punk roots that have defined them.
The arrival of British drummer Flow Toulman as a full band member marks the most significant shift in Corlyx's evolution to date. Writing the album's demos with drums first brought a new physical energy to the sessions, pulling the guitar work into rockier territory and broadening a sonic palette that already ranged from darkwave and EBM to post-punk and synthpop. The result is a sound that bridges classic 80s post-punk architecture with a muscular, modern alt-rock drive - still unmistakably Corlyx, but with a rawer, more expansive feel.
Lyrically, "Sweeter Than Blood" draws from the mythology of Dracula, specifically his consuming devotion to Mina, as a metaphor for finally surrendering the self-protective walls built after years of abandonment. Stokes's vocal performance carries genuine emotional weight, and the songwriting reflects a deeply personal reckoning with love, vulnerability, and transformation.
"This song was inspired by Dracula's deep enchantment for his beloved Mina, how his love was sweeter than his bloodlust," explains Caitlin Stokes. "I drew parallels from this idea with my own life experiences in having walls up, guarding my heart, and finally meeting the person who showed me what love could be. I drop my sword, letting it flow over me — I no longer need to fight."
The accompanying music video was directed, edited, and production-designed by Stokes herself, with many of the band's costumes handmade by her to bring their aesthetic fully into this new era. Mixed and mastered by Brandon Ashley at Dtuned Brighton Productions, the track is built to translate as powerfully on a club floor as on a stage.
About Corlyx
Corlyx are originally from Los Angeles and now live between the UK and Italy, consisting of singer-songwriter Caitlin Stokes, guitarist/producer Brandon Ashley, and bassist Davide Rocco, now joined by British drummer Flow Toulman. The band has shared stages with Blutengel, Twin Tribes, Double Echo, and more, and has collaborated with artists including Lord Of The Lost and Massive Ego. Their third studio album Purple Pain, released on February 14th, 2025 via Out Of Line Music, is a 19-track double album spanning synthpop, post-punk, darkwave, and alt-rock. With "Sweeter Than Blood," Corlyx step into a new lineup, a new sound, and a new album campaign.
▶ Stream "Sweeter Than Blood"
▶ Watch the music video
