Sleaford Mods have unveiled their new single 'Elitest G.O.A.T.', a track inspired by David Bowie that features New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding. The pulsing song is the latest preview from their upcoming eighth studio album, 'The Demise Of Planet X', due out on January 16 via Rough Trade. Frontman Jason Williamson highlights the collaboration's special recording session in Bristol.
Sleaford Mods, the Nottingham-based post-punk duo of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn, shared 'Elitest G.O.A.T.' on January 12, 2026. The track builds gradually with a steady pulsating beat, blending bright synths and Williamson's direct vocals laced with social critique. It contrasts angst-filled verses with Harding's ethereal chorus: “Now my life is much better, since I behave the way I never”.
Williamson described the song's creation, noting initial unease: “When we did the bare bones of ‘Elitest G.O.A.T.’ it unnerved me because it almost sounded like a small band. Because for the bassline we really took influence from progressive music like David Bowie’s ‘Low’.” He praised Fearn's contribution: “Andrew always comes up with something really good and tasteful, and his beat ticking away pulls it back into Sleaford Mods. As I put the vocal on, I knew it was a goer.”
The collaboration marks a return for Williamson and Harding, who first worked together in 2022 when he contributed to 'Leathery Whip' on her album 'Warm Chris'. Williamson approached her for this track: “if she’d be up for doing the business for us. Luckily, she was over here recording. So, she joined us in the studio in Bristol. That day at Invada Studios was very special. I felt like we’d really accomplished something.” He called it “one of my favourites on the album” and lauded Harding's brilliance.
'The Demise Of Planet X' follows 2023's 'UK Grim' and reflects Williamson's personal growth through therapy and mental health focus. “It has harmonised my immediate surroundings: my family, the way I have a relationship with my children and my wife. That to me was the most important thing because I grew up with not that at all. I wanted to break the cycle with my family and I’ve managed to do that. That’s first and foremost,” he said. Bowie's influence extended to albums like 'Station To Station', 'Low', and 'Scary Monsters', with Williamson studying the icon's experimental approach.
Prior singles include 'Megaton', 'The Good Life', 'Bad Santa', and 'No Touch'. The band supports their February 2026 UK and European tour with low-income £5 tickets, following a similar initiative in 2024. They donate £1/€1 per ticket and proceeds from 'Megaton' to War Child. Additionally, a partnership with Ilkley Brewery introduces two album-themed beers, with portions of sales benefiting the charity. Williamson quipped: “Charting the end of days is thirsty work, so cheers to Ilkley Brewery for being on hand to quench our thirst. They are proper G.O.A.Ts with the hops, so I encourage everyone to raise a glass to ‘The Demise Of Planet X’.”
