Hollins are back with their third release of the year, and they’re definitely not leaving quietly. Their new single “What We Wish For” is the kind of indie-rock heart-tugger that hits you right in that soft, nostalgic place you pretend you don’t have. Following their standout cover of Jorja Smith’s “Blue Lights,” this release shifts the band into a more vulnerable, reflective lane—and it suits them beautifully.
From the very first strum, “What We Wish For” blends bright indie-pop melodies with a deeper alt-rock intensity. It’s easily their most emotional track yet, tracing the painful moment when you realise you’re drifting away from the people you love most. The jangly, euphoric guitars carry the song into a Britpop-leaning soundscape, glowing with warmth even as the lyrics dig into the ache of choosing your own path.
And the story behind the song only makes it hit harder. Hollins share that the track is inspired by the sting of being let down by loved ones—and the courage it takes to step forward anyway, meet new people, and build a life that’s your own. It’s a gentle warning wrapped in melody: sometimes the grass isn’t greener, and sometimes the things we wish for end up costing more than we expect.
Hailing from Darwen, Lancashire, Hollins continue proving why they’re one of the region’s most exciting rising bands. Their blend of indie, alt-rock, funk, and even a touch of rap gives their catalogue a vibrant edge, and “What We Wish For” adds emotional depth to that growing identity. With champions like BBC Introducing backing them and a discography already full of energy and colour, this track feels like another bold step upward.
‘What We Wish For’ is Hollins at their most vulnerable and vibrant—a euphoric indie-rock anthem soaked in heart, and honesty
