Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

**Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine** is the sharp, politically charged outfit led by Southampton-born songwriter Dan O'Farrell, who's been rocking the local scene since fronting indie legends Accrington Stanley and boasting over 30 years as a singer-songwriter. Born in 1970 and an English teacher by day, Dan crafts witty, heartfelt tunes tackling everything from social media woes to planetary despair, backed by his tight crew: Rick Foot on double-bass and vocals, Chris Walsh on drums, and Rufus Grig on keys.

Kicking off with their killer 2017 eponymous debut—packed with anthems like *Your Facebook Feed Is Not the World* and *Rosaline Wins*—they've dropped gems like 2018's *These Dark Ages Are Hurting All The People That We Love* (feat. *Death by 1000 Cuts*) and 2020's *Richard Scarry Lied to Me*, all polished by producer Andy Lewis. Their latest, *The Fish That Learned to Drown* (out Jan 2026 on Gare Du Nord), dives even deeper into loss and resilience with fresh tracks like *Heartbreak Hostel*, proving Dan's one of England's best-kept songwriting secrets—think Billy Bragg meets indie heart. Catch 'em live; they're a blast.

Genres

Rock

Alternative Rock

Indie Rock

Singer-songwriter

Pop Rock

Folk Rock

Post-punk

Americana

Britpop

Political Rock

Latest Release

The Fish That Learned to Drown

Dan O'Farrell & The Difference Engine

Album - 12 Tracks - Released January 22, 2026