THE RAH'S are taking huge strides towards their debut album with the release of new single She's Not this month.

Having turned heads with the summer release of The Time Is Now, the five-piece were expected to follow up with the LP at the end of the year.

But with ongoing coronavirus difficulties, the release was put back. Indeed, it wasn't the first time as the album was slated to be unveiled in April 2020, but eyes are now firmly cast ahead to the spring.

The band are also eager to express their gratitude to their supportive fanbase for helping to fund the recording.

"The album is due out in April," singer Jack McLeod told The Weekender. "There's been a delay due to all things Covid, but it's happening... all thanks to our fans.

"We basically calculated the minimum amount of funds we'd need to release the album in the way that we've always dreamed of doing. We then set up a Kickstarter page, put up a load of merchandise and album bundles for our fans to pre-order and we managed to gather £5,000 to get this thing over the line.

"During these times it was quite remarkable. Our fans really kept the dream alive, without sounding all cliché."

He added: "We've got a massive few months ahead. We can't wait."

This week The Rah's will unveil She's Not – a powerful track that brings in a few heavier elements.

McLeod said: "The track was written about a not-so-stable relationship built on money and material goods – not about a relationship I've had, just about one we've probably all seen, or can relate to.

"We never really put out our music looking for a reaction. Obviously, we want to see a positive reaction, but don't look for anything else, in particular

"[She's Not] has got a bit of grit, melody and groove so hopefully it's one our fans and new listeners enjoy."

When asked what listeners, old and new, could take away from their music, the singer replied: "Ideally, enjoyment or satisfaction. Maybe even addiction."

"It's up to the listener," he continued. "We hope everyone enjoys our music, it's not everyone's cuppa, but we tend to leave our lyrics and music in a universal state – never too strict or tied to any particular genre.

"She's Not is one of the 'heavier' tracks in rock terms, but it has character and honesty throughout. Hopefully, it shows throughout the track."

Another single is likely to follow the album, though McLeod feels there may be some scope to put out a new track between now and then.

During these times it was quite remarkable. Our fans really kept the dream alive..."

She's Not will be the first release since The Time Is Now, which garnered airplay from all corners of the UK.

It was intended to be the pathway to a major breakthrough, but the pandemic refused to let up and cost The Rah's – like so many others.

Nevertheless, it is fair to say the track caught a few eyes.

McLeod added: "The Time Is Now has been our best release to date. Radio 1, Radio X, BBC Scotland airplay and many more boxes have been ticked since the release of that track, which now seems like a lifetime ago.

"Unfortunately, for us, things didn't quite go to plan in 2020, not that it did for anyone. We've had to delay all things Rah's until now – but we're back.

Looking back on a year without gigs, the frontman continued: "Listen, we're in no position to play with heartstrings during these bizarre times we are living in, but I 100 per cent reckon we would have been in a great position in terms of festival slots/tours/new material.

"Every single one of us on the planet has, unfortunately, been affected by this pandemic – maybe the music industry worse than others, to be honest.

"It's delayed our album release by at least 12 months, our This Feeling tour by about 15 months (maybe more) and stopped us practising, making new music.

"But we are all healthy and, to date, haven't transmitted Covid. So, on the grand scheme of things, we are doing well."

The Rah's – She's Not will be available to stream from Friday, February 26.