In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Pearce Macca — frontman of Birmingham indie-rockers The Clause, a band whose rise has become one of the most inspiring new stories in modern British guitar music.

The Clause have just unveiled their long-awaited debut album Victim of a Casual Thing — a record built on pure graft, unshakable friendship, and more than a decade of refusing to give in. What started in a cramped school practice room in 2011 — with Pearce Macca, Jonny Fyffe and Niall Fennell learning their favourite songs before Liam Deakin completed the line-up — has grown into a band with a fiercely loyal fanbase and a reputation for electrifying live shows.

Pearce looks back on the full journey: the teenage beginnings, the countless setbacks, the near-misses, the belief that kept them going, and the breakthrough moments that finally pushed the band to album one. He reflects on the stories they've lived together — the wins, the losses, the friendships, the heartbreaks — and how those experiences became the emotional engine of Victim of a Casual Thing.

We also dive into The Clause's rise on the live circuit, from sweatbox early gigs to lighting up festival crowds at Radio 1's Big Weekend, Isle of Wight, Truck, Tramlines, and Rock 'n' Roll Circus. And Pierce takes us inside the making of the album itself — the sound that defines The Clause, the writing and recording process, and why this record feels less like a finish line and more like the start of the real story.

"We've done this the long way — but it's the right way. It's made us the band we are." – Pearce Macca

Listen to Pearce Macca talk about the decade-long journey behind The Clause, the heart and honesty driving Victim of a Casual Thing, and the breakthrough moment they've been chasing — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast.

With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.

Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.

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