‘Red Flag Ruby’: The Incident’s Sonic Surge of Grief, Passion and Power

Halifax-born siblings Tom "Cab" Davies (20) and Emma "Eise" Davies (15) have never followed the traditional path, and their latest single ‘Red Flag Ruby’ makes it clear that the music industry should be paying very close attention. Together, they are The Incident, a bold and rapidly rising alternative rock band known for their emotional depth and fearless creativity.

This is a story rooted in authenticity. Tom and Emma grew up working-class with music in their veins from the beginning. Tom, who is neurodiverse and was diagnosed with autism at a young age, struggled to conform within the school system. He was often reprimanded for his spontaneous singing and dancing in class, behaviours that hinted at a deeply artistic spirit. At age ten, he left mainstream education to be home-schooled, soon joined by Emma, who refused to miss out on the freedom and fun.

Once unshackled from the rigidity of school life, the siblings threw themselves into music. During lockdown, Tom taught himself piano, starting with Bohemian Rhapsody, which he learned in a matter of days. Before long, he began writing his own material. Around the same time, Emma was building her acting career, landing the role of Jess Beaker (Tracy Beaker’s daughter) in the BBC series. While filming, co-star Dani Harmer gifted her a ukulele after noticing her natural love of music, sparking her own songwriting journey.

In late 2024, The Incident made their debut with ‘All The Kiddies Doin’ Drugs’, a powerful piano-driven rock track that offered a searing commentary on youth culture today. BBC Introducing loved the song but declined to play it due to its provocative title, despite its clear anti-drug message. The track quickly became an underground anthem for a generation tired of sugar-coated narratives and hungry for something real.

Their talent soon attracted attention from music royalty. Justin Hawkins of The Darkness played an early demo of ‘Red Flag Ruby’ to a sold-out crowd on his Justin Hawkins Rides Again tour in Salford, declaring: “You don’t hear voices like that very often, do you? Staggering. There’s not much you can say when someone’s that talented.”

That anticipation culminated in the release of ‘Red Flag Ruby’, a track that elevates The Incident’s songwriting to a new level. Described by Tom as "a grand, intense and dramatic flight through all the stages of grief after a toxic relationship," the song captures the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak with both intimacy and explosive power.

From the first haunting harmonies to the final cathartic crescendo, the track stuns with its depth and musicality. The piano, recorded on analogue tape using a 100-year-old Steinway, recalls the warmth and brilliance of the instrument featured on David Bowie’s Hunky Dory. The basslines are rich and melodic, evoking the stylings of John Deacon and Paul McCartney, while the strings, arranged by Tom, build towards a sweeping orchestral climax.

What begins as a tender ballad soon erupts into something cinematic and raw. The vocals grow in vulnerability and strength, exposing the blind spots that love can create, and ultimately leaving a lasting emotional mark on anyone who listens.

Since releasing the single, the band has gone from strength to strength. Their debut headline show sold out instantly, and they were soon invited to perform in the VIP Live Lounge supporting Noel Gallagher, The Pixies and Richard Ashcroft at The Piece Hall in Halifax. Each event was a sell-out, each performance unforgettable.

In 2025, The Incident played a Youth Pride event where their performance was met with rapturous applause, further cementing their reputation as an unmissable live act. They later joined The K’s on stage at one of the final gigs at Sheffield’s historic Leadmill venue, drawing fans from across the country.

Their growing success has brought interest from top-tier music managers. The band is now on the verge of signing with a major UK and US management company who will be presenting them to record labels and major festivals. All signs point to a fast-rising trajectory for this unstoppable duo.

The Incident are:

Tom Cab Davies – Lead Vocals, Piano
Emma Eise Davies – Lead Vocals, Guitar

Additional Musicians:

Martin Davies – Drums
Andy McKerlie – Guitar
Robbie Freeman – Guitar
Sully Evans – Bass

Credits for 'Red Flag Ruby':

Lyrics and Music by Tom Cab Davies and Emma Eise Davies
Vocals by Tom Cab Davies and Emma Eise Davies
Piano by Tom Cab Davies
Drums by Martin Davies
Guitars by Andy McKerlie and Robbie Freeman
Bass by Sully Evans
Cello by Melanie J Chaplin
Violins and Viola by Simon Matthews
Strings written and arranged by Tom Cab Davies
Orchestration by Graham Young
Produced by Tom Cab Davies
Recorded and Mixed by David Watts at The Chairworks, Castleford
Mastered by Oli Morgan at Abbey Road Studios, London
Sleeve Art by James Varley and Robyn Hargreaves

With ‘Red Flag Ruby’, The Incident have not only fulfilled their early promise but have emerged as one of the most exciting and authentic acts in the UK music scene today. Fiercely talented, fearlessly honest and already on the verge of something far bigger, they are a force to watch.

This is just the beginning.