POSTS TAGGED : post-punk

CIEL – ‘Days’

CIEL are Brighton-based, Dutch dream-pop trio fronted by Michelle Hindriks (also of Sväva).

Together, Hidrinks and company concoct a heady brew of starry-eyed dream pop with shoegaze, psych and indie brushstrokes – beautifully demonstrated by new single ‘Days’. Lifted from the forthcoming debut Movement EP, ‘Days’ is a swirling cloud of hazy and magical charm as bright guitars soar to heavenly heights while cymbal-heavy percussion plunge in the opposite direction in something of a psych see-saw action. Amid this shimmering haze melodies come flying out at all angles over and lush dreamy vocals fly above while way beneath a bubbling propulsive groove rumbles with motorik precision. It is absolutely stunning – power, procession and beauty in all the right quantities.

Listen to ‘Days’ below:

Adwaith – ‘Lan y Môr’

With a string of brilliant singles and Welsh music prize winning debut album Melyn, in the past few years, Welsh outfit Adwaith – Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony & Heledd Owen – never cease to amaze with their intense, compelling and unique experimental post punk sounds.

The Carmarthenshire trio are back with new single ‘Lan y Môr’, marking Welsh Music Day, and adding to their ever growing catalogue of brilliance. Bursting with potent energy ‘Lan y Môr’ is built around bright grooving melodies, buzzing bass, surfy guitar and interlocking riffs as it takes off, fizzing like a rocket underpinned by frenetic and transfixing motorik beats. As always, Adwaith are fearless in their creative endeavor as trio deliver yet another potent blast of post-punk – and it goes without saying, Adwaith are unique and one of the most exciting bands on the planet.

Listen to ‘Lan y Môr’ below and if you haven’t done so already, check out their Welsh music prize winning debut album Melyn here.

PRIG – ‘PLANTS’

Berlin-based duo PRIG released their debut EP toward the end of 2019; a vividly weird, ragged and off-kilter strain of post-punk.

A couple of months on from its release and PRIG have shared the video for title track and EP opener ‘PLANTS’. Opening with a playful twinkling synth / guitar, a mash of crunchy guitars, jerky angular riffs and  howling synths flash by like a tidal wave as low-toned vocals strain to be heard above the clamour. ‘PLANTS’ is quite bananas but done so with a enviable creative blend of post-punk, psych and art-rock as a mesmeric hypnotic pattern emerges. It thrives in a space where playfulness mingles with jarring guitars, rumbling rhythm it a powerhouse of energy.

Check out PLANTS (single & EP), the video is colourful and bizarre too –  watch / listen below.

Talk Show – ‘Stress’

South London post punk foursome Talk Show are preparing to usher their latest creation and debut EP, These People into the world on March 27. 

Lifted from the aforementioned EP comes ‘Stress’; a riveting piece of post-punk. It is a song that thrives on juxtaposition as a terse, tense and somewhat caustic energy runs wild as tetchy vocals and muscular are pitched with glistening guitar lines and nuanced elegance and grandeur one would associate with Echo & The Bunnymen in their heyday. ‘Stress’ is a stunning track. It is compelling, defiant and emphatic while also melodic and delivered with finesse. Blossoming through repeated hooks, this bustling tune will get inside your head and never leave, take a bow.

Listen to ‘Stress’ below and keep those eyes peeled for the debut EP These People coming in March.


City Victim – ‘Screaming’

City Victim are an Irish alt-rock band currently based out of Galway who since forming in early 2019, spent the year drip feeding singles – four in fact – and they are kicking off 2020 with their best release to date; ‘Screaming’. 

‘Screaming’ echoes the style of previous but sees a further evolution of their sound. While channelling classic post-punk influences – Television, Wire and The Cure – combined with more contemporary bands such as Interpol and Beach Fossils, the single is fleshed into a bold and peerless bout of slowburning aggression that thrives on the darker side of post punk. Amid the intensity, ‘Screaming’ is a real groover as it swaggers along driving, meaty basslines with layers of shimmering guitars keeping pace with the burrowing rhythm as hushed yet passionate vocals float stridently above. It is a huge tune, and one that wields a mighty power, and is utterly brilliant.

Listen to ‘Screaming’ below. City Victim will hit the road in February / March for a tour with the great Eoin Dolan, Dylan Murph and Sheepy – dates below.

01/02 Craft Taproom, Liverpool
02/02 Stamps (Crosby)
21/02 Pharmacia, Limerick
12/03 Roisin Dubh, Galway
13/03 Sin E, Dublin

Guest Post: Johnny Feeney’s Albums of 2019

Aside from compiling my own lists, I really enjoy looking over other people’s albums of the year rundowns and none more so than Mr. Johnny Feeney.

An insightful musical sage, Johnny’s guest appearances are always interesting and bring added flavour to the blog and I look forward to reading his contributions – of which, surely I’m not alone?

Yes, we’re a bit late with this one but sure better late than never, right?

A huge thanks to Johnny for taking time out to compile this list, and on that note, I’ll leave you with his favourite records of 2019.

10: DIIV – ‘Deceiver’

Following up 2016’s supreme Is the Is Are, Brooklyn shoegaze quartet DIIV’s third album Deceiver draws obvious comparisons to My Bloody Valentine with its multiple layers of shimmering, squalling guitars and lead singer Zachary Cole Smith’s dreamy vocals. Expect plenty of loud / quiet / loud moments on this dazzling return.

Listen in full here.

09: Hot Chip – ‘A Bath Full of Ecstasy’

Although their newer material has perhaps lost some of the menace of their early output, ultra-consistent Hot Chip prove they are still adept at releasing dance-pop of the highest calibre. A perfect antidote to the grim global political and environmental situation we find ourselves in today, I challenge anyone to listen to the likes of ‘Positive’ or ‘Melody of Love’ and not feel a wave of joy wash over you.

Listen in full here.

08: Black Midi – ‘Schlagenheim’

The Mercury-nominated debut album from this four-piece experimental-rock band hailing from London is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste. From the brutal opening salvo of ‘953’ to the wonderful closer ‘Ducter’, this relentless record is one that never lets go. A highly ambitious record, understandably it doesn’t always quite come together. But when it does hit the mark it’s absolutely thrilling. Improvised mayhem never sounded so good.

Listen in full here.

07: Marika Hackman – ‘Any Human Friend’

The latest LP from Marika Hackman certainly has a much more pop-leaning sound than her early fans would expect from the English singer-songwriter. Hackman’s usual vocals and guitar lines are regularly joined by jaunty synths to create upbeat tunes merged with deeply personal lyrics exploring themes such as same-sex relationships (‘All Night’) and masturbation (‘Hand Solo’). The jaw-dropping title track that closes the album is beyond staggering.

Listen in full here.

06: Drahla – ‘Useless Coordinates’

This bludgeoning debut record from Leeds post-punk outfit Drahla comes with driving guitars, a pummelling rhythm section, and Luciel Brown’s breathy vocals. Viciously, skewed saxophones add to the overall sombre atmosphere. Clocking in at a breathless half an hour, Useless Coordinates starts off dark and doesn’t veer off course once.

Listen in full here.


05: Mattiel – ‘Satis Factory’

The highly accomplished second album from the Atlanta-based singer-songwriter prominently features Mattiel Brown’s distinctive, booming vocals and some delightful, grooving and soulful blues-rock. Brown has an uncanny ability to create expertly crafted sub three-minute rock songs with an infectious hook. A very impressive piece of work.

Listen in full here.

04: The Murder Capital – ‘When I Have Fears’

The superb debut album from the Dublin post-punk five-piece is a moody, atmospheric affair. Brooding, menacing guitars and percussion are paired to pulsating effect with the haunting, angst-ridden vocals of lead singer James McGovern. A formidable live act, the group’s sound has been captured masterfully on record by UK producer Flood. Along with Fontaines DC and Girl Band, the Murder Capital are at the forefront of an exciting wave of great new Irish rock bands.

Listen in full here.

03: Aldous Harding – ‘Designer’

New Zealand folk artist Aldous Harding’s third studio album is the epitome of easy listening – nine tracks of blissful, exquisitely arranged songs. Harding’s tender vocals are accompanied by multiple layers of instrumentation and backing vocals to devastating effect throughout. A gorgeous album that gets better with every listen.

Listen in full here.

02: Vampire Weekend – ‘Father of the Bride’

After a six year hiatus and losing a key member in multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij back in 2016, Vampire Weekend fans could be forgiven for worrying if maybe this was the beginning of the end for the New York indie-poppers. Instead Ezra Koenig re-emerged with an exceptionally strong set of tracks, enlisting the help of the likes of Danielle Haim on vocals and guitarist Steve Lacy. The result is an immensely enjoyable, if overlong, album.

Listen in full here.

01: Fontaines DC – ‘Dogrel’

The eagerly awaited debut of Dublin punk rock quintet Fontaines DC delivers emphatically on every level. An extremely diverse and lyrical record, lead singer Grian Chatten’s miniature vignettes of Dublin City are accompanied by an ever-changing soundtrack from the rest of the group. From the piledriving punk of ‘Chequeless Reckless’ and ‘Hurricane Laughter’ to the jangling stomp of ‘Sha Sha Sha’ and ‘Boys in the Better Land’ via the tender ‘Roy’s Song’ and ‘Dublin City Sky’, not a single foot has been put in the wrong place. In a new Golden Age of Irish guitar music, it’s the Fontaines DC’s star who’s shining brightest at the moment.

Listen in full here.

The JUNGLES!!! – ‘Roller Coaster’

The JUNGLES!!! are Japanese noisemaking outfit comprised from members of Red Bacteria Vacuum.

Together this trio make one hell of a noise as evidenced by furious new single ‘Roller Coaster’. Released as part of a new Japanese compilation called Tokyo Chikatetsu Vol 2, ‘Roller Coaster’ is wild! It is just under four minutes of furious, unrelenting energy and thunderous noise as pounding drums fearlessly keep a frantic tempo as scintillating riffs, meaty guitars and screeching vocals wield a furious and powerful spell. The potency and pace never lets up, it is an absolute riot, and all cloaked in layers of fuzz and distortion. 

Listen to ‘Roller Coaster’ below – and turn it up loud!

NANCY – ‘Clic Clac’

Based in the North East of England, NANCY have demonstrated a propensity for audacious sonic adventures in art-rock meets post-punk.

This enigmatic talent has already afforded us an insight with furious and colourful whirlwind EP The Mysterious Visions last year and weird and wonderful single ‘When I’m With You’. NANCY has returned with another super single; raucous new foot-stomper ‘Clic Clac’. Clocking in just shy of two-minutes, ‘Clic Clac’ is a spectacular return, a hyperactive frenzied blitz of bone rattling drums, furious, jerky guitars, buzzing riffs and fizzing effects as slightly deranged vocals roar above. A chaotic, wild and arresting jam.

‘Clic Clac’ is out now – tune in below:

HAVVK – ’52’


Formidable Irish outfit HAVVK will release their debut album Cause & Effect on November 22 and the alt-rock trio have been upping anticipation with a slew of scintillating singles – ‘Always The Same’, ‘Birds On A Wire’ and ‘Shifting Shape’ – and HAVVK have added another to the fold.

Written while living in London, new single ‘52’ exudes an ominous and tense atmosphere, reflecting the divisive nature of the Brexit campaign, as HAVVK attempt to make sense of the darkness and find a way through.
Front woman Julie Hawk’s distinctively impassioned vocal take centre stage, soaring majestically over the ethereal alt-rock backdrop before packing a punch as the chorus sets in, mirroring the anger for the situation at hand. It is raw and filled with anger, it is a song laced with ethereal beauty and finds a space where harsh and gentle can coexist. ’52’ is yet another majestic reason to look forward to the HAVVK’s forthcoming debut LP.

Listen to ’52’ below & HAVVK will be launching Cause and Effect on 6 December 2019 at the Bello Bar in Dublin.

Strangers With Guns – ‘Problem Is You’

Strangers With Guns are a Dublin based trio who’s raucous sound is a hypnotic fusion of grunge, post-punk and early ’90s lo-fi indie-rock.

Their latest single is ‘Problem Is You’ and it captures all that this Dublin trio offer – and how. The gritty raw materials of slant-edged rhythms, searing riffs and furious percussion provide the perfect vehicle for raw, almost spoken word vocals, to hit home. There is a hint of threatening menace to ‘Problem Is You’ as it grinds and grunts its way through a murky but muscular world of riffs and distortion; much like Death in Vegas’ ‘Aisha’ duking it out with Slanted and Enchanted era Pavement. It is a strident, sharp sound that finds time for a cataclysmic climax toward the end too. A solid and encouraging opening gambit from a trio with bags of promise.

Listen to ‘Problem Is You’ below now: