#engineerrecords — Public Fediverse posts

Death Of Youth – Nothing Is The Same Anymore LP (Engineer Records)

When examining the current state of the global hardcore scene, it feels as though we are witnessing a genuine renaissance of emotional variety. We have moved past the era of carbon-copy revivalism and entered a space where bands are using the bones of the early 2000s to build something far more essential than ever before. Death Of Youth has spent their time refining a sound that not only showcases their songwriting and composing abilities but also proves that post-hardcore and emo music still have a great deal to offer. Their debut album, Nothing Is The Same Anymore, is exactly the record that makes you sit up and pay attention because of the sheer weight of what is being said. From the very first second, the listener is guided by powerful and emotive shouts and screams that provide a constant, navigating presence. There is a profound emotional depth behind every vocal choice. You can hear the vocal cords straining under the weight of the subject matter, moving from raw, abrasive desperation to a melodic sensibility that keeps the hooks lodged in your brain. It acts as the ultimate guide through a very dark forest, making sure that even when the music gets chaotic, the message remains front and center.

Speaking of the music, the guitar work on Nothing Is The Same Anymore is more than impressive. The band has mastered the art of the interplay, threading together beautiful, catchy themes, melodies, and harmonies. It’s a delicate dance between the pretty side of Midwest emo and the rough, aggressive edge of skramz. You get these incredibly catchy and engaging riffs that serve as the foundation, but they are constantly being decorated by themes that feel cinematic in scope. The chord progressions are memorable and consciously constructed, avoiding the trap of mindless noodling. Every note feels like it was placed with a specific emotional intent, creating a contemplative and cathartic soundscape. But you can’t have that guitar-driven beauty without a solid anchor, and the rhythm section here is doing some heavy lifting. The bass guitar provides more than the necessary heaviness, offering a level of clarity and depth that is often lost in modern post-hardcore productions. It acts as the connective tissue, binding the ethereal guitar work to the grounded percussion. Meanwhile, the drumming is exceptional, dictating the groove and pace with a fierce yet controlled energy. Each fill and accentuation keeps this album alive even during the more atmospheric, slow-burning segments.

Nothing Is The Same Anymore is a deeply introspective and socially aware record that refuses to play it safe. The band uses its platform to examine the fractures of modern existence, tackling urgent topics that many in the heavy music scene choose to ignore. They dive headfirst into the fight for transgender rights, challenging the listener to examine their own empathy and solidarity. They turn a critical eye toward toxic male attitudes regarding violence against women, demanding accountability in a scene that often claims to be progressive while harboring the same old systemic issues. The record also takes aim at the bigotry that still festers within the heavy music community. It’s an examination of performance art vs. actual values, calling out those who wear the aesthetics of rebellion without actually standing up for the marginalized. You can feel the genuine anger and disappointment shining through the speakers. But the band is smart enough to know that social awareness must be balanced with personal reflection. They carve out significant space to explore the messy reality of emotional abuse, the long-term effects of trauma, and the crushing weight of grief.

There is a specific, localized pain found in the themes of mourning lost childhood friends and the slow, agonizing process of healing. It’s a journey from suffocation to a fragile kind of breathing space. This balance between the macro (social justice, systemic failure) and the micro (individual healing, personal loss) gives this album its staying power. It feels like a complete portrait of what it means to be alive and conscious in the mid-2020s. Sonically, the influence of early 2000s post-hardcore and the skramz subgenre is more than evident, but Death Of Youth manages to avoid sounding like a nostalgia act. By incorporating the melodic textures of Midwest emo, they give the songs a sense of air and movement. It prevents the record from becoming a monolithic wall of noise. You get those moments of quiet, skeletal guitar work that build into massive, crashing crescendos, mimicking the ebbs and flows of a panic attack.

Nothing Is The Same Anymore is an essential listen. It’s a record that respects the history of the genre while pushing it into more honest, vulnerable territory. It’s loud, beautiful, and real. Death Of Youth released a manifesto for anyone who feels alienated by the modern world but refuses to give up on the idea of healing. This is the sound of the fractures being examined, and perhaps, through the noise, being mended just a little bit. I can’t recommend this one enough if you’re looking for music that actually says something. It’s a debut that sounds like a veteran statement, and I’m genuinely excited to see where they go from here. If this is the starting point, the future of the scene is in very capable, very loud hands.

Death Of Youth – Nothing Is The Same Anymore LP (Engineer Records)

When examining the current state of the global hardcore scene, it feels as though we are witnessing a genuine renaissance of emotional variety. We have moved past the era of carbon-copy revivalism and entered a space where bands are using the bones of the early 2000s to build something far more essential than ever before. Death Of Youth has spent their time refining a sound that not only showcases their songwriting and composing abilities but also proves that post-hardcore and emo music still have a great deal to offer. Their debut album, Nothing Is The Same Anymore, is exactly the record that makes you sit up and pay attention because of the sheer weight of what is being said. From the very first second, the listener is guided by powerful and emotive shouts and screams that provide a constant, navigating presence. There is a profound emotional depth behind every vocal choice. You can hear the vocal cords straining under the weight of the subject matter, moving from raw, abrasive desperation to a melodic sensibility that keeps the hooks lodged in your brain. It acts as the ultimate guide through a very dark forest, making sure that even when the music gets chaotic, the message remains front and center.

Speaking of the music, the guitar work on Nothing Is The Same Anymore is more than impressive. The band has mastered the art of the interplay, threading together beautiful, catchy themes, melodies, and harmonies. It’s a delicate dance between the pretty side of Midwest emo and the rough, aggressive edge of skramz. You get these incredibly catchy and engaging riffs that serve as the foundation, but they are constantly being decorated by themes that feel cinematic in scope. The chord progressions are memorable and consciously constructed, avoiding the trap of mindless noodling. Every note feels like it was placed with a specific emotional intent, creating a contemplative and cathartic soundscape. But you can’t have that guitar-driven beauty without a solid anchor, and the rhythm section here is doing some heavy lifting. The bass guitar provides more than the necessary heaviness, offering a level of clarity and depth that is often lost in modern post-hardcore productions. It acts as the connective tissue, binding the ethereal guitar work to the grounded percussion. Meanwhile, the drumming is exceptional, dictating the groove and pace with a fierce yet controlled energy. Each fill and accentuation keeps this album alive even during the more atmospheric, slow-burning segments.

Nothing Is The Same Anymore is a deeply introspective and socially aware record that refuses to play it safe. The band uses its platform to examine the fractures of modern existence, tackling urgent topics that many in the heavy music scene choose to ignore. They dive headfirst into the fight for transgender rights, challenging the listener to examine their own empathy and solidarity. They turn a critical eye toward toxic male attitudes regarding violence against women, demanding accountability in a scene that often claims to be progressive while harboring the same old systemic issues. The record also takes aim at the bigotry that still festers within the heavy music community. It’s an examination of performance art vs. actual values, calling out those who wear the aesthetics of rebellion without actually standing up for the marginalized. You can feel the genuine anger and disappointment shining through the speakers. But the band is smart enough to know that social awareness must be balanced with personal reflection. They carve out significant space to explore the messy reality of emotional abuse, the long-term effects of trauma, and the crushing weight of grief.

There is a specific, localized pain found in the themes of mourning lost childhood friends and the slow, agonizing process of healing. It’s a journey from suffocation to a fragile kind of breathing space. This balance between the macro (social justice, systemic failure) and the micro (individual healing, personal loss) gives this album its staying power. It feels like a complete portrait of what it means to be alive and conscious in the mid-2020s. Sonically, the influence of early 2000s post-hardcore and the skramz subgenre is more than evident, but Death Of Youth manages to avoid sounding like a nostalgia act. By incorporating the melodic textures of Midwest emo, they give the songs a sense of air and movement. It prevents the record from becoming a monolithic wall of noise. You get those moments of quiet, skeletal guitar work that build into massive, crashing crescendos, mimicking the ebbs and flows of a panic attack.

Nothing Is The Same Anymore is an essential listen. It’s a record that respects the history of the genre while pushing it into more honest, vulnerable territory. It’s loud, beautiful, and real. Death Of Youth released a manifesto for anyone who feels alienated by the modern world but refuses to give up on the idea of healing. This is the sound of the fractures being examined, and perhaps, through the noise, being mended just a little bit. I can’t recommend this one enough if you’re looking for music that actually says something. It’s a debut that sounds like a veteran statement, and I’m genuinely excited to see where they go from here. If this is the starting point, the future of the scene is in very capable, very loud hands.

Gebretter Released New Album “Pint Peddla” Via Engineer Records

Kölle’s hardcore punks GEBRETTER are back! With 500 brewmaster-stamped unique copies of their new record “Pint Peddla.”The 12“ is the next explosive step after their debut album ”Trendshitter,” with which they unleashed a fountain of riot and love on the world in 2023.“Pint Peddla” tackles the issues of the day—angry, honest, and with the unmistakable GEBRETTER vibe. Clear and powerful sound and lyrics that oscillate between nihilistic jabs, shrapnel wounds, bicycle variations, and razor-sharp politically provocative attacks.Driving, riff-heavy guitars, a hard, growling bass that shakes your ribs, and a drummer who plays as if he’s just escaped from the set of The Muppet Show—wildly gesticulating, grinning, and yet perfectly in time. The vocals, which constantly sound as if they’ve just survived a mosh pit and laryngitis at the same time, switch effortlessly between German, English, and Kölsch.GEBRETTER live is a mixture of protest demonstration, comedy show, and sweat-inducing chaos. We promise you’re going to love this!

Gebretter Released New Album “Pint Peddla” Via Engineer Records

Kölle’s hardcore punks GEBRETTER are back! With 500 brewmaster-stamped unique copies of their new record “Pint Peddla.”The 12“ is the next explosive step after their debut album ”Trendshitter,” with which they unleashed a fountain of riot and love on the world in 2023.“Pint Peddla” tackles the issues of the day—angry, honest, and with the unmistakable GEBRETTER vibe. Clear and powerful sound and lyrics that oscillate between nihilistic jabs, shrapnel wounds, bicycle variations, and razor-sharp politically provocative attacks.Driving, riff-heavy guitars, a hard, growling bass that shakes your ribs, and a drummer who plays as if he’s just escaped from the set of The Muppet Show—wildly gesticulating, grinning, and yet perfectly in time. The vocals, which constantly sound as if they’ve just survived a mosh pit and laryngitis at the same time, switch effortlessly between German, English, and Kölsch.GEBRETTER live is a mixture of protest demonstration, comedy show, and sweat-inducing chaos. We promise you’re going to love this!

White Frogs Released Their Acclaimed Radio Session On CD Via Engineer Records

White Frogs, the influential Brazilian melodic hardcore band, is proud to announce the long-awaited physical release of their acclaimed Radio Session — for the first time ever on CD — through UK based independent label Engineer Records. Previously available only on streaming, the Radio Session captures White Frogs at their raw, honest, and electrifying best — a live-in-studio recording that distils the energy of the band’s celebrated live shows into a powerful, unfiltered format. This milestone release for the Santos, São Paulo, Brazil based band is available now, and the Radio Session CD marks a new chapter for White Frogs and a significant step-up in their international legacy, bringing their sound directly to new ears across Europe. “This session was one of our purest recordings,” says founding member João Veloso Jr. “It’s direct, urgent, and heartfelt — we’re thrilled it’s finally being made available as a physical release, especially through such a respected DIY label like Engineer Records.”

White Frogs Released Their Acclaimed Radio Session On CD Via Engineer Records

White Frogs, the influential Brazilian melodic hardcore band, is proud to announce the long-awaited physical release of their acclaimed Radio Session — for the first time ever on CD — through UK based independent label Engineer Records. Previously available only on streaming, the Radio Session captures White Frogs at their raw, honest, and electrifying best — a live-in-studio recording that distils the energy of the band’s celebrated live shows into a powerful, unfiltered format. This milestone release for the Santos, São Paulo, Brazil based band is available now, and the Radio Session CD marks a new chapter for White Frogs and a significant step-up in their international legacy, bringing their sound directly to new ears across Europe. “This session was one of our purest recordings,” says founding member João Veloso Jr. “It’s direct, urgent, and heartfelt — we’re thrilled it’s finally being made available as a physical release, especially through such a respected DIY label like Engineer Records.”

Magic Of The Marketplace Released “The Spectators Are Leaving” CD EP Via Engineer Records

Andy Higgins and the crew are back with five brilliant brand new tracks from Magic of the Marketplace on a catchy as hell ear-worm of an EP entitled ‘The Spectators are Leaving’. These songs will put you in mind of quite a few of your punky hardcore faves, from Jawbreaker to Sugar, and Leatherface to Dag Nasty and The Damned.

Their 2025 debut ‘Jealous Moon’ EP release has variously been described as visceral, with great hooks and melodies, and drew comparisons with bands such as Leatherface, Dillinger 4, Husker Du, The Skids and even Kings of Leon. These five new tracks continue building on that momentum and listeners will not be disappointed.From the Jawbreaker-like melancholic anger of the opener ‘When The Story Ends’ and title track ‘The Spectators are Leaving’ to the pulsating Clash style energy of ‘What’s The Remedy’ all these comparisons are still valid. There will be a video for ‘When The Story Ends’, which is very different to what would normally be expected within this genre, and will hit YouTube soon.For now check out the video for ‘Smile and Wave from the last EP here: https://youtu.be/modvG2nrm44?si=xf9JPoxke-vVj0w2 Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug and Sick56, this release is the second collaboration between JSNTGM and Engineer Records and will be out on 20th February 2026 in CD format and across all digital channels. Recorded and mixed by James Routh (Sonic Boom Six) at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool.

Magic Of The Marketplace Released “The Spectators Are Leaving” CD EP Via Engineer Records

Andy Higgins and the crew are back with five brilliant brand new tracks from Magic of the Marketplace on a catchy as hell ear-worm of an EP entitled ‘The Spectators are Leaving’. These songs will put you in mind of quite a few of your punky hardcore faves, from Jawbreaker to Sugar, and Leatherface to Dag Nasty and The Damned.

Their 2025 debut ‘Jealous Moon’ EP release has variously been described as visceral, with great hooks and melodies, and drew comparisons with bands such as Leatherface, Dillinger 4, Husker Du, The Skids and even Kings of Leon. These five new tracks continue building on that momentum and listeners will not be disappointed.From the Jawbreaker-like melancholic anger of the opener ‘When The Story Ends’ and title track ‘The Spectators are Leaving’ to the pulsating Clash style energy of ‘What’s The Remedy’ all these comparisons are still valid. There will be a video for ‘When The Story Ends’, which is very different to what would normally be expected within this genre, and will hit YouTube soon.For now check out the video for ‘Smile and Wave from the last EP here: https://youtu.be/modvG2nrm44?si=xf9JPoxke-vVj0w2 Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug and Sick56, this release is the second collaboration between JSNTGM and Engineer Records and will be out on 20th February 2026 in CD format and across all digital channels. Recorded and mixed by James Routh (Sonic Boom Six) at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool.

The Domestics Release “Random Camel Shit” Live EP Via Engineer Records

The finest purveyors of East Anglian Hardcore, The Domestics, are back with a limited edition live 7” release just in time for their second mini-tour of Northern Spain in March ‘26.

Recorded live and raw by Mario from Build Me A Bomb at Random Camel House, Ipswich on 06/04/25 on the final date of the BMAB/The Domestics tour (UK leg), and mastered by bass player, Rhodes. This feral record features no fewer than eleven songs, including a few new ones that will feature on their next studio album, which is due out later in the year. As Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll once said of the band, “If you’re going to play hardcore in this day and age, don’t fuck around. The Domestics got the memo.”

200 copies worldwide only. Hand-numbered, old-school wraparound covers.

The Domestics Release “Random Camel Shit” Live EP Via Engineer Records

The finest purveyors of East Anglian Hardcore, The Domestics, are back with a limited edition live 7” release just in time for their second mini-tour of Northern Spain in March ‘26.

Recorded live and raw by Mario from Build Me A Bomb at Random Camel House, Ipswich on 06/04/25 on the final date of the BMAB/The Domestics tour (UK leg), and mastered by bass player, Rhodes. This feral record features no fewer than eleven songs, including a few new ones that will feature on their next studio album, which is due out later in the year. As Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll once said of the band, “If you’re going to play hardcore in this day and age, don’t fuck around. The Domestics got the memo.”

200 copies worldwide only. Hand-numbered, old-school wraparound covers.

Hidden Cabins Return With Two Sides, Two Stories EP

Hidden Cabins will release their first new batch of songs in over a year via the A-side of their forthcoming ‘Two Sides, Two Stories’ 12-inch record and digital streaming on November 21, 2025. The new album, which includes the lead single “Anxiety Hides,” is released through a new partnership, fostering the community aspect nurtured by their punk and post-hardcore scene ethics. The B-side will feature songs from their previous EP, showcasing their raw sound and commitment to DIY grit.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1DrYZUqcjy6xzHBbL5Graj?si=c5c6e85dc0684626

Pre-order HERE

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HIDDENCABINS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS

Hidden Cabins Return With Two Sides, Two Stories EP

Hidden Cabins will release their first new batch of songs in over a year via the A-side of their forthcoming ‘Two Sides, Two Stories’ 12-inch record and digital streaming on November 21, 2025. The new album, which includes the lead single “Anxiety Hides,” is released through a new partnership, fostering the community aspect nurtured by their punk and post-hardcore scene ethics. The B-side will feature songs from their previous EP, showcasing their raw sound and commitment to DIY grit.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1DrYZUqcjy6xzHBbL5Graj?si=c5c6e85dc0684626

Pre-order HERE

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HIDDENCABINS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS

Hidden Cabins Return With Two Sides, Two Stories EP

Hidden Cabins will release their first new batch of songs in over a year via the A-side of their forthcoming ‘Two Sides, Two Stories’ 12-inch record and digital streaming on November 21, 2025. The new album, which includes the lead single “Anxiety Hides,” is released through a new partnership, fostering the community aspect nurtured by their punk and post-hardcore scene ethics. The B-side will feature songs from their previous EP, showcasing their raw sound and commitment to DIY grit.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1DrYZUqcjy6xzHBbL5Graj?si=c5c6e85dc0684626

Pre-order HERE

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HIDDENCABINS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS

Hidden Cabins Return With Two Sides, Two Stories EP

Hidden Cabins will release their first new batch of songs in over a year via the A-side of their forthcoming ‘Two Sides, Two Stories’ 12-inch record and digital streaming on November 21, 2025. The new album, which includes the lead single “Anxiety Hides,” is released through a new partnership, fostering the community aspect nurtured by their punk and post-hardcore scene ethics. The B-side will feature songs from their previous EP, showcasing their raw sound and commitment to DIY grit.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1DrYZUqcjy6xzHBbL5Graj?si=c5c6e85dc0684626

Pre-order HERE

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HIDDENCABINS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS

An Anarchy of Demons: Charlie Harper (UK Subs) Compilation Includes Rare Punk Track

Time & Matter Recordings and Engineer Records have released a special Charlie Harper (UK Subs) compilation album to accompany his autobiography. The CD features six spoken word tracks of extracts from his book, linking up 10 music tracks from across his past. Crucially, it includes an incredibly rare and exclusive, previously unreleased track from the T&M archives: the earliest known live recording of a U.K. Subs song from the summer of 1977, essential for any UK Subs/punk fanatic.

Click HERE to order a book with a free CD.

#BOOKS #CHARLIEHARPER #EARTHISLANDBOOKS #ENGINEERRECORDS #LITERATURE #MUSIC #NEWS #PUNKROCK #TIMEANDMATTERRECORDINGS #UKSUBS

An Anarchy of Demons: Charlie Harper (UK Subs) Compilation Includes Rare Punk Track

Time & Matter Recordings and Engineer Records have released a special Charlie Harper (UK Subs) compilation album to accompany his autobiography. The CD features six spoken word tracks of extracts from his book, linking up 10 music tracks from across his past. Crucially, it includes an incredibly rare and exclusive, previously unreleased track from the T&M archives: the earliest known live recording of a U.K. Subs song from the summer of 1977, essential for any UK Subs/punk fanatic.

Click HERE to order a book with a free CD.

#BOOKS #CHARLIEHARPER #EARTHISLANDBOOKS #ENGINEERRECORDS #LITERATURE #MUSIC #NEWS #PUNKROCK #TIMEANDMATTERRECORDINGS #UKSUBS

An Anarchy of Demons: Charlie Harper (UK Subs) Compilation Includes Rare Punk Track

Time & Matter Recordings and Engineer Records have released a special Charlie Harper (UK Subs) compilation album to accompany his autobiography. The CD features six spoken word tracks of extracts from his book, linking up 10 music tracks from across his past. Crucially, it includes an incredibly rare and exclusive, previously unreleased track from the T&M archives: the earliest known live recording of a U.K. Subs song from the summer of 1977, essential for any UK Subs/punk fanatic.

Click HERE to order a book with a free CD.

#BOOKS #CHARLIEHARPER #EARTHISLANDBOOKS #ENGINEERRECORDS #LITERATURE #MUSIC #NEWS #PUNKROCK #TIMEANDMATTERRECORDINGS #UKSUBS

An Anarchy of Demons: Charlie Harper (UK Subs) Compilation Includes Rare Punk Track

Time & Matter Recordings and Engineer Records have released a special Charlie Harper (UK Subs) compilation album to accompany his autobiography. The CD features six spoken word tracks of extracts from his book, linking up 10 music tracks from across his past. Crucially, it includes an incredibly rare and exclusive, previously unreleased track from the T&M archives: the earliest known live recording of a U.K. Subs song from the summer of 1977, essential for any UK Subs/punk fanatic.

Click HERE to order a book with a free CD.

#BOOKS #CHARLIEHARPER #EARTHISLANDBOOKS #ENGINEERRECORDS #LITERATURE #MUSIC #NEWS #PUNKROCK #TIMEANDMATTERRECORDINGS #UKSUBS

Interview: Barking Poets

We recently had a blast chatting with the guys from Barking Poets, the melodic punk rock trio straight out of London! We dove deep into their recent ripper of a single, “Pure Blood,” talking about how they cook up their songs, what their main influences are, and pretty much everything else. Time to crank it up and hear what this powerful trio had to say!

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

We’ve been pretty good, surviving London life as usual. We just got done with the HRH Punk festival in Leicester a couple of weeks ago, that was a lot of fun. Our latest single “Pure Blood” has been out now for a couple of weeks and is being very well received, at the moment we are writing and demoing new songs for our debut full length album to be released next year. That is our main focus now.                               

Your previous single “Change Our Ways” was an energetic punk rock anthem, but “Pure Blood” has a noticeably darker, more reflective tone. Was shifting to this vibe a conscious decision, or did the mood of the music dictate the direction? 

It was a conscious decision for sure. I’ve always loved those bass driven, mid-tempo songs with big choruses, we didn’t have that kind of song in the Barking Poets catalogue so it was interesting to see if we could pull it off, still make it sound like Barking Poets. I think we did a great job along with Paul Tipler in the studio. The lyrics came after, they needed to be quite dark, gloomy to suit the atmospheric sound of the recording. I don’t think lyrics about Carebears or Teletubbies would have worked too well……or maybe they would?

Let’s talk about the lyrics for “Pure Blood.” What’s the core story or feeling driving this song? What themes were you exploring when writing the words?

It’s written about the Pandemic period of 2020-2022. If you replace the lyric “party” (in the first line of verse 1) with “pandemic” then the song’s meaning opens up in a more direct light. It’s a reflective look back at the damage done by the head scratching decisions of “leaders” and I use that term very loosely.

https://youtu.be/VLO8tyqqASE?si=_VuyEifIPSucBKwW

The track features a powerful, rising chorus. What was the dynamic in the studio when you were composing that specific section? Did you have a sense that you were creating a massive moment?

We knew we wanted the chorus to sound huge. We had worked on the song in rehearsals and did a home recording demo so it was about getting the song as close to what the demo sounded as possible. Paul Tipler comes from that world of indie/alternative so he got it straight away. We tend to work very fast in the studio, we don’t overthink things.

We hear a subtle change in your sound on this track, venturing into a more indie rock territory. What inspired you to explore this sonic direction compared to your earlier work?

I’ve always been a lover of most guitar music, if it’s metal, punk, indie, country, I’ll dig it if it’s honest, a band playing together and has great songwriting dynamics and lyrics. I heard a song by the U.S. band Brand New called Sic Transit Gloria for the first time in years, it blew me away. It has a very cool bass driven verse and a huge shouty chorus. It inspired me to try to write something in that ballpark for Barking Poets which was a challenge because we hadn’t done anything like that before. 

The new sound is drawing comparisons to bands like Brand New, Alkaline Trio, and The Stranglers. Are those artists you actively listen to, and how do they inform the DNA of the song?

Yes, for sure. I have loved Alkaline Trio and Brand New for years now and I’ve really started to get into The Stranglers in the past couple of years. “Always the Sun” is such a perfect song. Like any artist, your subconscious absorbs absolutely every piece of music you have ever heard so when you go to write, those influences of what you have been listening to more regularly cannot help but form part of the DNA of every song that you write. Pure Blood is no different. 

Beyond the usual suspects, what artists or bands are you currently spinning that might surprise your fans? Who’s influencing the sound of Barking Poets right now?

I’ve been listening to the new Kathleen Edwards album a lot recently. Neil has been listening to Terrence Trent D’arby and is going to see him live soon so they may be a bit of a surprise. Regarding influencing Barking Poets at the moment, The Hives, Wavves and Alkaline Trio’s new albums have all made an impact. We’re definitely leaning into short, loud, fast no-nonsense songs on our new album.

Could you walk us through the general process of how a Barking Poets song typically comes to life? Does it start with a guitar riff, a beat, or a lyrical idea?

In Barking Poets we have 2 main songwriters (Conor H and Neil). We’ll tend to write completely separately. We’re both similar in that we will usually write a song melody on guitar, a verse, chorus and maybe a middle eight, bridge or breakdown. Then once the structure is done, we’ll add the lyrics afterwards. We’ll then do a home made demo of the song before sharing it to see what the general consensus is. If we all like it, we’ll work on it in the rehearsal room where we will all add our individual parts to it musically.  We do have one brand new song that the three of us all chipped in on and that was fun, Conor T came up with a bass melody, Neil added a guitar part and vocal melody then Conor H added some lyrics and the overriding theme of the song. 

Specifically for “Pure Blood,” what was the first element that kicked off the composition of the song? You worked again with renowned producer Paul Tipler. What unique perspective or sound does he bring to the table that makes him the right fit for your band?

Once I had the clear idea of the kind of song I wanted to write, the first element was the drum track as the foundation. Once I had that down, I put a one string simple bass track on top, already it was sounding fantastic. The rest came quickly after. Paul Tipler was ideal for this track in particular, he’s worked with so many amazing indie/alternative bands like Idlewild, Placebo, Reuben so he totally got what we wanted to do. He’s a great taskmaster, he’s all about the band being tight, knowing their parts, being competent at what you’re playing and not putting too much studio effects or trickery on. The more organic, the better.

Considering the brooding, anxiety-driven nature of the song, what was the general atmosphere like during the recording sessions at Unit 13 studios this summer?

I would love to say it was a tense, anxiety driven atmosphere, with late night alcohol/drug fuelled sessions but alas, it was all very straight forward, sober and drama free. The drums were done on a weekday afternoon then the bass/guitars and vocals on a separate weekday in the summer. Terribly professional unfortunately. We’re waiting for our Los Angeles adventures to activate our inner debauched rock stars!

You shot a video for “Pure Blood” in Greenwich featuring a masked crusader with a briefcase. What’s the narrative thread of the video, and how does it connect visually to the meaning of the track?

We have done so many “band performance” videos so it seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. I can’t even remember where the idea came from, I have a luchador wrestling mask in my apartment and thought visually it would look cool to use in a video. The narrative is loosely, a mysterious figure who works in the City of London, possibly in the financial sector who has done a dodgy deal or has stolen cash during a heist or deal gone wrong perhaps? It’s white collar crime. A metaphor for all the billions of dollars made by politicians & grifters during the covid pandemic. We certainly raised a few eyebrows from passers by while we were shooting.

Neil, since you directed and edited the video, how did the visual ideas develop?

We’d wanted to do a video of someone perpetually running for a while, although originally it was going to be me singing the song while running, either in the dark in the open, or through the Greenwich Tunnel – we really liked the tunnel idea though, and once me and Conor scouted it out, we realised it would work really well, as long as we could get there when there weren’t many people around. Which led to two musicians having to get up early in the morning, so we were a bit out of our element! Conor came up with our besuited & masked hero and the suitcase full of money, to symbolise corruption, and away we went. I’ve found with a lot of the videos, it comes together in the edit (the Change Our Ways video with the animated dogs changed a lot from our original concept there) depending on what the footage comes out like. With this one though, it stayed pretty true to our original concept.

The visual style is very cinematic. Were there any specific films or directors you had in mind while you were planning the shots for the video?

We definitely wanted really stark black and white, ‘cos we really like the photographic and video style of Anton Corbijn, who did all those classic Depeche Mode, U2 & Tom Waits photos back in the 80s and 90s. And the running thing was inspired by a couple of things, like Radiohead’s Karma Police video, Crowded House’s Locked Out, and gritty black & white espionage movies like the Third Man or The Ipcress File. It was great how quickly it came together. I’m really looking forward to doing more conceptual videos in the future, instead of just performance ones now…

 How does “Pure Blood” translate live? How are you finding ways to incorporate this intensity alongside your more upbeat power-punk anthems in your setlist?

We have never played it live before and I’m not sure we will get a chance to. Most set lengths we play are 30mins to 45mins so it’s difficult to fit quite a long, mid tempo song like Pure Blood in there. It also really needs two guitarists to really give it justice live, maybe down the line we may add another guitarist and pop it in the set sometime next year. It would be fun to play for sure!

With all those strong singles out, are you sitting on more new music? What’s the plan for the near future? Any possible extended plays or a full album, or are you just focusing on touring?

Yes, we have about 8 or 9 brand new songs ready to go onto our debut full length album. We are still writing and demoing more songs so we’re a bit of a song factory at the moment. A full length 12 track album is our main focus and goal at the moment, hopefully we can get it finished in the first part of next year. We are currently booking shows and reaching out to festivals for 2026 so next year is shaping up to be our busiest year yet. 

Thank you for your time. Anything you would like to say to our readers at the end of this interview?

If you have made it to the end of this interview, thanks! We really really appreciate anyone taking the time out of their day to listen, watch, read about Barking Poets. Stay tuned for our debut full length album next year and come see us live when we roll into your town. Thanks to you Djordje for the continued support!

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #indiePunk #INTERVIEWS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #POPPUNK #PUNKROCK

Interview: Barking Poets

We recently had a blast chatting with the guys from Barking Poets, the melodic punk rock trio straight out of London! We dove deep into their recent ripper of a single, “Pure Blood,” talking about how they cook up their songs, what their main influences are, and pretty much everything else. Time to crank it up and hear what this powerful trio had to say!

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

We’ve been pretty good, surviving London life as usual. We just got done with the HRH Punk festival in Leicester a couple of weeks ago, that was a lot of fun. Our latest single “Pure Blood” has been out now for a couple of weeks and is being very well received, at the moment we are writing and demoing new songs for our debut full length album to be released next year. That is our main focus now.                               

Your previous single “Change Our Ways” was an energetic punk rock anthem, but “Pure Blood” has a noticeably darker, more reflective tone. Was shifting to this vibe a conscious decision, or did the mood of the music dictate the direction? 

It was a conscious decision for sure. I’ve always loved those bass driven, mid-tempo songs with big choruses, we didn’t have that kind of song in the Barking Poets catalogue so it was interesting to see if we could pull it off, still make it sound like Barking Poets. I think we did a great job along with Paul Tipler in the studio. The lyrics came after, they needed to be quite dark, gloomy to suit the atmospheric sound of the recording. I don’t think lyrics about Carebears or Teletubbies would have worked too well……or maybe they would?

Let’s talk about the lyrics for “Pure Blood.” What’s the core story or feeling driving this song? What themes were you exploring when writing the words?

It’s written about the Pandemic period of 2020-2022. If you replace the lyric “party” (in the first line of verse 1) with “pandemic” then the song’s meaning opens up in a more direct light. It’s a reflective look back at the damage done by the head scratching decisions of “leaders” and I use that term very loosely.

https://youtu.be/VLO8tyqqASE?si=_VuyEifIPSucBKwW

The track features a powerful, rising chorus. What was the dynamic in the studio when you were composing that specific section? Did you have a sense that you were creating a massive moment?

We knew we wanted the chorus to sound huge. We had worked on the song in rehearsals and did a home recording demo so it was about getting the song as close to what the demo sounded as possible. Paul Tipler comes from that world of indie/alternative so he got it straight away. We tend to work very fast in the studio, we don’t overthink things.

We hear a subtle change in your sound on this track, venturing into a more indie rock territory. What inspired you to explore this sonic direction compared to your earlier work?

I’ve always been a lover of most guitar music, if it’s metal, punk, indie, country, I’ll dig it if it’s honest, a band playing together and has great songwriting dynamics and lyrics. I heard a song by the U.S. band Brand New called Sic Transit Gloria for the first time in years, it blew me away. It has a very cool bass driven verse and a huge shouty chorus. It inspired me to try to write something in that ballpark for Barking Poets which was a challenge because we hadn’t done anything like that before. 

The new sound is drawing comparisons to bands like Brand New, Alkaline Trio, and The Stranglers. Are those artists you actively listen to, and how do they inform the DNA of the song?

Yes, for sure. I have loved Alkaline Trio and Brand New for years now and I’ve really started to get into The Stranglers in the past couple of years. “Always the Sun” is such a perfect song. Like any artist, your subconscious absorbs absolutely every piece of music you have ever heard so when you go to write, those influences of what you have been listening to more regularly cannot help but form part of the DNA of every song that you write. Pure Blood is no different. 

Beyond the usual suspects, what artists or bands are you currently spinning that might surprise your fans? Who’s influencing the sound of Barking Poets right now?

I’ve been listening to the new Kathleen Edwards album a lot recently. Neil has been listening to Terrence Trent D’arby and is going to see him live soon so they may be a bit of a surprise. Regarding influencing Barking Poets at the moment, The Hives, Wavves and Alkaline Trio’s new albums have all made an impact. We’re definitely leaning into short, loud, fast no-nonsense songs on our new album.

Could you walk us through the general process of how a Barking Poets song typically comes to life? Does it start with a guitar riff, a beat, or a lyrical idea?

In Barking Poets we have 2 main songwriters (Conor H and Neil). We’ll tend to write completely separately. We’re both similar in that we will usually write a song melody on guitar, a verse, chorus and maybe a middle eight, bridge or breakdown. Then once the structure is done, we’ll add the lyrics afterwards. We’ll then do a home made demo of the song before sharing it to see what the general consensus is. If we all like it, we’ll work on it in the rehearsal room where we will all add our individual parts to it musically.  We do have one brand new song that the three of us all chipped in on and that was fun, Conor T came up with a bass melody, Neil added a guitar part and vocal melody then Conor H added some lyrics and the overriding theme of the song. 

Specifically for “Pure Blood,” what was the first element that kicked off the composition of the song? You worked again with renowned producer Paul Tipler. What unique perspective or sound does he bring to the table that makes him the right fit for your band?

Once I had the clear idea of the kind of song I wanted to write, the first element was the drum track as the foundation. Once I had that down, I put a one string simple bass track on top, already it was sounding fantastic. The rest came quickly after. Paul Tipler was ideal for this track in particular, he’s worked with so many amazing indie/alternative bands like Idlewild, Placebo, Reuben so he totally got what we wanted to do. He’s a great taskmaster, he’s all about the band being tight, knowing their parts, being competent at what you’re playing and not putting too much studio effects or trickery on. The more organic, the better.

Considering the brooding, anxiety-driven nature of the song, what was the general atmosphere like during the recording sessions at Unit 13 studios this summer?

I would love to say it was a tense, anxiety driven atmosphere, with late night alcohol/drug fuelled sessions but alas, it was all very straight forward, sober and drama free. The drums were done on a weekday afternoon then the bass/guitars and vocals on a separate weekday in the summer. Terribly professional unfortunately. We’re waiting for our Los Angeles adventures to activate our inner debauched rock stars!

You shot a video for “Pure Blood” in Greenwich featuring a masked crusader with a briefcase. What’s the narrative thread of the video, and how does it connect visually to the meaning of the track?

We have done so many “band performance” videos so it seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. I can’t even remember where the idea came from, I have a luchador wrestling mask in my apartment and thought visually it would look cool to use in a video. The narrative is loosely, a mysterious figure who works in the City of London, possibly in the financial sector who has done a dodgy deal or has stolen cash during a heist or deal gone wrong perhaps? It’s white collar crime. A metaphor for all the billions of dollars made by politicians & grifters during the covid pandemic. We certainly raised a few eyebrows from passers by while we were shooting.

Neil, since you directed and edited the video, how did the visual ideas develop?

We’d wanted to do a video of someone perpetually running for a while, although originally it was going to be me singing the song while running, either in the dark in the open, or through the Greenwich Tunnel – we really liked the tunnel idea though, and once me and Conor scouted it out, we realised it would work really well, as long as we could get there when there weren’t many people around. Which led to two musicians having to get up early in the morning, so we were a bit out of our element! Conor came up with our besuited & masked hero and the suitcase full of money, to symbolise corruption, and away we went. I’ve found with a lot of the videos, it comes together in the edit (the Change Our Ways video with the animated dogs changed a lot from our original concept there) depending on what the footage comes out like. With this one though, it stayed pretty true to our original concept.

The visual style is very cinematic. Were there any specific films or directors you had in mind while you were planning the shots for the video?

We definitely wanted really stark black and white, ‘cos we really like the photographic and video style of Anton Corbijn, who did all those classic Depeche Mode, U2 & Tom Waits photos back in the 80s and 90s. And the running thing was inspired by a couple of things, like Radiohead’s Karma Police video, Crowded House’s Locked Out, and gritty black & white espionage movies like the Third Man or The Ipcress File. It was great how quickly it came together. I’m really looking forward to doing more conceptual videos in the future, instead of just performance ones now…

 How does “Pure Blood” translate live? How are you finding ways to incorporate this intensity alongside your more upbeat power-punk anthems in your setlist?

We have never played it live before and I’m not sure we will get a chance to. Most set lengths we play are 30mins to 45mins so it’s difficult to fit quite a long, mid tempo song like Pure Blood in there. It also really needs two guitarists to really give it justice live, maybe down the line we may add another guitarist and pop it in the set sometime next year. It would be fun to play for sure!

With all those strong singles out, are you sitting on more new music? What’s the plan for the near future? Any possible extended plays or a full album, or are you just focusing on touring?

Yes, we have about 8 or 9 brand new songs ready to go onto our debut full length album. We are still writing and demoing more songs so we’re a bit of a song factory at the moment. A full length 12 track album is our main focus and goal at the moment, hopefully we can get it finished in the first part of next year. We are currently booking shows and reaching out to festivals for 2026 so next year is shaping up to be our busiest year yet. 

Thank you for your time. Anything you would like to say to our readers at the end of this interview?

If you have made it to the end of this interview, thanks! We really really appreciate anyone taking the time out of their day to listen, watch, read about Barking Poets. Stay tuned for our debut full length album next year and come see us live when we roll into your town. Thanks to you Djordje for the continued support!

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #indiePunk #INTERVIEWS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #POPPUNK #PUNKROCK

Interview: Barking Poets

We recently had a blast chatting with the guys from Barking Poets, the melodic punk rock trio straight out of London! We dove deep into their recent ripper of a single, “Pure Blood,” talking about how they cook up their songs, what their main influences are, and pretty much everything else. Time to crank it up and hear what this powerful trio had to say!

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

We’ve been pretty good, surviving London life as usual. We just got done with the HRH Punk festival in Leicester a couple of weeks ago, that was a lot of fun. Our latest single “Pure Blood” has been out now for a couple of weeks and is being very well received, at the moment we are writing and demoing new songs for our debut full length album to be released next year. That is our main focus now.                               

Your previous single “Change Our Ways” was an energetic punk rock anthem, but “Pure Blood” has a noticeably darker, more reflective tone. Was shifting to this vibe a conscious decision, or did the mood of the music dictate the direction? 

It was a conscious decision for sure. I’ve always loved those bass driven, mid-tempo songs with big choruses, we didn’t have that kind of song in the Barking Poets catalogue so it was interesting to see if we could pull it off, still make it sound like Barking Poets. I think we did a great job along with Paul Tipler in the studio. The lyrics came after, they needed to be quite dark, gloomy to suit the atmospheric sound of the recording. I don’t think lyrics about Carebears or Teletubbies would have worked too well……or maybe they would?

Let’s talk about the lyrics for “Pure Blood.” What’s the core story or feeling driving this song? What themes were you exploring when writing the words?

It’s written about the Pandemic period of 2020-2022. If you replace the lyric “party” (in the first line of verse 1) with “pandemic” then the song’s meaning opens up in a more direct light. It’s a reflective look back at the damage done by the head scratching decisions of “leaders” and I use that term very loosely.

https://youtu.be/VLO8tyqqASE?si=_VuyEifIPSucBKwW

The track features a powerful, rising chorus. What was the dynamic in the studio when you were composing that specific section? Did you have a sense that you were creating a massive moment?

We knew we wanted the chorus to sound huge. We had worked on the song in rehearsals and did a home recording demo so it was about getting the song as close to what the demo sounded as possible. Paul Tipler comes from that world of indie/alternative so he got it straight away. We tend to work very fast in the studio, we don’t overthink things.

We hear a subtle change in your sound on this track, venturing into a more indie rock territory. What inspired you to explore this sonic direction compared to your earlier work?

I’ve always been a lover of most guitar music, if it’s metal, punk, indie, country, I’ll dig it if it’s honest, a band playing together and has great songwriting dynamics and lyrics. I heard a song by the U.S. band Brand New called Sic Transit Gloria for the first time in years, it blew me away. It has a very cool bass driven verse and a huge shouty chorus. It inspired me to try to write something in that ballpark for Barking Poets which was a challenge because we hadn’t done anything like that before. 

The new sound is drawing comparisons to bands like Brand New, Alkaline Trio, and The Stranglers. Are those artists you actively listen to, and how do they inform the DNA of the song?

Yes, for sure. I have loved Alkaline Trio and Brand New for years now and I’ve really started to get into The Stranglers in the past couple of years. “Always the Sun” is such a perfect song. Like any artist, your subconscious absorbs absolutely every piece of music you have ever heard so when you go to write, those influences of what you have been listening to more regularly cannot help but form part of the DNA of every song that you write. Pure Blood is no different. 

Beyond the usual suspects, what artists or bands are you currently spinning that might surprise your fans? Who’s influencing the sound of Barking Poets right now?

I’ve been listening to the new Kathleen Edwards album a lot recently. Neil has been listening to Terrence Trent D’arby and is going to see him live soon so they may be a bit of a surprise. Regarding influencing Barking Poets at the moment, The Hives, Wavves and Alkaline Trio’s new albums have all made an impact. We’re definitely leaning into short, loud, fast no-nonsense songs on our new album.

Could you walk us through the general process of how a Barking Poets song typically comes to life? Does it start with a guitar riff, a beat, or a lyrical idea?

In Barking Poets we have 2 main songwriters (Conor H and Neil). We’ll tend to write completely separately. We’re both similar in that we will usually write a song melody on guitar, a verse, chorus and maybe a middle eight, bridge or breakdown. Then once the structure is done, we’ll add the lyrics afterwards. We’ll then do a home made demo of the song before sharing it to see what the general consensus is. If we all like it, we’ll work on it in the rehearsal room where we will all add our individual parts to it musically.  We do have one brand new song that the three of us all chipped in on and that was fun, Conor T came up with a bass melody, Neil added a guitar part and vocal melody then Conor H added some lyrics and the overriding theme of the song. 

Specifically for “Pure Blood,” what was the first element that kicked off the composition of the song? You worked again with renowned producer Paul Tipler. What unique perspective or sound does he bring to the table that makes him the right fit for your band?

Once I had the clear idea of the kind of song I wanted to write, the first element was the drum track as the foundation. Once I had that down, I put a one string simple bass track on top, already it was sounding fantastic. The rest came quickly after. Paul Tipler was ideal for this track in particular, he’s worked with so many amazing indie/alternative bands like Idlewild, Placebo, Reuben so he totally got what we wanted to do. He’s a great taskmaster, he’s all about the band being tight, knowing their parts, being competent at what you’re playing and not putting too much studio effects or trickery on. The more organic, the better.

Considering the brooding, anxiety-driven nature of the song, what was the general atmosphere like during the recording sessions at Unit 13 studios this summer?

I would love to say it was a tense, anxiety driven atmosphere, with late night alcohol/drug fuelled sessions but alas, it was all very straight forward, sober and drama free. The drums were done on a weekday afternoon then the bass/guitars and vocals on a separate weekday in the summer. Terribly professional unfortunately. We’re waiting for our Los Angeles adventures to activate our inner debauched rock stars!

You shot a video for “Pure Blood” in Greenwich featuring a masked crusader with a briefcase. What’s the narrative thread of the video, and how does it connect visually to the meaning of the track?

We have done so many “band performance” videos so it seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. I can’t even remember where the idea came from, I have a luchador wrestling mask in my apartment and thought visually it would look cool to use in a video. The narrative is loosely, a mysterious figure who works in the City of London, possibly in the financial sector who has done a dodgy deal or has stolen cash during a heist or deal gone wrong perhaps? It’s white collar crime. A metaphor for all the billions of dollars made by politicians & grifters during the covid pandemic. We certainly raised a few eyebrows from passers by while we were shooting.

Neil, since you directed and edited the video, how did the visual ideas develop?

We’d wanted to do a video of someone perpetually running for a while, although originally it was going to be me singing the song while running, either in the dark in the open, or through the Greenwich Tunnel – we really liked the tunnel idea though, and once me and Conor scouted it out, we realised it would work really well, as long as we could get there when there weren’t many people around. Which led to two musicians having to get up early in the morning, so we were a bit out of our element! Conor came up with our besuited & masked hero and the suitcase full of money, to symbolise corruption, and away we went. I’ve found with a lot of the videos, it comes together in the edit (the Change Our Ways video with the animated dogs changed a lot from our original concept there) depending on what the footage comes out like. With this one though, it stayed pretty true to our original concept.

The visual style is very cinematic. Were there any specific films or directors you had in mind while you were planning the shots for the video?

We definitely wanted really stark black and white, ‘cos we really like the photographic and video style of Anton Corbijn, who did all those classic Depeche Mode, U2 & Tom Waits photos back in the 80s and 90s. And the running thing was inspired by a couple of things, like Radiohead’s Karma Police video, Crowded House’s Locked Out, and gritty black & white espionage movies like the Third Man or The Ipcress File. It was great how quickly it came together. I’m really looking forward to doing more conceptual videos in the future, instead of just performance ones now…

 How does “Pure Blood” translate live? How are you finding ways to incorporate this intensity alongside your more upbeat power-punk anthems in your setlist?

We have never played it live before and I’m not sure we will get a chance to. Most set lengths we play are 30mins to 45mins so it’s difficult to fit quite a long, mid tempo song like Pure Blood in there. It also really needs two guitarists to really give it justice live, maybe down the line we may add another guitarist and pop it in the set sometime next year. It would be fun to play for sure!

With all those strong singles out, are you sitting on more new music? What’s the plan for the near future? Any possible extended plays or a full album, or are you just focusing on touring?

Yes, we have about 8 or 9 brand new songs ready to go onto our debut full length album. We are still writing and demoing more songs so we’re a bit of a song factory at the moment. A full length 12 track album is our main focus and goal at the moment, hopefully we can get it finished in the first part of next year. We are currently booking shows and reaching out to festivals for 2026 so next year is shaping up to be our busiest year yet. 

Thank you for your time. Anything you would like to say to our readers at the end of this interview?

If you have made it to the end of this interview, thanks! We really really appreciate anyone taking the time out of their day to listen, watch, read about Barking Poets. Stay tuned for our debut full length album next year and come see us live when we roll into your town. Thanks to you Djordje for the continued support!

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #indiePunk #INTERVIEWS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #POPPUNK #PUNKROCK

Interview: Barking Poets

We recently had a blast chatting with the guys from Barking Poets, the melodic punk rock trio straight out of London! We dove deep into their recent ripper of a single, “Pure Blood,” talking about how they cook up their songs, what their main influences are, and pretty much everything else. Time to crank it up and hear what this powerful trio had to say!

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

We’ve been pretty good, surviving London life as usual. We just got done with the HRH Punk festival in Leicester a couple of weeks ago, that was a lot of fun. Our latest single “Pure Blood” has been out now for a couple of weeks and is being very well received, at the moment we are writing and demoing new songs for our debut full length album to be released next year. That is our main focus now.                               

Your previous single “Change Our Ways” was an energetic punk rock anthem, but “Pure Blood” has a noticeably darker, more reflective tone. Was shifting to this vibe a conscious decision, or did the mood of the music dictate the direction? 

It was a conscious decision for sure. I’ve always loved those bass driven, mid-tempo songs with big choruses, we didn’t have that kind of song in the Barking Poets catalogue so it was interesting to see if we could pull it off, still make it sound like Barking Poets. I think we did a great job along with Paul Tipler in the studio. The lyrics came after, they needed to be quite dark, gloomy to suit the atmospheric sound of the recording. I don’t think lyrics about Carebears or Teletubbies would have worked too well……or maybe they would?

Let’s talk about the lyrics for “Pure Blood.” What’s the core story or feeling driving this song? What themes were you exploring when writing the words?

It’s written about the Pandemic period of 2020-2022. If you replace the lyric “party” (in the first line of verse 1) with “pandemic” then the song’s meaning opens up in a more direct light. It’s a reflective look back at the damage done by the head scratching decisions of “leaders” and I use that term very loosely.

https://youtu.be/VLO8tyqqASE?si=_VuyEifIPSucBKwW

The track features a powerful, rising chorus. What was the dynamic in the studio when you were composing that specific section? Did you have a sense that you were creating a massive moment?

We knew we wanted the chorus to sound huge. We had worked on the song in rehearsals and did a home recording demo so it was about getting the song as close to what the demo sounded as possible. Paul Tipler comes from that world of indie/alternative so he got it straight away. We tend to work very fast in the studio, we don’t overthink things.

We hear a subtle change in your sound on this track, venturing into a more indie rock territory. What inspired you to explore this sonic direction compared to your earlier work?

I’ve always been a lover of most guitar music, if it’s metal, punk, indie, country, I’ll dig it if it’s honest, a band playing together and has great songwriting dynamics and lyrics. I heard a song by the U.S. band Brand New called Sic Transit Gloria for the first time in years, it blew me away. It has a very cool bass driven verse and a huge shouty chorus. It inspired me to try to write something in that ballpark for Barking Poets which was a challenge because we hadn’t done anything like that before. 

The new sound is drawing comparisons to bands like Brand New, Alkaline Trio, and The Stranglers. Are those artists you actively listen to, and how do they inform the DNA of the song?

Yes, for sure. I have loved Alkaline Trio and Brand New for years now and I’ve really started to get into The Stranglers in the past couple of years. “Always the Sun” is such a perfect song. Like any artist, your subconscious absorbs absolutely every piece of music you have ever heard so when you go to write, those influences of what you have been listening to more regularly cannot help but form part of the DNA of every song that you write. Pure Blood is no different. 

Beyond the usual suspects, what artists or bands are you currently spinning that might surprise your fans? Who’s influencing the sound of Barking Poets right now?

I’ve been listening to the new Kathleen Edwards album a lot recently. Neil has been listening to Terrence Trent D’arby and is going to see him live soon so they may be a bit of a surprise. Regarding influencing Barking Poets at the moment, The Hives, Wavves and Alkaline Trio’s new albums have all made an impact. We’re definitely leaning into short, loud, fast no-nonsense songs on our new album.

Could you walk us through the general process of how a Barking Poets song typically comes to life? Does it start with a guitar riff, a beat, or a lyrical idea?

In Barking Poets we have 2 main songwriters (Conor H and Neil). We’ll tend to write completely separately. We’re both similar in that we will usually write a song melody on guitar, a verse, chorus and maybe a middle eight, bridge or breakdown. Then once the structure is done, we’ll add the lyrics afterwards. We’ll then do a home made demo of the song before sharing it to see what the general consensus is. If we all like it, we’ll work on it in the rehearsal room where we will all add our individual parts to it musically.  We do have one brand new song that the three of us all chipped in on and that was fun, Conor T came up with a bass melody, Neil added a guitar part and vocal melody then Conor H added some lyrics and the overriding theme of the song. 

Specifically for “Pure Blood,” what was the first element that kicked off the composition of the song? You worked again with renowned producer Paul Tipler. What unique perspective or sound does he bring to the table that makes him the right fit for your band?

Once I had the clear idea of the kind of song I wanted to write, the first element was the drum track as the foundation. Once I had that down, I put a one string simple bass track on top, already it was sounding fantastic. The rest came quickly after. Paul Tipler was ideal for this track in particular, he’s worked with so many amazing indie/alternative bands like Idlewild, Placebo, Reuben so he totally got what we wanted to do. He’s a great taskmaster, he’s all about the band being tight, knowing their parts, being competent at what you’re playing and not putting too much studio effects or trickery on. The more organic, the better.

Considering the brooding, anxiety-driven nature of the song, what was the general atmosphere like during the recording sessions at Unit 13 studios this summer?

I would love to say it was a tense, anxiety driven atmosphere, with late night alcohol/drug fuelled sessions but alas, it was all very straight forward, sober and drama free. The drums were done on a weekday afternoon then the bass/guitars and vocals on a separate weekday in the summer. Terribly professional unfortunately. We’re waiting for our Los Angeles adventures to activate our inner debauched rock stars!

You shot a video for “Pure Blood” in Greenwich featuring a masked crusader with a briefcase. What’s the narrative thread of the video, and how does it connect visually to the meaning of the track?

We have done so many “band performance” videos so it seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. I can’t even remember where the idea came from, I have a luchador wrestling mask in my apartment and thought visually it would look cool to use in a video. The narrative is loosely, a mysterious figure who works in the City of London, possibly in the financial sector who has done a dodgy deal or has stolen cash during a heist or deal gone wrong perhaps? It’s white collar crime. A metaphor for all the billions of dollars made by politicians & grifters during the covid pandemic. We certainly raised a few eyebrows from passers by while we were shooting.

Neil, since you directed and edited the video, how did the visual ideas develop?

We’d wanted to do a video of someone perpetually running for a while, although originally it was going to be me singing the song while running, either in the dark in the open, or through the Greenwich Tunnel – we really liked the tunnel idea though, and once me and Conor scouted it out, we realised it would work really well, as long as we could get there when there weren’t many people around. Which led to two musicians having to get up early in the morning, so we were a bit out of our element! Conor came up with our besuited & masked hero and the suitcase full of money, to symbolise corruption, and away we went. I’ve found with a lot of the videos, it comes together in the edit (the Change Our Ways video with the animated dogs changed a lot from our original concept there) depending on what the footage comes out like. With this one though, it stayed pretty true to our original concept.

The visual style is very cinematic. Were there any specific films or directors you had in mind while you were planning the shots for the video?

We definitely wanted really stark black and white, ‘cos we really like the photographic and video style of Anton Corbijn, who did all those classic Depeche Mode, U2 & Tom Waits photos back in the 80s and 90s. And the running thing was inspired by a couple of things, like Radiohead’s Karma Police video, Crowded House’s Locked Out, and gritty black & white espionage movies like the Third Man or The Ipcress File. It was great how quickly it came together. I’m really looking forward to doing more conceptual videos in the future, instead of just performance ones now…

 How does “Pure Blood” translate live? How are you finding ways to incorporate this intensity alongside your more upbeat power-punk anthems in your setlist?

We have never played it live before and I’m not sure we will get a chance to. Most set lengths we play are 30mins to 45mins so it’s difficult to fit quite a long, mid tempo song like Pure Blood in there. It also really needs two guitarists to really give it justice live, maybe down the line we may add another guitarist and pop it in the set sometime next year. It would be fun to play for sure!

With all those strong singles out, are you sitting on more new music? What’s the plan for the near future? Any possible extended plays or a full album, or are you just focusing on touring?

Yes, we have about 8 or 9 brand new songs ready to go onto our debut full length album. We are still writing and demoing more songs so we’re a bit of a song factory at the moment. A full length 12 track album is our main focus and goal at the moment, hopefully we can get it finished in the first part of next year. We are currently booking shows and reaching out to festivals for 2026 so next year is shaping up to be our busiest year yet. 

Thank you for your time. Anything you would like to say to our readers at the end of this interview?

If you have made it to the end of this interview, thanks! We really really appreciate anyone taking the time out of their day to listen, watch, read about Barking Poets. Stay tuned for our debut full length album next year and come see us live when we roll into your town. Thanks to you Djordje for the continued support!

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #indiePunk #INTERVIEWS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #POPPUNK #PUNKROCK

Barking Poets – Pure Blood

Nearly a month ago, Barking Poets released their latest standalone single, once again proving they’re not only a prolific band but one of those exceptional punk rock trios that always break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of their sound. Although their recent works, such as “Change Our Ways,” “Losing Contact,” “The Mess I Made,” and “Arizona,” all sound equally good, “Pure Blood” further showcases their ability to transform modern punk rock music into something wild, unique, innovative, and completely new. And even when you know these folks are all about that catchy, addictive, hypnotic melodic punk rock, there are some surprises lurking beneath the surface that make this track even more appealing to the ears. Whether it’s that magnificent ’90s rock ambiance roaming around, sweet rawness borrowed from garage rock sound, subtle hard rock details notable in the rhythm section, anthemic alternative rock choruses, or tender indie melodies, “Pure Blood” is one of those songs that will make you return once again for another round of brilliant ideas and superb musicianship. This is a proper, modern London punk rock sound that we have all loved and followed for decades, and Barking Poets made sure to pay homage to it while infusing all those qualities that made them one of the finest UK bands today.

“Pure Blood” is packed with tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, and perfectly recorded instrumentations. As soon as you press play, you’ll stumble upon all those warm, detailed, vividly hearable basslines, slowly introducing you into the subtly dark yet immensely melodic ambiance of this song. Those low-ends are solely responsible for why this song shines with all the warmth, depth, clarity, and heaviness, as all those luxuriant, deep, dense, and heavy notes hit the right spots and offer more groove and detail. You’ll also hear how these basslines counterbalance guitar works and also act as a binding element that connects the mentioned instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. The excellent drumming performance, based upon all those well-accentuated, perfectly arranged, and expertly performed beats, breaks, and fills, provides a rock-solid rhythmic backdrop that keeps everything in line while dictating a moderate pace and more groove. Each hit of the snare cuts the ambiance, each kick of the bass drum sits in the mix where it is supposed to be, and all those accentuations over hi-hats and other cymbals are decorations every fan of this important instrument will appreciate. Of course, both bass and drums serve as the backbone of this track while the guitars roam around, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon.

The guitar layers have multiple purposes here. At first, you’ll notice how they shape the ambiance with subtle yet vividly hearable microphony lurking around while the bass guitar contributes the main melody. During the choruses, the guitars ring with raw, abrasive, gritty power chords, making this track as powerful as possible. These guitar works expand to the main theme, melodies, and harmonies during the second verse and jangly, angular, arpeggiated chord progressions during the bridge, gradually introducing the catchy, memorable, beautiful solo that unquestionably decorates and elevates this marvelous track even more. Harvey’s voice brings even more melody over the top, with all those lines balancing low, mid, and high notes with such precision and finesse. He maintains his voice sometimes between clean and subtly raw harmonies, a technique that not only suits this particular song but also their previous works. This vocal technique packs melody and aggression equally, continiously levitating between power pop or indie punk and classic London punk rock style. It’s a wise move that works like a charm, proving that Harvey and the gang thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this melodic punk rock anthem.

Barking Poets never cease to amaze with their ideas and musicianship, and that’s the case with “Pure Blood” as well. This track packs everything you ever needed from a modern melodic punk rock song while simultaneously paying homage to the London sound. Their experience, knowledge, creativity, talent, and skills are on full display here, proving that these folks are one of the finest punk rock bands you’ll stumble upon nowadays. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates sharp lyricism, anthemic choruses, beautiful melodies, intricate basslines, and excellent drumming. Head to your favorite streaming platform and listen to it loud!

https://song.link/s/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl?si=baa5ab732a5846af

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS

Barking Poets – Pure Blood

Nearly a month ago, Barking Poets released their latest standalone single, once again proving they’re not only a prolific band but one of those exceptional punk rock trios that always break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of their sound. Although their recent works, such as “Change Our Ways,” “Losing Contact,” “The Mess I Made,” and “Arizona,” all sound equally good, “Pure Blood” further showcases their ability to transform modern punk rock music into something wild, unique, innovative, and completely new. And even when you know these folks are all about that catchy, addictive, hypnotic melodic punk rock, there are some surprises lurking beneath the surface that make this track even more appealing to the ears. Whether it’s that magnificent ’90s rock ambiance roaming around, sweet rawness borrowed from garage rock sound, subtle hard rock details notable in the rhythm section, anthemic alternative rock choruses, or tender indie melodies, “Pure Blood” is one of those songs that will make you return once again for another round of brilliant ideas and superb musicianship. This is a proper, modern London punk rock sound that we have all loved and followed for decades, and Barking Poets made sure to pay homage to it while infusing all those qualities that made them one of the finest UK bands today.

“Pure Blood” is packed with tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, and perfectly recorded instrumentations. As soon as you press play, you’ll stumble upon all those warm, detailed, vividly hearable basslines, slowly introducing you into the subtly dark yet immensely melodic ambiance of this song. Those low-ends are solely responsible for why this song shines with all the warmth, depth, clarity, and heaviness, as all those luxuriant, deep, dense, and heavy notes hit the right spots and offer more groove and detail. You’ll also hear how these basslines counterbalance guitar works and also act as a binding element that connects the mentioned instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. The excellent drumming performance, based upon all those well-accentuated, perfectly arranged, and expertly performed beats, breaks, and fills, provides a rock-solid rhythmic backdrop that keeps everything in line while dictating a moderate pace and more groove. Each hit of the snare cuts the ambiance, each kick of the bass drum sits in the mix where it is supposed to be, and all those accentuations over hi-hats and other cymbals are decorations every fan of this important instrument will appreciate. Of course, both bass and drums serve as the backbone of this track while the guitars roam around, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon.

The guitar layers have multiple purposes here. At first, you’ll notice how they shape the ambiance with subtle yet vividly hearable microphony lurking around while the bass guitar contributes the main melody. During the choruses, the guitars ring with raw, abrasive, gritty power chords, making this track as powerful as possible. These guitar works expand to the main theme, melodies, and harmonies during the second verse and jangly, angular, arpeggiated chord progressions during the bridge, gradually introducing the catchy, memorable, beautiful solo that unquestionably decorates and elevates this marvelous track even more. Harvey’s voice brings even more melody over the top, with all those lines balancing low, mid, and high notes with such precision and finesse. He maintains his voice sometimes between clean and subtly raw harmonies, a technique that not only suits this particular song but also their previous works. This vocal technique packs melody and aggression equally, continiously levitating between power pop or indie punk and classic London punk rock style. It’s a wise move that works like a charm, proving that Harvey and the gang thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this melodic punk rock anthem.

Barking Poets never cease to amaze with their ideas and musicianship, and that’s the case with “Pure Blood” as well. This track packs everything you ever needed from a modern melodic punk rock song while simultaneously paying homage to the London sound. Their experience, knowledge, creativity, talent, and skills are on full display here, proving that these folks are one of the finest punk rock bands you’ll stumble upon nowadays. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates sharp lyricism, anthemic choruses, beautiful melodies, intricate basslines, and excellent drumming. Head to your favorite streaming platform and listen to it loud!

https://song.link/s/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl?si=baa5ab732a5846af

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS

Barking Poets – Pure Blood

Nearly a month ago, Barking Poets released their latest standalone single, once again proving they’re not only a prolific band but one of those exceptional punk rock trios that always break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of their sound. Although their recent works, such as “Change Our Ways,” “Losing Contact,” “The Mess I Made,” and “Arizona,” all sound equally good, “Pure Blood” further showcases their ability to transform modern punk rock music into something wild, unique, innovative, and completely new. And even when you know these folks are all about that catchy, addictive, hypnotic melodic punk rock, there are some surprises lurking beneath the surface that make this track even more appealing to the ears. Whether it’s that magnificent ’90s rock ambiance roaming around, sweet rawness borrowed from garage rock sound, subtle hard rock details notable in the rhythm section, anthemic alternative rock choruses, or tender indie melodies, “Pure Blood” is one of those songs that will make you return once again for another round of brilliant ideas and superb musicianship. This is a proper, modern London punk rock sound that we have all loved and followed for decades, and Barking Poets made sure to pay homage to it while infusing all those qualities that made them one of the finest UK bands today.

“Pure Blood” is packed with tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, and perfectly recorded instrumentations. As soon as you press play, you’ll stumble upon all those warm, detailed, vividly hearable basslines, slowly introducing you into the subtly dark yet immensely melodic ambiance of this song. Those low-ends are solely responsible for why this song shines with all the warmth, depth, clarity, and heaviness, as all those luxuriant, deep, dense, and heavy notes hit the right spots and offer more groove and detail. You’ll also hear how these basslines counterbalance guitar works and also act as a binding element that connects the mentioned instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. The excellent drumming performance, based upon all those well-accentuated, perfectly arranged, and expertly performed beats, breaks, and fills, provides a rock-solid rhythmic backdrop that keeps everything in line while dictating a moderate pace and more groove. Each hit of the snare cuts the ambiance, each kick of the bass drum sits in the mix where it is supposed to be, and all those accentuations over hi-hats and other cymbals are decorations every fan of this important instrument will appreciate. Of course, both bass and drums serve as the backbone of this track while the guitars roam around, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon.

The guitar layers have multiple purposes here. At first, you’ll notice how they shape the ambiance with subtle yet vividly hearable microphony lurking around while the bass guitar contributes the main melody. During the choruses, the guitars ring with raw, abrasive, gritty power chords, making this track as powerful as possible. These guitar works expand to the main theme, melodies, and harmonies during the second verse and jangly, angular, arpeggiated chord progressions during the bridge, gradually introducing the catchy, memorable, beautiful solo that unquestionably decorates and elevates this marvelous track even more. Harvey’s voice brings even more melody over the top, with all those lines balancing low, mid, and high notes with such precision and finesse. He maintains his voice sometimes between clean and subtly raw harmonies, a technique that not only suits this particular song but also their previous works. This vocal technique packs melody and aggression equally, continiously levitating between power pop or indie punk and classic London punk rock style. It’s a wise move that works like a charm, proving that Harvey and the gang thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this melodic punk rock anthem.

Barking Poets never cease to amaze with their ideas and musicianship, and that’s the case with “Pure Blood” as well. This track packs everything you ever needed from a modern melodic punk rock song while simultaneously paying homage to the London sound. Their experience, knowledge, creativity, talent, and skills are on full display here, proving that these folks are one of the finest punk rock bands you’ll stumble upon nowadays. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates sharp lyricism, anthemic choruses, beautiful melodies, intricate basslines, and excellent drumming. Head to your favorite streaming platform and listen to it loud!

https://song.link/s/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl?si=baa5ab732a5846af

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS

Barking Poets – Pure Blood

Nearly a month ago, Barking Poets released their latest standalone single, once again proving they’re not only a prolific band but one of those exceptional punk rock trios that always break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of their sound. Although their recent works, such as “Change Our Ways,” “Losing Contact,” “The Mess I Made,” and “Arizona,” all sound equally good, “Pure Blood” further showcases their ability to transform modern punk rock music into something wild, unique, innovative, and completely new. And even when you know these folks are all about that catchy, addictive, hypnotic melodic punk rock, there are some surprises lurking beneath the surface that make this track even more appealing to the ears. Whether it’s that magnificent ’90s rock ambiance roaming around, sweet rawness borrowed from garage rock sound, subtle hard rock details notable in the rhythm section, anthemic alternative rock choruses, or tender indie melodies, “Pure Blood” is one of those songs that will make you return once again for another round of brilliant ideas and superb musicianship. This is a proper, modern London punk rock sound that we have all loved and followed for decades, and Barking Poets made sure to pay homage to it while infusing all those qualities that made them one of the finest UK bands today.

“Pure Blood” is packed with tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, and perfectly recorded instrumentations. As soon as you press play, you’ll stumble upon all those warm, detailed, vividly hearable basslines, slowly introducing you into the subtly dark yet immensely melodic ambiance of this song. Those low-ends are solely responsible for why this song shines with all the warmth, depth, clarity, and heaviness, as all those luxuriant, deep, dense, and heavy notes hit the right spots and offer more groove and detail. You’ll also hear how these basslines counterbalance guitar works and also act as a binding element that connects the mentioned instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. The excellent drumming performance, based upon all those well-accentuated, perfectly arranged, and expertly performed beats, breaks, and fills, provides a rock-solid rhythmic backdrop that keeps everything in line while dictating a moderate pace and more groove. Each hit of the snare cuts the ambiance, each kick of the bass drum sits in the mix where it is supposed to be, and all those accentuations over hi-hats and other cymbals are decorations every fan of this important instrument will appreciate. Of course, both bass and drums serve as the backbone of this track while the guitars roam around, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon.

The guitar layers have multiple purposes here. At first, you’ll notice how they shape the ambiance with subtle yet vividly hearable microphony lurking around while the bass guitar contributes the main melody. During the choruses, the guitars ring with raw, abrasive, gritty power chords, making this track as powerful as possible. These guitar works expand to the main theme, melodies, and harmonies during the second verse and jangly, angular, arpeggiated chord progressions during the bridge, gradually introducing the catchy, memorable, beautiful solo that unquestionably decorates and elevates this marvelous track even more. Neil’s voice brings even more melody over the top, with all those lines balancing low, mid, and high notes with such precision and finesse. He maintains his voice sometimes between clean and subtly raw harmonies, a technique that not only suits this particular song but also their previous works. This vocal technique packs melody and aggression equally, continiously levitating between power pop or indie punk and classic London punk rock style. It’s a wise move that works like a charm, proving that Neil and the gang thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this melodic punk rock anthem.

Barking Poets never cease to amaze with their ideas and musicianship, and that’s the case with “Pure Blood” as well. This track packs everything you ever needed from a modern melodic punk rock song while simultaneously paying homage to the London sound. Their experience, knowledge, creativity, talent, and skills are on full display here, proving that these folks are one of the finest punk rock bands you’ll stumble upon nowadays. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates sharp lyricism, anthemic choruses, beautiful melodies, intricate basslines, and excellent drumming. Head to your favorite streaming platform and listen to it loud!

https://song.link/s/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ziHjUaiHAWbCIBZZXRRTl?si=baa5ab732a5846af

#ALTERNATIVE #BARKINGPOETS #ENGINEERRECORDS #INDIE #INDIEROCK #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS

Hauntu Drops New Single ‘The Arrival’ Ahead Of Album Release

San Diego’s HAUNTU has released their latest single, ‘The Arrival’. The track is the newest song off their upcoming full-length album, The Unknown Reigns, which is set for release in mid-November through Sell The Heart Records in the USA and Engineer Records in the UK and Europe.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1xQ0QJhl9RlEcCIggs34Kx?si=82b408c556774a30

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HAUNTU #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTPUNK #PUNKROCK #sellTheHeartRecords

Hauntu Drops New Single ‘The Arrival’ Ahead Of Album Release

San Diego’s HAUNTU has released their latest single, ‘The Arrival’. The track is the newest song off their upcoming full-length album, The Unknown Reigns, which is set for release in mid-November through Sell The Heart Records in the USA and Engineer Records in the UK and Europe.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1xQ0QJhl9RlEcCIggs34Kx?si=82b408c556774a30

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HAUNTU #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTPUNK #PUNKROCK #sellTheHeartRecords

Hauntu Drops New Single ‘The Arrival’ Ahead Of Album Release

San Diego’s HAUNTU has released their latest single, ‘The Arrival’. The track is the newest song off their upcoming full-length album, The Unknown Reigns, which is set for release in mid-November through Sell The Heart Records in the USA and Engineer Records in the UK and Europe.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1xQ0QJhl9RlEcCIggs34Kx?si=82b408c556774a30

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HAUNTU #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTPUNK #PUNKROCK #sellTheHeartRecords

Hauntu Drops New Single ‘The Arrival’ Ahead Of Album Release

San Diego’s HAUNTU has released their latest single, ‘The Arrival’. The track is the newest song off their upcoming full-length album, The Unknown Reigns, which is set for release in mid-November through Sell The Heart Records in the USA and Engineer Records in the UK and Europe.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1xQ0QJhl9RlEcCIggs34Kx?si=82b408c556774a30

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #HAUNTU #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTPUNK #PUNKROCK #sellTheHeartRecords

Hauntu – The Unknown Reigns CD (Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records)

Hauntu’s debut album, The Unknown Reigns, showcases a band fully aware of the chaos around them, willing to translate it into catchy and furious music. The San Diego quintet steps out of the shadows of their 2024 EP with ten tracks that feel lived-in, angry, and self-aware, an album forged in the tension of a world teetering on the edge. This record demands attention from scratch to finish, asking you to confront the themes it channels with as much intensity as the instrumentation itself. The sound is dark, aggressive, harmonious, melodic, and resonant, yet there’s an underlying clarity and emotional honesty that keeps it from ever becoming chaotic noise. It’s punk rock with a clear vision, a soundtrack for unrest and reflection. From the initial notes and beats, Hauntu establishes a fascinating sound by balancing subtle rawness with thoughtful construction. The guitars are often using down-stroked rhythms that hit like hammers while maintaining a melodic sense of space that lets the tension entirely breathe. They slice through the mix with  power and texture, alternating between crushing riffs and more subtle chord progressions, creating a haunting atmosphere. These layers are part of the larger story, shining alongside themes of disillusionment, frustration, and struggle woven into the lyrics. The basslines are deep, warm, and carefully dosed, filling out the lower frequencies without ever overwhelming the remainder of the mix. They provide a steady pulse beneath the guitars, anchoring the songs while subtly shaping their emotional resonance. You’ll notice how the weight of these basslines mirrors the themes of the album, the oppressive, heavy sense of a society on edge, but it’s paired with enough clearness to let the other instruments and vocals move freely above it. The bass is definitely a hidden character in the album, quietly guiding the groove and adding a sense of cohesion to the otherwise turbulent instrumentation.

The rhythmic patterns drive this comprehensive collection of songs with such versatility, moving from marching rhythms to furious fills that push the songs forward without sacrificing any groove. Every cymbal crash, snare hit, and bass kick strike feels so intentional, keeping the tension and release that reflects the lyrical thematic weight. Those beats elevate tracks to new heights, creating moments where the rhythm act almost as much a voice as the vocals or guitars. Rebecca’s vocals are the emotional core of the record. They are raw, expressive, and commanding without ever feeling overproduced. There’s a vulnerability hidden beneath, a sense of honesty that makes her delivery stand out against the already mentioned sonic backdrop. Her voice carries the weight of the lyrics, exploring late-stage capitalism, political tension, and personal disillusionment with a conviction that feels immediate and necessary. Additional vocal lines thread through the choruses and key sections with such precision and finesse, adding texture and amplifying the anthemic quality of these compositions. Lyrically, The Unknown Reigns confronts the world without flinching. The album examines the friction between individual agency and systemic collapse, drawing on social commentary and personal reflection almost equally. The songs are sharp, unrelenting, and reflective, never resorting to cliché or abstraction. The writing is clear-eyed, articulating anger, confusion, and defiance while leaving room for interpretation. It’s also worth mentioning how much vocals and orchestrations articulate together. The instrumentation enhances the meaning of the words, and the words give the instruments extra weight. It’s a dialogue between those two, a tension between sound and sentiment that makes the record feel more alive.

The modern production gives space to each instrument while maintaining the rawness of live performance. Guitars have punch and depth, drums hit hard but breathe naturally, and the vocals sit in the mix with presence and clarity. The production enhances the emotional impact rather than masking it, allowing listeners to feel the weight of every riff, fill, and vocal inflection. It’s clear that the album was crafted with care, as every detail is audible, but nothing feels artificial or over-engineered. The Unknown Reigns also has a sense of cohesion that makes it feel like a statement rather than just a collection of songs. There’s a flow to the record, a balance between moments of high intensity and stretches of atmosphere that lets the listener absorb the weight of what Hauntu is presenting. The pacing is also intentional, with all those tracks hitting hard and then giving the space to breathe, allowing the album to move like a living entity. It’s a record that establishes their voice and vision without hesitation. The band’s influences are clear but they never dominate the sound. You can hear traces of post-punk, goth, the nineties alternative, and subtle metal edges, but these elements are filtered through Hauntu’s own lens, resulting in a sound that nods to tradition while moving forward. They understand the roots of what they’re doing but are not constrained by them. From guitar tone to vocal delivery to song structure, every choice serves the energy and message of the album. It’s cathartic, furious, and intelligent debut, a record that tackles difficult topics with aggression and nuance. Hauntu has created a dark and reflective world within this material, and it invites listeners to experience it with open minds and hearts. For a band at the start of their journey, The Unknown Reigns arrives as a declaration of intent and capability. Hauntu has set a high bar for themselves and anyone who follows in their path. It’s dark, furious, and fully commited material, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. It’s melodic punk rock with heart, intelligence, and edge, exactly what the best debut albums should feel like. Head to Engineer Records or Sell The Heart Records for more information about ordering.

#ALTERNATIVE #ENGINEERRECORDS #GOTHROCK #HAUNTU #INDIEROCK #MUSIC #POSTPUNK #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS #sellTheHeartRecords

The Jukebox Romantics – This One Looks Cool LP (Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records)

After four years away, The Jukebox Romantics return with This One Looks Cool, and it’s exactly what you’d hope for from a band who has spent years refining their craft. The album lands like a direct punch to the chest, carrying the energy and haste that comes from a band who knows how to make every note matter. This albums is not about being nostalgic, but it takes the essence of melodic punk rock from the modern era and the early noughties and channeling it into a comprehensive collection of memorable punk rock songs. The guitars bounce between catchy, memorable hooks and more intricate progressions that keep the listener engaged from scratch to finish. There’s a natural tension in how the riffs interact with the melodies and harmonies, creating a motion that never feels generic or forced. The leads and themes are precise but not overly polished, giving each line character while leaving enough rawness. It balances between aggression and tunefulness, making this material powerful and infectious. These guitar works drive the songs forward, creating moments that demand your utmost attention without overshadowing the rest of the band. Basslines are treated with the same care and attention. The low end is deeply warm, full, and resonant, adding weight and depth to the music while acting as the binding element between the guitars and drums. You can feel the bass moving through the songs, giving them body and grounding the resonance of the guitars. This significant instrument carries clarity that’s often missing on contemporary melodic punk rock recordings, but here it feels natural and important. It’s backbone that fully supports the emotional and sonic drive of the record. The drumming is precise, dynamic, and versatile, covering a wide range of beats, breaks, fills, and accentuations without ever becoming too flashy. The percussion keeps the songs moving, dictating the groove while giving the music space to breathe. There’s a sense of fun in the drumming, but also control, which is critical on an album that moves as fast as this one. Every hit of the snare, every kick of the bass drum, every accentuate on hi-hats or cymbals is more than intentional, helping these songs feel more dynamic and full of impetus without ever tipping into chaos. It’s an exceptional performance that holds the whole album together, giving each track a driving force while enhancing the emotional weight.

Vocals sound so soulful, raspy, and melodic, carrying passion and honesty with such grace. The lead vocal commands attention, guides listeners on this epic sonic journey, and elevates everythin to new heights, while the additional vocal lines and harmonies thread through the choruses and key sections, adding anthemic power and creating singalong moments. The way these voices layer and interact gives these songs a hymnic feel without being too showy. The Jukebox Romantics write their lyrics with awareness of the world around them, exploring ideas, relationships, and personal reflection with a directness that feels so honest. There’s no pretension here, no attempt to cloak emotion behind abstract imagery. The lyrics land as naturally as the music, accessible but never simplistic, adding another emotional layer to the record. Each line is delivered with intention and confidence, carried along by the musical energy and the interplay of instruments and vocals. Also, the sound is full, clear, and alive, letting each instrument occupy its own space without crowding the others. There’s warmth in the guitars, depth in the bass, punch in the drums, and presence in the vocals. You can hear every detail, from the subtle fills to the faint harmonies in the background, and the mix never loses that live, immediate feel. This song resonates with an distinctive ambiance, and you’ll get the feeling like a you’re witnessing the band hanging in the rehearsal space, playing together, and enjoying the act of making music. Even though each track has its own personality, the record as a whole carries a consistent dynamics, groove, energy and tone. The interplays between instruments, the push and pull of dynamics, and the way the vocals layers interplay through the melodies give this material a perfect sense of shape and direction. There’s a thoughtfulness to the sequencing, a natural rhythm that makes sure that the listener stays engaged without feeling rushed or lost.

The Jukebox Romantics clearly draw from a wide palette of influences, but they don’t lean on them too heavily. You hear echoes of classic melodic punk, the energy of early noughties acts, and the spirit of contemporary bands, but it all feels distilled into a their unique sound. They take the best aspects of those influences, catchy hooks, dynamic rhythmic patterns, emotive vocals,  and translate them into current, exciting, and fully realized signature moves. There’s no sense of playing it safe or following trends. Instead, the band operates with confidence, knowing what works and how to make their music feel it so genuine. Above all, This One Looks Cool is an album full of energy, heart, and confidence. It’s fast, melodic, and emotionally direct, but it never sacrifices intelligence or nuance. These folks know how to balance harmony with aggression, haste with precision, and individual performance with collective cohesion. The Jukebox Romantics have returned stronger, more confident, and fully in command of their sound. This One Looks Cool proves they can take a break and come back with an album that captures everything that makes their music exciting, energy, power, melody, heart, and honesty. Grab it on vinyl or stream it, and you’ll immediately hear why this is one of the best melodic punk rock albums of the year. The Jukebox Romantics have made a record that’s fun, catchy, exciting, passionate, and completely committed from start to finish. Head to Engineer Records or Sell The Heart Records for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.

#ENGINEERRECORDS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS #sellTheHeartRecords #THEJUKEBOXROMANTICS

Neckscars – Unhinged LP (Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records)

Neckscars have always carried an energy you can’t fake, one that comes from years of being in loud rooms, sweating it out in DIY spaces, and writing songs that sound even better when performed live. Their new album, Unhinged, arrives as a next step for a band that has already learned what works and what doesn’t. It’s the sound of musicians who know exactly where they stand, somewhere between raw post-hardcore and melodic, emotionally charged punk rock. It’s sharper, heavier, and more self-assured than their debut, but it doesn’t lose that scrappy, human edge that made them stand out in the first place. The record is full of bite and grit, but there’s also melody running through every line,  riff, and shout. Neckscars aren’t afraid of being tuneful, they just make sure the emotion behind it stays real. Nothing feels overly polished, and that’s a big part of its charm. The guitars carry a lot of the weight here,  rich and textured, with riffs balancing aggression and catchiness in equal measure. The tones are thick, leads sharp, and there’s always that slightly overdriven edge that gives everything warmth and tension at once. The rhythm section plays a massive role in shaping their identity. The bass pushes these tracks forward with tremendous power. There’s a fullness in the low end that adds gravity to the music, while the drumming keeps everything grounded with grooves, feeling alive and responsive rather than just mechanical. That dynamic sense of movement keeps Unhinged flowing organically from track to track, giving it more sense of unity without ever feeling repetitive or bland.

The lead vocals are raw, weathered, and full of confidence. There’s emotion in every crack and rasp, but it never feels forced. The harmonies thread through the choruses, adding depth and giving these songs an anthemic feel. It simply makes you wanting to sing along even before you’ve memorized the lyrics. It’s melodic, but it’s not overly glossy, a collective experience shared through loud screaming, shouting, and singing. Lyrically, Unhinged is reflective album, heavily drenched in all its honesty. The band deals with themes that come from growing up and still trying to figure out how to keep your footing, disappointment, persistence, self-doubt, hope that keeps resurfacing even when things go sideways. There’s a vividly hearable acceptance in how the band approaches these topics. They’re not pretending to have it all figured out. Instead, they’re just saying what they need to say the only way they know how, and that’s loud and unfiltered. Sonically, the band has tightened everything without losing the looseness that makes their sound authentic. You can hear how they’ve been playing together long enough to trust each other. The interplay between instruments feels instinctive, and not overly rehearsed. These songs hit that perfect point between melodic punk, post-hardcore, and old-school rock’n’roll, but they do it without sounding like they’re trying to tick boxes. It’s not about genre, it’s about hitting the right feel. Even when the guitars are resonating and the drums are striking heart, there’s a closeness in these songs, a sense that the entire material was made to be played right in front of you, and not from behind a wall of overpolished modern production. The mix keeps things clear but rough enough to feel natural. You can hear the studio reverb surrounding the instruments and all those tiny details, nuances, accentuations, and other elements that make this album so alive.

Neckscars’ influences are clear, but they don’t lean on them too heavily. You can hear echoes of Seaweed, Red City Radio, Hot Water Music, and maybe even some Dead Chic, but these are just reference points, not blueprints. The band channels those orgcore sounds into something more contemporary and their own. They understand the tradition they’re a part of, but they’re not stuck in it. Unhinged feels timeless because it’s built on the same foundation that made melodic punk rock and post-hardcore worth caring about in the first place, honesty, melody, and heart. Unhinged is intense, but not melodramatic. The band knows how to let a song breathe, how to let dynamics do the talking instead of constant volume. When the intensity drops, the emotion shifts into a different form. That subtle control gives Unhinged a shape and depth that shows real growth in their songwriting. Every track feels like part of a larger statement, and together they make an album that has direction, purpose, and power. Neckscars are the band that believes in what they’re doing, and that belief bleeds through every riff, lyric, and shouted line. That’s what gives the record its power. It’s more about shared connection and not perfection, but it’s a perfect record indeed. These folks sound tighter, heavier, and more in sync than ever. It’s an album that feels built to last. Head to Engineer Records or Sell The Heart Records for more information about ordering this melodic punk rock gem on vinyl.

#ENGINEERRECORDS #melodicPunkRock #NECKSCARS #ORGCORE #POSTHARDCORE #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS #sellTheHeartRecords

This One Looks Cool: The Jukebox Romantics Deliver Their Best Punk Record Yet

The Jukebox Romantics’ incredible new album This One Looks Cool is out now via Sell The Heart Records (USA) and Engineer Records (UK/EU). Available in LP, CD, cassette, and digital formats, this release showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic punk and heartfelt songwriting. With its anthemic choruses, dynamic guitar work, and raw emotion, This One Looks Cool cements The Jukebox Romantics as one of the most consistent and genuine acts in modern punk rock. A perfect mix of nostalgia and vitality, this record feels as fun as its title suggests.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5XtgoZnJpAe6mDuIoNvJRr?si=gXRlQZyqS4a_XvU6Bw8pNQ

#ENGINEERRECORDS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #NEWS #PUNKROCK #sellTheHeartRecords #skatepunk #THEJUKEBOXROMANTICS

Middle-Aged Queers – Theater Of Shame LP (Engineer Records)

Middle-Aged Queers’ Theater of Shame hits hard from the first track. Oakland’s punk veterans have never hidden their personality, and this third LP shows a band that knows what it wants. The record is loud, playful, and confident, full of catchy riffs, strong rhythmic structures, and vocal harmonies that stick in your head even after the last notes and beats end. The guitar riffs are clear and strong, moving between sharp power chords and melodic lines that give the songs shape. There’s tremendous control in the arrangements, keeping the record flowing from start to finish. The guitar parts never feel crowded or overly complicated, as they hit exactly where they should, giving the music structure and color without overdoing it too much. Vocals are definitely a standout feature on this material. Middle-Aged Queers have always been skilled at harmonies, and here they use them naturally, without feeling forced at all. These vocal lines are sung with confidence and character, and the choruses are catchy without being overdone. There’s energy and personality in the singing, and the voices interact well, adding depth to the songs without distracting from the main melody. It’s also good to mention that these vocal harmonies carry more than enough wit, emotion, and clarity all at once, so the listening pleasure is more than guaranteed. The rhythm section is steady and thoughtful. Basslines are warm and full, filling the spaces under the guitars while occasionally moving forward with short melodic lines. Drumming is energetic and precise, keeping pace and rhythm consistent while adding small touches that make each song feel dynamic. Bass and drums work together by giving these songs strength and movement, letting the melodies and vocals stand out without leaving the sound empty.

The mix gives each instrument space. Guitars are upfront, bass is solid, drums are punchy, and vocals remain clear. Nothing feels overproduced, and the record keeps a sense of raw energy without sounding rough or unfinished. The sound feels focused and direct, capturing the personality of the band and the energy of their performance without losing any detail. The album moves well because these highly skilled musicians know how to balance speed, intensity, and melody. Fast, punchy sections contrast with quieter moments, and the shifts never feel abrupt. This pacing keeps the listener engaged across the full LP, making each track feel part of a larger whole rather than a collection of separate ideas. There’s a natural flow from scratch to finish, and the band uses dynamics to make the music more interesting without adding unnecessary complexity. Melody plays a major role. The hooks are simplistic but strong, and the harmonies add texture that keeps these songs interesting. The band avoids clichés, letting the melodic parts grow from the rhythm and vocal lines. Guitar riffs and vocal melodies match each other without repeating the same ideas, making the songs memorable while still feeling fresh. The album has personality in every measure. Middle-Aged Queers are playful and fun, but the wit is balanced by serious musicianship. These songs are energetic and catchy, but the band is clearly focused on execution. This mix of energy and skill keeps the record from feeling like a gimmick. Their experience shows in the way each part interacts, the way the songs are structured, and the way dynamics are handled. Lyrically, the band sings about identity, community, and self-expression with honesty and humor. The messages are clear without being preachy, and the band balances commentary and fun in a way that feels natural.

Fast sections hit harder because they’re balanced with slower parts. Quiet moments feel more noticeable because of the contrast. This sense of give-and-take keeps the music engaging and prevents the album from feeling flat or uniformed. The band understands how to use space and energy to make the songs more interesting, memorable, and catchy. While influences from classic acts are present, the record has a distinct voice. It’s not about copying the past but shaping it into something personal and lively. There’s confidence in their performance, in the choices made for guitar, bass, and drums arrangements, and in the way vocals are handled. The instrumentation and vocals work together smoothly, creating music that’s fun, strong, and easy to listen to. The LP moves, hooks, and leaves an impression because the band focuses on what matters, strong songs performed well. Theater of Shame stands out because it cleverly combines wit, skill, and energy in a way that few records manage nowadays. The band makes music that is approachable but not simplistic, making it entirely confident, balanced, and fully realized material. It’s a record that works on multiple levels. It’s fun and energetic, with songs that make you want to move and sing along. At the same time, it’s structured and clear, with thoughtful arrangements and strong musicianship. Middle-Aged Queers deliver punk rock with melody, personality, and skill. This is a record that captures the spirit of the band and the energy of the scene they come from. Theater of Shame doesn’t need to rely on over-the-top tricks or flashy production. Its strength comes from solid songwriting, tight performance, and the personality of the band. Every instrument has its place, every vocal line carries weight, and every section of the songs contributes to the whole.

Middle-Aged Queers prove that experience and creativity can coexist. They deliver energetic and heartfelt music without relying on clichés or trends. Theater of Shame is melodic punk at its best, confident, playful, clear, and strong. It’s a record that makes you want to listen again, sing along, and appreciate the skill behind the jokes and hooks. The band knows what they’re doing, and they show it on every track. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering Theater of Shame on vinyl.

#ENGINEERRECORDS #MIDDLEAGEDQUEERS #MUSIC #PUNKROCK #QUEER #QUEERPUNK #REVIEWS

Heavy Seas – By Degrees LP (Engineer Records)

By Degrees carries so much weight, emotion, and power at the same time. Heavy Seas distilled over a decade of melodic punk and emo core practice into a comprehensive collection of meaningful, soulful, marvelous songs. From the first notes and beats, it’s more than clear you’re dealing with the band working at the intersection of immediacy and control, pulling your listening apparatus into a carefully crafted sonic universe. As soon as it commences, By Degrees  moves through tension and release with the precision and finesse of a band that knows exactly where it wants to land. Guitar work dominates the sound without ever overpowering it. Jeff Dean’s lines are thoughtful and purposeful, cutting between rhythm and melodies. He knows when to let a chord hang, when to strike with aggression, and let harmonics ring in the space between riffs. Each sonic gesture supports the emotional logic of the song. Even in denser moments, the guitars remain articulate and clean, giving shape to the tension that carries this material forward. J.Robbins’ basslines are warm and round, carrying low-end weight without dominating the mix. Robbins plays in dialogue with Dean’s guitar performance, sometimes locking in with rhythm, sometimes threading melodic layers, resulting in marvelous low-end support that immensely contributes to the emotional texture, while also giving depth to the quieter, reflective moments. Ronnie Dicola’s drumming is tight, thoughtful, and unflashy, but you’ll hear how every hit counts. He shifts between dynamic, groovy sections and supports the subtler dynamics that emerge when songs breathe. The drums never call attention to themselves unnecessarily, but they amplify the emotional stakes of the music. The interplay between Dicola and Robbins proves that rhythm here is not only about timekeeping, but a dance between tension, release, and emotional propulsion.

There’s rawness and control in the vocal performance that makes this material profoundly soulful, emotional, and meaningful. Jeff Dean conveys frustration and reflection with such precision and intention. He occupies the middle ground between melodic punk rock aggression and emo tenderness, and his phrasing often mirrors the guitar lines, reinforcing melody while amplifying emotional richness. Even in quieter moments, those vocal harmonies carry tremendous weight, proving that intensity does not always demand volume. Guitar and vocal lines intertwine with subtle shifts that demand careful listening, revealing their impressive attention to detail. Hooks are built from tension rather than thrown over the top. and even the quietest interludes carry harmonic complexity, giving this record a depth that separates it from many contemporary melodic punk releases. Robbins’ dual role as bassist and producer allows these performances to feel more alive without sacrificing emotional and instrumental clarity. The mix gives every instrument room to breathe while preserving the aggression and warmth central to the character of this marvelous material. Strings have resonance, drums have punch, and the vocals sit forward enough to carry the emotional weight without overpowering the orchestrations. There are no imperfections, just three outstanding musicians giving their best performance. Lyrically, the LP confronts self-reflection and existential weight without excess. Themes of uncertainty, introspection, and emotional responsibility emerge organically. The words are direct, paired with the dynamics so that the listener feels the emotional pull without being told what to feel. Dean’s writing is immediate, clear, and emotionally intelligent, mirroring the tension and release present in the instrumentation.

Even the pacing of the record is so natural that there is no sense of filler, no songs that exist outside the flow of the album. By Degrees demands your patience through consistency, intensity, and the subtle interplay of performance, composition, and production. Listening to this material feels like watching a skilled trio respond to each other in real time, each element measured but completely full of life. There is confidence in their performance in the pacing and compositional choices. It’s modern punk rock that carries historical awareness but refuses nostalgia, embracing melody and emotion while infusing so much aggression, rawness, and power. Heavy Seas have crafted a record where vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuvers feel so intentional, emotional resonance pairs technical skill, and intensity is earned through thoughtful, beautiful, precise instrumentation. By Degrees is not flashy, and it doesn’t rely on exaggerated gestures or trend-chasing. Its power comes from clarity of vision, cohesion of execution, and the honest articulation of human tension. Heavy Seas constructed a record that holds space for frustration, reflection, and catharsis simultaneously. It is a perfect full-length album, feeling so alive while refusing to compromise.  By Degrees asserts itself through subtlety, precision, and emotional intelligence. It is the work of a band that understands their instrumental, rhythmic, and vocal abilities and the emotional architecture of their genre. Heavy Seas delivered a heartfelt and intelligent blueprint for what modern melodic punk and emo can achieve when executed with thought, heart, and clarity. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.

#ALTERNATIVE #EMO #ENGINEERRECORDS #HEAVYSEAS #melodicPunkRock #MUSIC #POSTHARDCORE #PUNKROCK #REVIEWS

Premiere: Minor Planets Share Video For “Promises”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand new video for “Promises” by Barcelona punk rock band Minor Planets. The track is taken from their latest cassette and digital EP, released through Engineer Records, Slow Down Records, and Deal With Hate Records.

“Promises” showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and emotionally charged punk rock energy, continuing the powerful trajectory they set with their 2023 release Neverending Days. Featuring members of Flamsteed, Àncora, and Torches, Minor Planets once again prove their ability to craft deeply compelling, sonically rich music that resonates far beyond the local scene.

https://youtu.be/MG-TaUtwDOQ?si=8gLNg0Xa-JXaWm54

#ENGINEERRECORDS #indiePunk #MINORPLANETS #MUSIC #NEWS #POPPUNK #PREMIERES

Premiere: Minor Planets Share Video For “Promises”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand new video for “Promises” by Barcelona punk rock band Minor Planets. The track is taken from their latest cassette and digital EP, released through Engineer Records, Slow Down Records, and Deal With Hate Records.

“Promises” showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and emotionally charged punk rock energy, continuing the powerful trajectory they set with their 2023 release Neverending Days. Featuring members of Flamsteed, Àncora, and Torches, Minor Planets once again prove their ability to craft deeply compelling, sonically rich music that resonates far beyond the local scene.

https://youtu.be/MG-TaUtwDOQ?si=8gLNg0Xa-JXaWm54

#ENGINEERRECORDS #indiePunk #MINORPLANETS #MUSIC #NEWS #POPPUNK #PREMIERES

Premiere: Minor Planets Share Video For “Promises”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand new video for “Promises” by Barcelona punk rock band Minor Planets. The track is taken from their latest cassette and digital EP, released through Engineer Records, Slow Down Records, and Deal With Hate Records.

“Promises” showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and emotionally charged punk rock energy, continuing the powerful trajectory they set with their 2023 release Neverending Days. Featuring members of Flamsteed, Àncora, and Torches, Minor Planets once again prove their ability to craft deeply compelling, sonically rich music that resonates far beyond the local scene.

https://youtu.be/MG-TaUtwDOQ?si=8gLNg0Xa-JXaWm54

#ENGINEERRECORDS #indiePunk #MINORPLANETS #MUSIC #NEWS #POPPUNK #PREMIERES

Premiere: Minor Planets Share Video For “Promises”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand new video for “Promises” by Barcelona punk rock band Minor Planets. The track is taken from their latest cassette and digital EP, released through Engineer Records, Slow Down Records, and Deal With Hate Records.

“Promises” showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and emotionally charged punk rock energy, continuing the powerful trajectory they set with their 2023 release Neverending Days. Featuring members of Flamsteed, Àncora, and Torches, Minor Planets once again prove their ability to craft deeply compelling, sonically rich music that resonates far beyond the local scene.

https://youtu.be/MG-TaUtwDOQ?si=8gLNg0Xa-JXaWm54

#ENGINEERRECORDS #indiePunk #MINORPLANETS #MUSIC #NEWS #POPPUNK #PREMIERES

Born Infected – Year Of The Rat CD EP (Engineer Records)

Dutch hardcore unit Born Infected returns with their new mini-album, Year of the Rat, delivering a concentrated blast of modern hardcore that perches the line between old-school and new-school sound. Eight tracks of ruthless energy, crafted with intent and confidence, make this one of the most vital releases on the modern European hardcore scene, a record proving that the genre still flourishes when it is unafraid to challenge itself and its audience. Born Infected have long been committed to hardcore as an art form and a platform for engagement, and Year of the Rat embodies this philosophy with every note and beat. There is no room for empty aggression here, everything is intentionally constructed to communicate emotion, ideology, and urgency. Their music immediately declares that hardcore is about the connection between bands and listeners. The sound is intense, confrontational, and rapid, but beneath the ferocity lies a thoughtful, deliberate understanding of the hardcore’s history and power.

Sonically, Born Infected operates at the intersection of tradition and evolution. The EP is rooted in the aggression and directness of old-school hardcore, short, explosive bursts of riff-driven energy, vocals that demand attention, and rhythms that hit with the precision of a trained fist, yet there is also a sophistication in arrangement, tempo, and dynamics that reflects the evolution of European hardcore over the past two decades. The band blends the binding simplicity of classic NYHC with contemporary technicality, producing a sound that is cohesive, impactful, and effective. There is a tension throughout Year of the Rat that keeps the listener constantly engaged. Born Infected are a band that refuses neutrality, their music carries a message, consciousness, and a drive to provoke thought and action. Hardcore has always been political, whether explicitly or implicitly, and this release carries forward that tradition. Social commentary, personal responsibility, and human connection underpin the aggression, making each track more than mere noise or adrenaline, it is a statement of intent demanding to be heard loud and clear. The EP embodies a union of skill, emotion, and meaning that communicates far beyond the room in which it was recorded.

The production, polished yet bitings, serves the music perfectly. The instruments are clear and present, each element occupying its space in the mix while retaining the raw, live-edge intensity that defines hardcore. The listener can feel the physicality of the performance without losing the cohesion of the record. It’s an EP that captures technical mastery and human closeness, making it as vital in a listener’s headphones as it would in a live venue. Year of the Rat also respects the communal roots of hardcore. There is an audience and scene embedded in the music, pointing out that hardcore is never purely a solo experience. The energy is participatory, and Born Infected’s EP reasserts the power of collective experience, of music as a vessel for expression and engagement. Importantly, this is not nostalgia masquerading as relevance. While Born Infected acknowledge the greats of the past, they never allow those influences to define them. It channels tradition not as imitation but as foundation, allowing the band to articulate its own voice in a scene that is too often defined by repetition. Their musicianship is clear, intensity determined, and their message quick and steady.

Year of the Rat exemplifies what modern hardcore can achieve when executed with intelligence, conviction, and passion. Born Infected are a band that embodies the best of the genre, politically aware, technically skilled, and emotionally direct. The EP hits hard, resonates long after the final notes and beats end, and asserts the continuing vitality of hardcore music in the Netherlands and beyond. It is the sound of a band in full control of its craft, bold in its delivery, and uncompromising in its purpose. Year of the Rat is a rock-solid statement, a call to awareness, and a vital medium for expression, rebellion, and communal energy. Born Infected have delivered a thrilling, meaningful, and unrelenting work, a true benchmark of contemporary hardcore that demands respect and repeated listening. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering this hardcore gem on CD.

#BORNINFECTED #ENGINEERRECORDS #HARDCORE #MUSIC #REVIEWS

Positive Reaction – Past Mistakes CD EP (Engineer Records)

It has been a while since a hardcore release landed on our pages that feels this alive, urgent, and rooted in tradition while still carving its own style. Past Mistakes, the latest EP from Cardiff’s Positive Reaction, is a rock-solid statement of intent from a band that has clearly spent years mastering its craft. With just four tracks, it captures the essence of raw, explosive, socially aware, and emotionally immediate hardcore punk music. It is a nod to the past and proof that, deep in the underground, bands continue to push the boundaries of a genre that many assume has long since reached its peak. Positive Reaction operates in a lineage that stretches from Ripcord’s ruthless energy to the Agnostic Front and Negative Approach’s early days. Yet to reduce them to mere influence would be an injustice. Positive Reaction is a band that has absorbed these sounds and transformed them into its signature moves. These rhythmic patterns hit like a train, the guitar work carries aggressive precision that NYHC fans will instantly recognize, and the rawness recalls that garage rock-infused Detroit hardcore style in its prime. However, alongside these historic echoes, there’s a distinct personality honed through years of live performance, recording, and immersion in the hardcore ethos.

Jeff Rose’s production captures that energy to the max. The tracks do not overstay their welcome, yet every moment lands perfectly, with catchy riffs, drum beats, and every vocal line arriving with a tremendous impact. This is hardcore as it was meant to be experienced, fast, direct, and powerful. Like the best bands on the hardcore scene, Positive Reaction are not afraid to tackle social and political themes, confronting issues that continue to challenge humanity daily. The music feels like a mirror held up to the listener, forcing reflection as well as movement. There is a sense that these songs are not only meant to entertain but to communicate, to provoke thought, conversation, and even action. Hardcore has always flourished on this dual purpose, and Positive Reaction continues the tradition with skill and confidence. Leigh Sinclair’s skull artwork is stark and powerful, perfectly reflecting the confrontational energy of this extended play, while VogonLaundromat’s live photography reminds listeners of the collective, sweaty, all-encompassing power of a hardcore show. It bridges the gap between listening and living the music, creating a tangible connection to their world and ethos.

It’s rare to find a contemporary hardcore release that balances reverence for history with an unmistakable, individual voice. Many bands falter either by leaning too heavily on nostalgia or by attempting innovation without foundation. Positive Reaction, however, walk this tightrope with confidence. Their four tracks carry a sense of wholeness. They are cohesive, focused, and confident in their delivery. There’s a discipline but also a recognizable chaos that allows these tracks to breathe freely without losing assertiveness. Anyone who tried to write and compose tracks like these knows it’s not a task easily achieved in a genre that often thrives on short, explosive blasts. Positive Reaction’s news EP exemplifies that underground music is far from stagnant. It continues to nurture bands that can compete with the greats of the genre while bringing their own experiences and voice to the table. Past Mistakes asserts that Positive Reaction is an essential part of the ongoing chronology of hardcore music. It is a four-track EP that hits, reverberates, and lounges, leaving no doubt that the scene is alive, mighty, and capable of producing work of enduring significance. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering.

#ENGINEERRECORDS #HARDCORE #HARDCOREPUNK #POSITIVEREACTION #REVIEWS

Premiere: Death Of Youth Drop New Video For “Fix Your Heart Or Die”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand-new video for Death Of Youth’s “Fix Your Heart Or Die.” Serving as the first single from their forthcoming album Nothing Is The Same Anymore, out February 16, 2025, the track is a powerful statement on trans rights and a fearless critique of governments manufacturing moral panic to scapegoat the transgender community. Confronting the absurdity of reducing someone’s existence to a “debate” and dismissing bigotry as just a “difference of opinion,” Fix Your Heart Or Die stands as a rallying cry and a necessary reminder of resistance through art.

https://youtu.be/DPEwwMPBgK8?si=kDrEiMPnxs4OAIwI

#DEATHOFYOUTH #ENGINEERRECORDS #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTHARDCORE #PREMIERES

Premiere: Death Of Youth Drop New Video For “Fix Your Heart Or Die”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand-new video for Death Of Youth’s “Fix Your Heart Or Die.” Serving as the first single from their forthcoming album Nothing Is The Same Anymore, out February 16, 2025, the track is a powerful statement on trans rights and a fearless critique of governments manufacturing moral panic to scapegoat the transgender community. Confronting the absurdity of reducing someone’s existence to a “debate” and dismissing bigotry as just a “difference of opinion,” Fix Your Heart Or Die stands as a rallying cry and a necessary reminder of resistance through art.

https://youtu.be/DPEwwMPBgK8?si=kDrEiMPnxs4OAIwI

#DEATHOFYOUTH #ENGINEERRECORDS #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTHARDCORE #PREMIERES

Premiere: Death Of Youth Drop New Video For “Fix Your Heart Or Die”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand-new video for Death Of Youth’s “Fix Your Heart Or Die.” Serving as the first single from their forthcoming album Nothing Is The Same Anymore, out February 16, 2025, the track is a powerful statement on trans rights and a fearless critique of governments manufacturing moral panic to scapegoat the transgender community. Confronting the absurdity of reducing someone’s existence to a “debate” and dismissing bigotry as just a “difference of opinion,” Fix Your Heart Or Die stands as a rallying cry and a necessary reminder of resistance through art.

https://youtu.be/DPEwwMPBgK8?si=kDrEiMPnxs4OAIwI

#DEATHOFYOUTH #ENGINEERRECORDS #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTHARDCORE #PREMIERES

Premiere: Death Of Youth Drop New Video For “Fix Your Heart Or Die”

Thoughts Words Action is thrilled to premiere the brand-new video for Death Of Youth’s “Fix Your Heart Or Die.” Serving as the first single from their forthcoming album Nothing Is The Same Anymore, out February 16, 2025, the track is a powerful statement on trans rights and a fearless critique of governments manufacturing moral panic to scapegoat the transgender community. Confronting the absurdity of reducing someone’s existence to a “debate” and dismissing bigotry as just a “difference of opinion,” Fix Your Heart Or Die stands as a rallying cry and a necessary reminder of resistance through art.

https://youtu.be/DPEwwMPBgK8?si=kDrEiMPnxs4OAIwI

#DEATHOFYOUTH #ENGINEERRECORDS #MUSIC #NEWS #POSTHARDCORE #PREMIERES

Italian Punk Rock Band NOPE Drop “Done Grieving”

Hailing from Milan, Italy, NOPE deliver their powerful debut album Done Grieving, a joint release from Engineer Records, I Buy Records, and Rad Girlfriend Records. Formed in 2022, the band features members of Italian punk stalwarts Teenage Gluesniffers, Low Derive, and I Like Allie. Their sound blends punk rock, up-tempo hardcore, and shades of emo with DIY grit and raw energy. NOPE will present Done Grieving on tour alongside The Dopamines, bringing their work ethic and underground pedigree to stages across Europe and beyond.

#ENGINEERRECORDS #MUSIC #NEWS #NOPE #PUNKROCK

Dutch Hardcore Unit RITES Relased Powerful New Single “Free”

The new single Free is a powerful anthem about embracing authenticity without compromise. Built on heartfelt lyricism and uplifting instrumentation, the track pays homage to those who bravely live as their true selves while also recognizing those unable to speak out due to unsafe environments. Free confronts racism, sexism, and apartheid with strength and compassion, offering solidarity to marginalized voices everywhere. Accompanied by a brand-new video, Free shows the band in fighting form and hints at more new music to come.

https://youtu.be/ivTbDCW8Joo?feature=shared

#ENGINEERRECORDS #HARDCORE #MUSIC #NEWS #RITES

Positive Reaction Release New Lyric Video For “Past Mistakes”

UK punk veterans Positive Reaction are set to release their brand new EP Past Mistakes on September 19 via Engineer Records. To mark the announcement, the band have shared the official lyric video for the title track. Known for their passionate, socially charged brand of punk, Positive Reaction continue to deliver music that balances urgency with reflection. Past Mistakes captures the energy of their decades-long career while introducing fresh material that resonates with today’s struggles and resilience. The EP promises to reaffirm the band’s enduring presence in the punk scene.

https://youtu.be/7lJV4ygOuYk?feature=shared

#ENGINEERRECORDS #HARDCORE #HARDCOREPUNK #MUSIC #NEWS #POSITIVEREACTION #PUNKROCK