#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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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: 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