Photo Credit: Ki Price

MUDSHARK have shared a stunning AI-powered music video for new single 'EYES OF MEDUSA'. The band's debut EP ZLV also drops today via Shark Infested Records; it includes the singles 'NONCHALANCE', 'F*CK YOURSELF' and 'NOSEBLEED'. 

Watch the music video for 'EYES OF MEDUSA': https://youtu.be/W_EoIHo6Ejo

Stream 'EYES OF MEDUSA': https://linktr.ee/MUDSHARK

Stream ZLV: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mudshark1/zlv
 

The band comment: "This is a song Hagen wrote at age 14. Probably the most straightforward “metal” track on the EP. Beautiful vocals and lyrics, with a definite chorus that’ll get stuck in your head. If that isn’t enough, we recorded an acoustic version of this tune also (you lucky devils)."

 Carrying the spirit of rock 'n' roll, MUDSHARK combines grooving guitar riffs with soaring, soulful vocal melodies. Singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Hagen Brüggemann and A. STR▲NGR have been making and producing music since they were kids. STR▲NGR started professional vocal training at the age of seven, playing guitar from age nine and playing in bands from age 10. As a professional performer, he made multiple West End theatre appearances from the age of 12. Hagen started professional guitar training at the age of four, playing in many different projects from age seven. Hagen is the youngest artist to have ever played Wacken Open Air. It was during this time Hagen started writing songs for what would become MUDSHARK.

The name arose during their experience of Download Festival 2019, nicknamed “Drownload” or infamously “Brownload”. Mud up to your ankles, mud in your tent, the only thing that could have made it worse was if a shark swam up from the deep and pulled you below the surface. The name further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission: cutting through the noise of the music industry. MUDSHARK’s mission is to deliver fresh and catchy heavy music to a current mainstream audience and younger generation, hitting the sweet spot between rock and metal.

MUDSHARK started as a remote project at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, using the global lockdown to write two EPs and one full-length album. Currently there are three MUDSHARKs ruling the oceans: A. STR▲NGR (vocals), Hagen Brüggemann (guitar) and Sebastian Richards (bass). MUDSHARK are collaborating with various drummers, including Jack Wrench (Arcane Roots, Jamie Lenman, Salem) for studio and Jerry Sadowski (ATAN and many more) for live.

MUDSHARK have recently finished their debut EP ZLV, working with Neil Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor) as recording and mixing engineer and Gene 'Machine' Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die) as mastering engineer.

For more information:
https://mudshark.net
https://www.facebook.com/mudsharkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mudsharkofficial

ZLV Track Listing:

1. NONCHALANCE
2. FUCK YOURSELF
3. NOSEBLEED
4. INTERKNOT
5. EYES OF MEDUSA

Canadian extreme metal powerhouse Salem Trials have shared their new single 'Immolation' alongside a captivating music video. The savage track demonstrates why they are the latest addition to the Seek & Strike roster. 'Immolation' is the first taste of the band's upcoming EP, Nocturnal Creation, due for release 21st July. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qIl7PrMpIj4 
 

Stream the song here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4RFGrpZMzyL4NsnqsbpBZV?si=Y0wE_hORSYebHykq2CFghg

Salem Trials comment: "When we started laying out our new EP, our goal was to push ourselves to progress our sound and go beyond our usual songwriting habits. We had a vision of creating an EP that was heavier, faster and featured nastier riffs, all while ensuring that every second of material was well-crafted and purposeful. As musicians, we had all acquired a taste for death metal and wanted to explore the extreme side of the genre to see what we were capable of. It was important to us that we created a release that we could all stand behind and be proud of. 

"We are thrilled to have signed with Seek and Strike and are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring. It happened very organically and after getting to know the guys, we all saw the benefits in working together. We believe that this union will take us much further than we could have done on our own. It's been a surreal experience getting to work with professionals to get our music and our brand out to untapped audiences, and we are super stoked and thankful to be a part of the Seek and Strike family.

“We believe our newest single and video, ‘Immolation,' will be a great introduction to our upcoming EP. The track features fast riffs, crushing breakdowns and menacing themes centred around fire and ritual. We had a blast filming the video, which showcases some of the new concepts in our writing and gives a taste of what to expect with the rest of the EP. It's a great representation of the newer direction we're taking, but also features that classic Salem vibe that fans have come to know and love. 

"As massive heavy music nerds ourselves, we made sure to incorporate all of our personal favourite conventions into the EP, resulting in a really dynamic and diverse release. From blistering fast tracks to crushing breakdowns, buttery guitar solos and even some slam riffs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for checking it out."

For more:
Spotify || Facebook || Instagram || Seek and Strike 

Holding Absence have released a video for their new single 'Honey Moon'. The track is the third single from their eagerly anticipated album, The Noble Art Of Self Destruction, due for release on 25th August via SharpTone Records.

A lovesick ballad cut from a place of deep longing, 'Honey Moon' offers serenely beautiful take on feelings of melancholia and loneliness. 

Check out the video for 'Honey Moon' here: https://youtu.be/cvHrlgTQ6YU

Stream 'Honey Moon' here: https://bfan.link/honey-moon

Pre-order and pre-save The Noble Art Of Self Destruction here: https://bfan.link/the-noble-art-of-self-destruction

Vocalist Lucas Woodland comments:

"'Honey Moon' is perhaps Holding Absence’s most beautiful song to date! A track inspired by the Pixies and Deftones - this is a lovesick poem that looks to the stars to portray a deep, isolated yearning for the love of another.”

The Noble Art Of Self Destruction was recorded at Canada’s Jukasa Studios with producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow).

Check out Holding Absence's recent singles:

'A Crooked Melody': https://youtu.be/4guUJmAnld4
'False Dawn': https://youtu.be/twvjzSlqobE

Holding Absence recently announced the details of The Noble Art Of Self Destruction headline tour for the UK and Europe. The band will also be performing on the main stage at this year's 2000trees Festival. 

Dates are as follows: 

Jul 05-08: UK Cheltenham 2000trees Festival
Nov 03: NL Eindhoven Dynamo
Nov 04: DE Berlin Hole 44
Nov 05: DE Hamburg Gruenspan
Nov 07: DE Munich Backstage Halle 
Nov 08: CZ Prague Fuchs 2
Nov 09: AT Vienna Flex Cafe 
Nov 10: IT Milan Legend Club 
Nov 12: CH Zurich Dynamo 
Nov 14: FR Paris Backstage 
Nov 15: DE Cologne Essigfabrik 
Nov 17: UK Brighton Concorde 2 
Nov 18: UK Cardiff The Great Hall 
Nov 19: UK Glasgow The Garage 
Nov 20: UK Newcastle Boilershop 
Nov 22: UK Manchester O2 Ritz 
Nov 23: UK Southampton Engine Rooms 
Nov 24: UK London O2 Forum Kentish Town 
Nov 25: UK Leeds Stylus 
Nov 27: UK Norwich Epic Studios
Nov 28: UK Birmingham O2 Institute 

Tickets for all dates are available here: https://www.holdingabsence.com

Holding Absence are:
Lucas Woodland - Vocals 
Scott Carey - Guitar
Benjamin Elliott - Bass
Ashley Green - Drums

For more information: 
http://holdingabsence.com
http://facebook.com/HoldingAbsence
http://twitter.com/HoldingAbsence
http://instagram.com/HoldingAbsence

http://sharptonerecords.co

The Noble Art Of Self Destruction Tracklist:

1. Head Prison Blues
2. A Crooked Melody
3. False Dawn
4. Scissors
5. Honey Moon
6. Death, Nonetheless
7. Her Wings
8. These New Dreams
9. Liminal
10. The Angel In The Marble

Photo Credit: Joshua Simons

Filth is Eternal - one of Seattle’s most vigorous and involved bands - have announced their new album Find Out, to be released 29th September via MNRK Heavy. 

Find Out is the triumphant reawakening of this vital group. The new testament whips forth with the force of a breakthrough and is a clear undertaking of their own genesis with a deep awareness of themselves, their crowd, and the shared history between them. The band’s ground rules: immediacy must be prioritised; the songs should have the power to whip up a pit in under thirty seconds; they must be vital and exciting – all of which cuts through on their newest single, 'Crawl Space'.

Pre-order Find Out here: https://hiseternal.ffm.to/findout
Watch the video for 'Crawl Space' here: https://youtu.be/rP0Q6gYCxPY

Nothing short of a punk anthem, fault lines on 'Crawl Space' bubble with hot melodies and fist-clenching riffs. Front person Lis Di Angelo’s vocal delivery is singular and looks at life in the balance, where individual things are in a semblance of order but lacking synergy and permanence. “It's about that small window of time when everything feels like it's working- the band- relationships- work- mental health- the meds- everything- but something still feels off, like it's destined to fall apart no matter what choices you make,” they tell. 

Friction from opposing forces informs the lyrics on Find Out, the title of which could infer emergence from trauma or consequential learning. Regardless of its intended meaning, the title is used as a conduit for the band to push toward positive strides when addressing mental health, addiction, and relationships, with community as a salve – approaching from a nihilistic viewpoint to shine a light, trying to explore a new way.  While those themes are visited, details are where the band stops short, ensuring that the listener is guided to these themes but leaving individual song messages for them to ascertain. 

Lyrics aside, the true key to the new Filth Is Eternal sound is the deep-rooted attention to songwriting. Exploding with fresh ideas, heavy on hooks, and clandestine melody, Find Out is a clear breakout release for FIE, not to mention a future staple for heavy music fans worldwide. Using the talents of producer Paul Fig (Slipknot, AFI, Alice In Chains) while recording at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 and Dave’s Room, Find Out adds just enough spit polish in production to conjure the masses but still retains the dirt and grime necessary to remain congruous to the sound and fury within. 

At the core of Filth Is Eternal is the instrumental trio of Brian McClelland (guitar), Rahsaan Davis (bass), and Emily Salisbury (drums), who lean into bone-crushing death metal and crust riffage, precision-machined grind, and nitro-fuelled punk to create the nihilistic and galloping armoured vehicle that is FIE. When hard-pressed about specific bands and styles, the band avoids individual names in favour of movements, yet it’s clear that the darker, more complex side of hardcore is probably the most direct influence. Names ranging from Converge to Cursed may be the most prevalent while others such as Trap Them, Alice in Chains, Stockholm-style death metal, and even The Distillers come to mind for additional inspiration, melody, and tactical songwriting purposes. 

Vocalist / lyricist Lis Di Angelo’s approach is rooted in grunge and extreme music; their visceral delivery sits comfortably on the fulcrum between raspy hardcore vocals and cogent melodicism, allowing a range of emotional depth and dynamics. In the worlds the band currently occupies, the dichotomy is refreshing and oddly original, adding a subtle melodic twist to the nihilistic footstomp.

On Find Out, each track is its own pipe bomb ready to ignite on the unsuspecting public, creating a sense of urgency and relating the band’s explosive message to an unabating soundtrack of punk-inflected ferocity. Embrace the oncoming tidal wave, changing of the guard, and new revolution from Filth Is Eternal. Sound the reveille because one way or another, you’ll Find Out.

Filth Is Eternal online:
https://www.facebook.com/filthiseternal
https://www.instagram.com/filthiseternal
https://filthiseternal.com
https://twitter.com/filthiseternal_

Find Out Track Listing: 

01 - Half Wrong
02 - Crawl Space
03 - Magnetic Point
04 - Cherish
05 - Roll Critical
06 - Curious Thing
07 - Into the Curve
08 - Pressure Me
09 - Body Void
10 - The Gate
11 - Signal Decay
13 - All Mother
14 - Last Exit
15 - Loveless

Photo Credit: Steve Gullick

English alternative rock group Haunt the Woods are overjoyed to announce their second album, Ubiquity, to be released 29th September via Spinefarm.

Pre-order: https://HauntTheWoods.lnk.to/Ubiquity

In celebration of the news, the magical quartet have revealed their new single 'Gold'. 

Watch the video for 'Gold' here: https://youtu.be/LBsunA4yXY0

Watch the video for band's first single, 'Fever Dream', here: https://youtu.be/2VpERm3HJhc

Haunt the Woods comment: "From time dilation to relativity, 'Gold'’s lyrics explore the potential non-linear nature of time and the human experience. With soaring vocals, beautiful soundscapes and eerie melody to set the scene." 

With elements as disparate as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Mars Volta, Queen and beyond, Haunt the Woods are a curiously unique band.

In the deepest reaches of the English countryside there is a sublime sound emanating from the landscape, and its name is Haunt the Woods. Timely and yet oddly timeless, this surprisingly youthful quartet span musical decades and worlds.

Recently signed with Spinefarm, it won't be long before you hear plenty more from these musical mavericks, and with good reason. Formed in the hinterlands between Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, Haunt the Woods deftly interweave alt-rock, folk, prog and pop with an epic level of pomp and poetic elegance that suggests a far longer tenure than their young years suggest. There are tips of the hat to Queen and Muse, Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, and a sprinkled-in tinge of Beatles-loving pop sensibility and Manchester Orchestra-esque poignancy: Haunt the Woods have that rare ability to conjure legacy while creating a bold sound that is newly their own.

With two warmly received EPs and a debut album, Opaque (2020) which was released in 2020, the stage has been set for their overdue introduction to the world, which began with their stunning new single 'Fever Dream'. Cinematic in scope, operatic in texture, new album Ubiquity is a fitting illustration of the band's prowess and talent. 

Watch Haunt the Woods live:

Jul 05: Cheltenham 2000trees
Jul 21: Dartmoor Tunes in the Sands
Jul 22: Whiddon Down Chagstock
Jul 23: Bude, Leopollooza

Follow Haunt the Woods:
https://www.facebook.com/hauntthewoodsofficial
https://twitter.com/hauntthewoods
https://www.instagram.com/hauntthewoods

Tracklisting: 

1 Fever Dream
2 Gold
3 Save Me
4 Equilibrium
5 Home
6 The Line Part II
7 Now Is Our Time
8 Ubiquity
9 Overflow
10 Sleepwalking
11 Numb
12 Said And Done

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

One of the UK's most exciting new talents - the alt-metal outfit VEXED - will release their hotly-anticipated new record Negative Energy on 23rd June via Napalm Records.

They celebrate their album dropping this week with their new single 'Trauma Euphoria' - featuring some of the most impressive guitar work on the new album, heavier than ever before.

Gifted lead vocalist Megan Targett’s brutal growls and beautiful, crystal clear clean vocals create an impactful contrast, captivating the listener.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/nDJkqEPFqww

Stream 'Trauma Euphoria' here: https://lnk.to/VEXED-NegativeEnergy
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/VEXED-NegativeEnergy/napalmrecords

Megan comments: "Experiencing a traumatic event or grieving a major loss comes with a myriad of feelings. Denial, depression, anger and sadness are the most common ones you hear about. However, there is one that I’ve found nobody speaks of; Euphoria. Small moments of time where you forget that you’re grieving and slip back into the person you were before the event. It’s like a euphoric experience that’s heightened by the fact your brain hasn’t felt any hit of dopamine in such a long time.

"However, that sudden realisation when you remember the trauma and snap out of the high has you crashing 10x harder. Feelings of guilt and shame take over and you fall deeper into the dark depths of your depression and grief. This dark place becomes a safe space in your mind, as leaving it can cause more pain and isn’t worth the fall. You can become addicted to suffering and this song is a love letter to it."

This follows previous singles 'X my <3 (Hope to die)' and 'Anti-Fetish'. 

Negative Energy is the pinnacle of VEXED's musicianship, with gripping, profound and brave lyricism. Instead of opting for the forced positivity many of their contemporaries demonstrate, the Hertfordshire trio channel every ounce of their Negative Energy into these 13 tracks - recharging themselves for an uphill battle.

The band comment: "We are so proud to present to you our second album. Since our first release, we have each endured traumatic experiences, surrounded by death, betrayal, pain and grief. In order to find any strength, we first had to accept that we weren’t okay, then take our trauma and face it head on, sharing our vulnerability, fears and weaknesses. Instead of forcing ourselves to try and be positive we put all our negative energy into the album in order to begin our own repair and to overcome."

VEXED are:

Megan Targett - Vocals
Jay Bacon - Guitar
Willem Mason-Geraghty - Drums 

VEXED online:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Napalm Records

VEXED formed in 2019, consisting of vocalist Megan Targett, guitarist Jay Bacon, drummer Willem Mason-Geraghty and bassist Al Harper. The band quickly made a name for themselves across the UK metal scene with their hard-hitting sound and dynamic live performances.

Turning heads with their debut singles - including the fearsome 'Elite' featuring Thy Art Is Murder’s CJ McMahon - VEXED quickly created a palpable underground buzz. In 2020, they signed with the independent label Napalm Records, and released their debut full-length album, Culling Culture in May the following year.

Culling Culture features ten tracks that showcase VEXED's signature sound, which combines punishing breakdowns, technical guitar riffs, and Megan Targett's fierce vocals. The album's lyrics explore themes of societal issues such as mental health and social justice and have been praised for their honesty and relatability.
 
The album was a commercial success and received widespread critical acclaim. VEXED's live shows have also garnered a reputation for being intense and energetic, with the band earning support slots with notable acts such as Spiritbox and In Flames, among others.
 
Now VEXED look to their second album, to be released 23rd June via Napalm Records. A punishing listen, from haunting intro track 'PTSD', which sets the stage of dread ahead of the carnage to come, all the way through 'Lay down your flowers' featuring Alpha Wolf vocalist Lochie Keogh and intense finale 'Nepotism'.

Like the best bands, VEXED on Negative Energy blends fury with emotion. 'Default' displays lead singer Megan Targett's high-soaring clean vocals juxtaposed against her menacing deep growls, while the album's most emotional offering, 'It's Not The End', serves as a magnificent dedication to a loved one passing away, truly manifesting their legacy.

A stunning, devastating musical conduit - Negative Energy ventilates VEXED's pain-stricken burdens and breathes life into their fresh approach, delivered with a thunderous vengeance.

Track listing:

1. PTSD
2. Anti-Fetish
3. We don't talk about it
4. X my <3 (Hope to die)
5. Panic attack
6. Lay down your flowers
7. There's no place like home
8. Extremist
9. Default
10. Trauma Euphoria
11. It's not the end
12. DMT
13. Nepotism

Photo Credit: Natalie Huyen

Californian rock quintet Hail The Sun have released a video for their harrowing new single 'Under The Floor'. The track is the second single from their upcoming album Divine Inner Tension, due for release on 11th August via Rude Records (UK/EU) / Equal Vision Records (ROW).

Check out the video for 'Under The Floor' here: https://youtu.be/Y_CztftGTlA

Pre-order/pre-save Divine Inner Tension: https://hts.lnk.to/divine

Inspired by the tragic murders carried out by John Wayne Gacy and written from the perspective of one of his victims — what they may have thought, what they may have seen, and what their soul may have warned of — 'Under The Floor' also reflects on the sad and insecure perspective of a narcissist who sought validation while committing heinous crimes.

Helmed by notable producer Kris Crummett, Divine Inner Tension finds the veteran rock band questioning what it means to be here and to be alive, on both a micro level - where the importance of our existence is profound and paramount - and on a macro one - where our time on this planet is nothing but irrelevant and insignificant.

One of the main epiphanies California's Hail The Sun had when making this new album was understanding that inspiration didn’t have to come from a place of despair, and letting go of the idea that an artist needs to be tortured in order to create. Instead, the band looked beyond the viscerally emotional to the more spiritual and even enlisted the help of Ice Nine Kills’ Joe Occhiuti, who is also involved with vocalist Donovan Melero’s Kill Iconic Records, on a number of tracks. 

On the album, Melero admits: “This is the first album we’ve written that didn’t come exclusively from a place of suffering or pain. Sadness, heartbreak and nihilism all inspire, but during the pandemic, there was a big shift, and this is more about retelling the story - retelling stories about everyday perceptions. Everything comes from within, so I thought that maybe I don’t have to suffer to feel inspired.”

Hail The Sun have also announced a run of US headline dates, set to take place in July and August. Support will come from Being As An Ocean, Kaonashi, and Origami Button. Head to Hail The Sun's website for full dates and tickets: https://hailthesun.com/

Hail The Sun are:
Donovan Melero: Vocals
Aric Garcia: Guitar 
Shane Gann Guitar
John Stirrat: Bass
Allen Casillas: Drums

Find the band online:
www.facebook.com/hailthesun
www.instagram.com/hailthesun

Track list:

1. Tunnel Vision Alibi
2. Mind Rider
3. Chunker
4. 60-Minute Session Blocks
5. Maladapted
6. The Story Writes Itself
7. (In My Dream)
8. I Saw You Hanging
9. Tithe
10. Feeble Words
11. Little Song
12. Under the Floor

US metalcore act Drift Away release new EP Chapter 1: Misery today. Following a video-only release on 2nd June, the latest single 'Where The Air Stands Still' finally hits streaming services along with the rest of the EP.

Stream Chapter 1: Misery on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NxQbIA

Watch 'Where The Air Stands Still': https://youtu.be/_pcg9XY0WQ8

The new EP also includes previously released singles 'Haunted' and 'Never Really Here'.

Vocalist Ernell Pearson comments : “Chapter 1: Misery is a story about someone who loses the ones they love most and can’t bare the weight of that loss anymore. We talk about love, loss, grief, shame, loneliness, and pain a lot in the EP and it felt natural to do so, since we all went through some form of grieving process and experienced a lot of those same emotions over the course of writing this EP. 

"We hope our audience can get a chance to dive into our music and feel something a little bit more than just driven energy. We have some parts like that in here, but for us, it was about writing something that could help you dive deeper into whatever has you feeling like you’ve lost more than you can handle losing. 

"Please, start at 'Haunted' and work your way through these six songs. We’re super proud that this is the start we get to have and we hope you and your friends enjoy it just as much."

Originally called Oracle, American metalcore band Drift Away started in 2017 as a lunch on the north side of Portland, Oregon between five friends, years separated after their previous band called it a day. Vocalist Ernell Pearson, guitarist Bryce Kreklow, guitarist Daniel Grigg, bassist Taylor Barrett, and drummer Travis Morlan decided it was too early for them to give up on the full-length’s worth of music they had written before. The band quickly set to work on rewriting. Soon after, Grigg left the band and the group continued on as a quartet. The following year saw the band release their debut single 'Haunted' as a BVTV exclusive, quickly garnering over 15,000 views and 5,000+ listeners in a matter of a few days.

As the four-piece came closer to playing live shows, the global COVID-19 pandemic quickly became much more than just a news headline and suddenly, the band had to change trajectory. Their second single 'Never Really Here' was released in September 2021 through BVTV and soon after, bassist Barrett parted ways with the band. The following year saw the band release a cover of Linkin Park’s 'Papercut' as the remaining members completed production on their first album and quickly after, bassist Jesus “Jag” Galeana was added to the line-up.

2023 came around the corner, and the newly reformed quartet have since played two nearly sold-out shows and are now setting to release their next single 'Where The Air Stands Still' off of their debut EP Chapter 1: Misery.

Catch the band performing at their EP launch show:

Jun 17: Portland Star Theater

Tickets here: https://driftawayofficial.com

Drift Away online:

www.facebook.com/driftawaysux
www.instagram.com/driftawayband

Drift Away are:
Ernell Pearson - Vocals
Bryce Kreklow - Guitar
Jesus "Jag" Galeana - Bass
Travis Morlan - Drums

Chapter 1: Misery tracklisting:

1. Haunted
2. Where The Air Stands Still
3. Never Really Here
4. Cold Sweat (feat. Poetry of Moth)
5. Don't Make A Sound

Photo Credit: Arne Beschorner

Fiery multinational rock trio PLAIINS are back with their heaviest, mosh pit arm swinging song to date, 'Nothing's Gonna End Us Till The Aliens Do It'. The band have also announced the release of their new Puppet EP on 5th July. 

Watch the visualiser to 'Nothing's Gonna End Us Till The Aliens Do It' here: https://youtu.be/M5Dtx6FP-bE

Pre-save Puppet here: https://save-it.cc/plaiins/puppet

Inspired by a conversation about alien conspiracy theories that put frontman Chris Reardon in a state of fear of them being real, he quickly wrote the song the following day. He comments: "The song was inspired by a late night drinking session with the band where we all started talking about mad conspiracy theories. And we got onto the topic of aliens and the guys were telling me some conspiracy theories I had never heard of before and it was blowing my mind! If anything they were just really interesting and kind of comical, I have no idea but its fun to think about all the possibilities especially when they seem so abstract. The next day I must of been feeling inspired because I started to write alien song and demoed the song that day. I guess in my hungover state these theories actually freaked me out haha! And panic, fear and worry started to creep in. I sent the song to the guys and they all really dug it. We then took the demo to our producer Manuell Renner and worked on the song with him. It took a real transformation in terms of structure and arrangement once we all started to work on it. We started working on the song at 9am and by 1pm lunch time is was done. Haha pretty remarkable, it really just flowed very fast and we were all really hyped about the song. We then went back to Hamburg and finished some recording back in our studio, some drums, vocals and bit and bobs. It's a song about feeling helpless and worried to the grander powers in life."

The Puppet EP consists of six songs and ranges from alternative rock, punk, indie, splashes of metal and post hardcore nods. The opener sets the tone - a-one-and-half-minute punk rager named ‘Your Friends All Bore Me'. A song of speed and fury that hits you like a freight train from the offset. The EP continues as a roller coaster sounds, showcasing their range of influences, with one constant - a loud voice for change. The most direct of which is the song 'POLIDICKS', an infectious anthem and bold statement that politics is failing us and we are left with a lack of choices which truly represent our values and needs. ‘Wooha! (speak easyyy)’ is upbeat and fun, ‘Puppet’ is the band at their most melodic and ‘Chelsea Smile’ is fast and dark with post-punk influences, The EP closer is new single ‘Nothing’s Gonna End Us Till The Aliens Do It’

Watch the videos to previous singles:

'Your Friends All Bore Me': https://youtu.be/VUBr1KTo0tA
'Wooha! (speak easyyy)' - https://youtu.be/Mw_UQ8QFw7M
'Chelsea Smile' - https://youtu.be/ltS1HX-hanE
'POLIDICKS' -  https://youtu.be/hA8i6nJyHfY

Upcoming live dates:

Jul 09: NL Dijikpop Festival
Aug 04: NL Flycatcher Festival

German headline tour:

Sep 14: DE Stuttgart JuHa West
Sep 15: DE Nürnberg Club Stereo
Sep 17: DE Berlin Badehaus
Sep 20: DE Düsseldorf Pitcher
Sep 21: DE Köln Stereo Wonderland
Sep 22: DE Münster Sputnik Café
Sep 23: DE Alfeld Alfeld Rockt Café
Oct 02: DE Hamburg Molotow Skybar  

PLAIINS are:
Chris Reardon - vocals / guitars
Tal Pinhas - bass / guitars 
David “Dizzy” Suhlrie - drums

PLAIINS online:

LinkTree Facebook Instagram

Track listing:

1. YFABM
2. Wooha! (speak easyyy)
3. POLIDICKS
4. Puppet
5. Chelsea Smile
6. Nothing's Gonna End Us Till The Aliens Do It

More information on PLAIINS:

PLAIINS hit you like a freight train - fast-paced songs that infect you with their fist-pumping, feet-stomping power. Founded in Hamburg by singer Chris shortly after his move there from London, the quartet have been drawing inspiration from the likes of Idles, QOTSA and Turnstile. 

In the short time since the release of their debut single 'The Wolf' in March 2022, Dizzy, Flo, Timon and Chris have already racked up over 250k streams on Spotify alone and caught the attention of industry players and fans alike. Alongside radio airplay on stations in Germany and internationally, they were featured extensively in the BBC Introducing programme as well as on BBC Radio 1. 

With their most recent singles 'Wooha! (Speak Easyyy)' and 'Your Friends All Bore Me' they are showing themselves as a multi-facetted rock outift. Building the anticipation for their sophomore Puppet EP coming summer this year, they are ready to make the sweat drip off the walls and infect the crowds all over with their crazy energy on their big headline tour in September ’23.