IRKED are hitting the scene with an impressive self-titled debut EP. The five-piece punk supergroup hailing from Newcastle is composed of veterans to the territory, with an impressive backlog of experience under their belts. Formed in 2022, and tearing up the UK ever since; from pissed-off-and-ready-to-party gigs, to screaming anti-establishment and begging social unrest anthems, IRKED are ones to watch.
Helen “Hells” Walkinshore rips up on vocals for the five tracks on the EP; they go hard, guttural and filthy, reeking of influence from the likes of G.L.O.S.S and Gouge Away. Recorded in the band’s practice room in Byker – emanating the core DIY vibes of garage punk essence – IRKED are intrusive and unavoidable in all the best ways.
The first song on the EP, ‘Snakes’ is three minutes of dirty riffs from Simon (guitar), Sean (guitar) and Mike (bass), complemented with ferocious drums from Zach McDade, and the intense vocals from “Hells”. ‘Snakes’ immediately throws you into the band’s growling politically-motivated sass and caustically unapologetic aura.
‘Backstreets’ is the only song on the EP thus far to have a released music video; mostly consisting of black and white shots with punchy flicks of colour, punctuating the tracks’ message. Helen explores the separation of provoked, loud lyricality, paired against accusatory spoken lyrics such as:
“He took what he wanted and a little bit more”
which is a beautiful dichotomy and shapes the band’s diversity in tune.
‘Move’ concludes the EP with a dirty dyed-in-the-wool track that leaves a film of filth in your mouth from its dank riffing and bouncing beats. It truly brings the EP together with “a chance to navigate this insanity;” it’s giving anti-establishment and moving on from the demands of society.
Debut EP IRKED is out now, via by Scene Report Records
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