In the anarchic world of punk, where defiance is currency and rebellion is the anthem comes the band Irked. With the illustrious DIY pedigrees of Helen ‘Hells’ Walkinshaw on vocals, Mike Hill on bass, Simon ‘Hub’ Hubbard on guitar, Sean Kenny on guitar, and Zach McDade on drums, Irked is as fierce as they are pissed off and their debut self-titled EP, set to drop on May 17th, 2024, is a raucous declaration of intent.
A sonic onslaught of not one, not two, but five blistering tracks, from their debut single, “Backstreets”, a confrontational rebuke to the creeps and misfits that lurk in the shadows of the local music scene, to their sophomore single, “Move”, that explores the ever elusive work-life balance, Irked (the EP) is a cathartic whirlwind of sound and fury.
Each track is a relentless barrage of chugging guitars, thunderous drums, and Helen’s fierce vocals that cut through the noise like a knife. It not only captures the visceral and raw energy of the band but their DIY ethos that defines them and their sound. The razor-sharp lyrics explore intersectional themes and challenges of gender politics and are a rallying cry against the status quo and a call to arms for the disaffected and disillusioned. But beneath the snarl and swagger lies a keen sense of humour that is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always room for a bit of irreverence.
With its potent cocktail of snotty punk anthems, politically charged lyrics, and irreverent humour, Irked (band and EP) is a sonic Molotov cocktail aimed squarely at the establishment.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Backstreets”, “Crippling Empath”, “Move”
