Sprints: Letter to Self (digital outlets)

This debut album from a hotly tipped Dublin four-piece taps directly into the spirit of intellectual, fist-tight post-punk and – in the delivery and claustrophobic lyrical repetition of Karla Chubb – has something in common with Deborah Iyall of Romeo Void as much as Siouxsie Sioux and more recently Savages.

There's high drama here too (the desperation of Heavy with the cries of “I can't sleep. I can't sleep”), the gloomy intensity of Bauhaus (Cathedral) and acres of adrenalin rush/forward-momentum in 11, sometimes stripped-back, songs (relentless drumming, explosive walls of guitar) which address Chubb's concerns with mental well-being, Catholicism, personal identity and . . . .

Yes. All that sounds like indulgent, dark stuff but this gets by on not just intensity but also powerful, enclosed songs which are memorable and have gripping dynamics.

Tension and noisy release.

Start with the thrilling Shadow of a Doubt then roll straight into the oppressive Can't Get Enough Of It if you fink you is 'ard enuff. 

You'll be hearing more from this band.

But get into these deep waters now, it's worth the immersion.

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here where there is a special edition with acoustic demos