IRKED

Newcastle DIY punk “supergroup” IRKED are pleased to announce that they will release their debut self-titled EP on 17th May 2024 via rising new South Wales punk label Scene Report Records.

As a taster of the EP, new single ‘Move’ is out now and available to stream on all good digital service providers, with the band beginning a run of UK tour dates this week including an appearance at Manchester Punk Festival in March (see below for listings).

Mixed and recorded by Mike Hill and Sean Rafi-Kenny at Off Quay Rehearsal Rooms in Byker, the band say the new track is “all about the frustrations and irritations of striking the work/life balance, and navigating disingenuous people, people-pleasing, and unwanted attention.” 

IRKED vocalist and lyricist Helen "Hells" Walkinshaw explores intersectional themes that are overtly politically charged and emotive—fiercely anti-Tory and anti-establishment, often challenging gender politics and inspired by social unrest. That serious streak is always offset by a sharp humour threaded among their caustic lyrics, a fine balance of irritation and rage, leaving audiences both irked and uplifted. 

A dyed-in-the-wool punk band from Tyne and Wear, IRKED make snotty, noisy, radge music inspired by the likes of Downtown Boys, Alien Nosejob, Uranium Club, Surfbort, Pissed Jeans, G.L.O.S.S, Gouge Away, and The Shitty Limits.

Formed in 2022, they’ve quickly gained attention as a collective of veterans of the UK DIY scene, with members previously appearing in Biscuit Mouth, Blómm, Cave Suns, Frankie & the Heartstrings, Lavotchkin, Pet Crow, Pure Graft, Tough Tits, Shy-Talk and Weekend Faithful.

Scaring audiences into submission, IRKED are satisfying the demand for urgent, snarling, politically motivated punk, served up with a salty dose of humour and sass. Think pissed off, but ready to party.

Named as BBC Introducing ‘Ones to Watch 2024’ their debut single ‘Backstreets’ has received support from BBC Radio 1, Amazing Radio and 6 Music. Their first year of gigs has seen them opening for Big Joanie, Benefits, Part Chimp, Hey Colossus and Loose Articles, with multiple festival offers and a UK tour planned for 2024.

The band's debut self-titled physical EP is due for release this year on Scene Report Records, with a full length album following closely behind. The eagerly anticipated self-titled EP is a confronting collection of 6 forceful tracks, recorded in their practice room in Byker, encompassing their authentic DIY values, underground roots, and heavily influenced by punk values and culture. 

Debut EP IRKED is released 17th May 2024 via Scene Report Records

IRKED are:

Mike Hill (bass - he/him)
Simon ‘Hub’ Hubbard (guitar - he/him)
Sean Kenny (guitar - he/him)
Zach McDade (drums - he/they)
Helen ‘Hells’ Walkinshaw (vocals - she/they)