The London-based band have a lot to shout about in their new single that is defining a genre for alternative listeners, Holly Frape finds out.

Experimental doom punk ‘outfit’ Vaermina have released their new single ‘Real Panic’. It comes as a pre-release to their sophomore album ‘Tantrum’. Contrast to their debut ‘Lovebots’, a recollection of glitchcore laced with hardcore percussion and esoteric structure.

The band has since departed from this in ‘Real Pain’ honing the sound into the realms of punk. Artfully pushing the boundaries of the genre, through tight performances punchy production and catchy melodies, Vaermina has begun to carve themselves into the experimental escapism of the ‘Doom – punk ‘genre.

Immediately, as the track begins, the listener is met with heavy, gritty guitar riffs and drums that accompany it parallel. Having absorbed the opening passage to the composition, you would be forgiven for thinking this may be a run-of-the-mill hardcore punk song. However, having spent any amount of time listening to Vaermina, you know this is not the direction that this is headed. As soon as the jarring vocal enters, the sentiment that this is any constrictive song writing will be dissolved in the vocal concoction of Caitlin Power’s unique talent. The melody which runs contrapuntal to the music, drives the rhythm. The childlike sarcasm in the phrasing imminently marries the destruction of the vocal and rhythm section in sacred unity. Despite this notion, the song already has defined its catchy hook, which will linger in your ears for days to come. Following this, an Avant-garde synth enters, leading us through a short and chaotic instrumental passage of brash and atonal nature. This may not be entirely what is known as standard musical practice, yet nothing would serve the song in its place.

The track shifts gear with the intrusion of the deeper vocal which disconcerts the listener, the warbled electronic preaching is authentic in their sound. Following the offbeat song structure, the trio have positively excelled in nailing and honing the art of sonic expression with careful and deliberate songwriting. Which culminates a sensory feast for all who listen.

Vaermina is single-handedly moving the alternative scene in a new direction. Caitlin Power, Ozario Argentero, and Gabriel are constantly experimenting with what they will come up with next.

If the new single is anything to go by, we will be welcomed with various influences, an ode to many artists from Punk’s past intertwined with electronic chaos. Vaermina’s next release promises to be a project that is born out of anger, descent and offbeat expression. Perhaps in a similar vein to Bikini Kill, Hole, 100 Gecs and Death Grips.

Vaermina’s sophomore album ‘Tantrum’ is out on the 24^th of November.

 Image Courtesy of @vaermina.xoxo Instagram.