Lately, I’ve been discovering some fantastic new bands from England, particularly in London, focusing on alternative punk and post-punk genres. One such band, Barking Poets, was featured previously in Rock Era, and they’re back with their innovative and impressive new single, Losing Contact. Let’s explore more about it below.

In “Arizona,” Barking Poets bring all the signature elements they’re known for. Loud, infectious guitars? Check. A chorus that’s catchy enough to stick in your head all day? Check. Lyrics that blend wit and grit, capturing the band’s raw, unapologetic energy? Check, check, check! This song kicks off a new era for Barking Poets, setting the tone for their debut album, recorded at Unit 13 studios with acclaimed producer Paul Tipler, who’s worked with U.K. rock royalty like Idlewild and Placebo.

The track brims with everything that makes modern rock thrilling: fast riffs, a catchy beat, and an unapologetic, fun-loving spirit. But there’s depth, too, with lyrics like “These are the days when you need the truth to set you free,” hinting that this journey is about more than just a joyride. “Arizona” is as much an escape as it is a search for something real.

Set for release on November 8, 2024, through Engineer Records, the track will be available on all major streaming platforms, and you can catch the exclusive video premiere to experience it firsthand. So grab your virtual keys, turn the volume up, and let Barking Poets take you on an adventure to “Arizona,” and the best part is there is no GPS required!

1 of 2

Barking Poets kickstarted Southsea Sounds with Getting Away with It, a perfect opener with big melodic riffs laying the foundations of their energetic sound. It has a dominating punk-ish groove with a catchy vocal melody and a smooth flow that promises a mood-boosting EP. We Will Overcome comes next with an engaging sound that I believe would create amazing singalong moments when played live, it sounds like Barking Poets are aiming for a more spacious structure with deep bass, and slower riffs, giving more space for the vocals to lead the song’s dynamic progression. I Could’ve Been a Contender steers towards a heavier, faster sound that pushes forward, shaking off the EP’s dynamic flow to keep the listeners onboard. It shows another side of Barking Poets‘ writing with its intense flow and insanely good guitar work. All within a solid relentless structure that kept the energy levels at the max and uncompromised. As we reach the middle of the EP, Punching Down welcomes us with warm acoustic guitars and an irresistibly moving vocal melody. It smoothly progresses into a faster flow with mellow engaging vibes, which I believe at this point is one of Barking Poets‘ key elements. I loved its changing structure as its cleverly crafted organic ups and downs kept its sound fresh and super fun. Part of the Problem comes next hitting hard and heavy. Its big powerful sound took me by surprise, while its fluid melodies and pounding sound kept my head banging throughout the whole song. It sounds like a loud blasting statement that’s well-written, with the whole band giving their best in a big unified stream of riffs, melodies, beats, and a killer solo. Ending the EP on a high note comes Going Back to London Town, a diverse-sounding piece that takes us on a journey through Barking Poets‘ writing styles that were introduced throughout Southsea Sound. It starts as a chill emotional ballad with warm acoustic guitar and powerful vocals before exploding into their energetic punk-ish sound, and adding a deeper melodic layer that breathes life into their structures, all creating a wall of dynamic sound that carries the listeners to the end and probably playing the EP all over again.

Southsea Sounds is a solid EP that shows Barking Poets‘ musicianship and writing skills, alongside their well-knowledge of their sound and how to steer it towards their desired direction. Looking forward to more from Barking Poets, kee of rocking guys. Cheers!

The song feels like you’ve won a gold medal multiple times in a row. It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel like life will go on after a whirlwind of unfortunate events. The overall sound of the song is like you’re adding huge, beautiful wings to your body and flying away to a place where there is no kind of worry. The soundscape is a fast-paced but kind of laid-back alternative rock with a saturation of positive tones. The musical arrangement is made up of simple yet very prominent instruments starting with power chord electric guitars that are textured and heavy drums. This gives the song a much greater space of expression through the frequent change of notes as the song plays! The vocals are deep, clear and a little harsh to give that rock and roll vibe we really enjoy. Give the song a like on your playlist for a refreshing burst of motivation.