EP Review: MOULD - 'Almost Feels Like Purpose'
MOULD are spreading their spores further and deeper into the post-punk scene with the release of their second EP, Almost Feels Like Purpose.
A flurry of gutsy guitars, heavy basslines, skilful drums and somewhat existential lyrics, Bristolian three-piece MOULD, are easily cementing themselves as one of the best new additions to the post-punk scene. Made up of Joe Sherrin (vocals, guitar), Kane Eagle (vocals, bass) and James Luxton (drums), MOULD came to life on the road, with the trio developing their sound and forming a solid friendship over five years of on-off touring with Fenne. Releasing their debut, self-titled EP back in 2024 with Nice Swan Records (English Teacher, Sprints, CHALK), the trio have continued to keep up the momentum. The follow-up to their debut, Almost Feels Like Purpose, comes out this Friday, April 25th via 5dB Records.
Their debut, MOULD, felt like a statement. With raw, unpolished, pent-up rage being released in the form of hectic, choppy guitars and punchy drums, MOULD introduced themselves and their infectious, chaotic energy to the post-punk scene. Their upcoming second EP, Almost Feels Like Purpose, which is made up of six blistering tracks, feels like a more focused extension of their debut.
Almost Feels Like Purpose has all of the same energy as MOULD’s debut, but feels more honed, mature, precise, without losing the rough edges and hectic energy they are known for. It’s bristling with pent-up frustration and existential dread, exploring what it’s like to feel adrift in the world. Opening the EP with a scream that echoes, is FRANCES, which is a cacophony of heavy, bludgeoning guitars and thrashing drums, accompanied by Sherrin’s sing-shout vocals, “Frances, with wings too heavy, plunges towards the invisible.” It’s immediately punchy, explosive, setting the tone for what is to come.
MOULD demonstrate their ability to flow through the various strains of post-punk, adding their own unique sound throughout. Their track, TEMPS, will put you on edge for several reasons. The trio switch haphazardly between melodies, the guitars slowing slightly, briefly, in parts before colliding with the drums to cause chaos, a sudden sense of urgency - the lyrics “as unsettled in our skin as we are our locations” capturing the chaotic nature of the track itself while also delving into the possibility of a rootless existence…queue the existential dread.
The pace, the urgency at which MOULD moves is relentless, perhaps not dissimilar to the fungus they’re named after. They are a formidable force, rattling your brain in the best way.
The immediacy of their track SNAILS, the second single from the EP, can be felt instantly, all hectic guitars and trashing drums. Drawing on inspiration from the likes of Nick Cave and David Berman, Sherrin’s lyrics are sardonic, but also poetic and unexpectedly emotive, often drawing on unusual imagery to get his point across. SNAILS is the perfect example of this, with Sherrin pointing all of his anger and dissatisfaction into the helpless, useless character of a baby.
BRACE follows a similar path - it’s like a blow to the chin, it’s in your face, enticing chaos from the get-go with a fury of guitars and drums. It builds and builds until it bubbles over, a cacophony of voices heard shouting “I’m wasting worth pursuing, and it almost feels like purpose, it almost isn’t worthless.” A subtle nod to the title of the EP, Almost Feels Like Purpose. WHEEZE is two minutes of soul-stirring sound. The heavy, precise plucking of the bass is elevated by the addition of the cornet. The final minute of the track is when it reaches its pinnacle. It’s almost haunting, bittersweet with the chorus of vocals that continue to build “hammering in to the collapsing walls,” until it slowly and beautifully fades to an end.
CHUNKS, the final track of the EP, but also the first single to be released, displays MOULD in all their glory. Perhaps the heaviest of the trio’s tracks, it also showcases Sherrin’s ability the most. It’s almost ear-piercing - punk at its finest. Heavy, grungy guitars with frantic, trashing drums and guttural, howling screams, CHUNKS is a testament to the Bristolian trio’s talent and abilities. A statement piece to release as the first single and also a powerful closing track to what is ultimately a raw, noisy, impressive EP.
Almost Feels Like Purpose is firmly cementing MOULD’s place in the post-punk scene. It’s heavy, bone-rattling and entirely authentic. MOULD are saying what needs to be said, in their own unique, messy, intoxicating way.
Words by Angela English
