Dissonant, clanky and vicious rhythmic arrangements make up the core foundation of Leeds based trio IRK who are executing their rambunctious brand of noise/mathcore at uncompromising volumes.
An active band since 2013, IRK have focussed on producing an abrasive and rhythmic-heavy style that embodies the stripped-back traditions of the old-school 90s noise rock with production qualities recognisable in much modern hardcore. The band’s debut release Bread and Honey (2014) inked up the bass-heavy dissonance whilst their following split with sludge noisers Wren (2015) continued a pattern of sonic disorientation. IRK’s debut feature length Recipes from the Bible induced rhythmic filth and volatility, something that became a common theme with subsequent releases such as 2024’s “Toothache in Prison”. Now coming to the build-up of their sophomore 2025 release The Seeing House, IRK have released their latest single “Wedding, Berlin” which is nothing shy of a crushing rhythmic excess.
With a track that oozes sonic ambiguation, jagged rhythmic textures, and a rich, pummelling bass tone, IRK conjure a bizarre and bewildering world of noise-drenched hostility. The track is carried by a brutish bass tone that drives a minimalistic pulsation, being accompanied by metallic percussion that pervades a sense of apprehension and unease in the listener. The unstable vocal lines continue this sense of comfortability and tension sending you on a downward spiral through mounting sonic pressure. The music video’s visuals further match the bewildered and hypnotic feel to the track with the obstruse close ups on the artists that indicate a sense of shared cathartic perplexion.
Commenting on the overall rhythmically dense feel of the track, drummer Matthew Deamer comments, ‘Ed’s bass part in this track is so damn rhythmic and clanky that it felt completely intuitive to cover the arrangement in layers of metallic percussion. We recorded all sorts of clattery rhythms played on giant sheets of metal, stacks of broken cymbals and even a metal beer keg that was happily sitting outside our studio (no one knows why).’
IRK’s The Sleeping House will be released digitally and in limited LP and CD runs on September 26th via Nefarious Industries. You can check out the band’s other releases over on their Bandcamp, along with updates on the band’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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