photos by John Figler
Nefarious Industries presents The Seeing House, the thundering second LP from English experimental/noise rock trio, IRK, now confirmed for release this September.
Self-described as “Leeds’ normalest weirdos, IRK was formed in 2013, their driven sound the work of vocalist J.S. Gordon, bassist Ed Snell, and drummer Matthew Deamer. They released their debut EP, Bread And Honey, in 2014, followed by a split with London sludge outfit Wren in 2015, quickly attracting attention for the wild spontaneity that defines their live show.,” the group continued to hone their craft with extensive touring throughout the UK and Europe, performing at festivals like Arctangent, Wrong Festival, and Strangeforms, and sharing the stage with Liturgy, Dope Body, Pissed Jeans, Blacklisters, USA Nails, Whores, Part Chimp, Frontierer, and many more.
Recipes From The Bible, IRK’s debut album, was released in 2018, showcasing chaotic, snappy tracks contrasted against longer, more progressive songs, as well as the inclusion of guest vocals and saxophone. Recipes From The Bible was the platform the band needed to probe the stranger depths of the subgenres they sit within, capturing an uncompromising sound that makes the listener feel truly estranged and uncomfortable.
Now, IRK delivers their caustic second album, The Seeing House. Taking the band’s already rambunctious sound to even more explosive sonic territory. Ten new tracks showcase the trio’s abrasive and rhythm-heavy sound, balancing the technical intensity of mathcore with the raw energy of noise rock to create a distinctive brand of angular, unpredictable music. Fans of Chat Pile, Prostitute, The Jesus Lizard, Cherubs, These Arms Are Snakes, KEN Mode, and even Meshuggah must hear IRK.
The Seeing House was recorded, mixed, and produced by Andrew Edwards and Matthew Deamer at Glide Studio in Leeds, UK, mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege in Portland, Oregon (The Armed, Locrian, Deadguy), and completed with cover art by Kazland, and design and layout by Greg Meisenberg. Additionally, the string arrangement on “Lifetime Achievement Award” was handled by Jamie Chambers with cello on the song performed by Jenn Chubb, guitar on “My Life In Bins” was provided by Jack Evans, and gang vocals on “The Great Wasp Of Reluctance” and “Wedding, Berlin” were delivered by Stewart Ramsay, Kerry Ramsay, and Jenn Chubb.
The first preview of The Seeing House, “Toothache In Prison,” is delivered through a bizarre new video directed by John Figler. IRK vocalist J.S. Gordon states, “After a long hot soak in the pure liquid glory of our first album a few hundred years ago, we finally decided to leave our respective Malibu penthouses to make a sophomore album that had one clearly defined goal – To do for a whole album of music what St. Anger did for the snare drum.
“Our drummer, Matt, brought new and interesting rhythms from his time listening to a broken air con unit. Our bassist, Ed, circumnavigated child labor laws to create fresh and powerful riffs. And our vocalist, Jack, tapped into a rich vein of lyricism by having AI re-word the songs from the Disney film Moana.
“Uniting these three unholy piss streams in a deluge of salty creativity has birthed The Seeing House; An album about the abject horror of having a nice time.”
Figler reveals about the video, “‘Toothache In Prison’ is a paraphrased time capsule of early AI video generation, full of secrets no one will ever find, and bad art. After being approached over a year ago to create some lighthearted promo for IRK‘s new hit single, this monstrosity is what I handed in. We’re working on repairing our relationship and appreciate everyone’s love and support in this difficult time. Thank you.”
Watch IRK’s uncomfortable video for “Toothache In Prison” now at THIS LOCATION.
The Seeing House will be released digitally and in limited LP and CD runs on September 26th. Preorders are now live at the Nefarious Industries store HERE.
Watch for additional new videos/singles to drop over the weeks ahead.
The Seeing House Track Listing:
1. Idiot Plot
2. Toothache In Prison
3. Eating All Of The Apple
4. The Finer Things In Life
5. Lifetime Achievement Award
6. The Great Wasp Of Reluctance
7. Abraxas Casino
8. My Life In Bins
9. Love Is A Windsock
10. Wedding, Berlin
IRK:
J.S. Gordon – vocals
Ed Snell – bass
Matthew Deamer – drums
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