Derbyshire’s folk punk band 5 Hills Out makes a powerful entrance with their debut album, Dystopia Bazaar, which’s been long in the making. Released on August 24, 2024, the album embodies the band’s signature blend of punk energy and folk storytelling against the struggles of life and sociopolitical issues.
Dystopia Bazaar kicks off with a punk-laden, emotional storm in “Feelings.” The grinding guitars and bustling drums drive the track forward, while the airy, angst-filled vocals build an intriguing tension. The brass elements create a layered experience for the raw emotions of betrayal and loss as the singer laments, “You took the best years of my life away.”
An anthem of rebellion, “Go” bursts with political defiance. With churning, aggressive instrumentals, and relentless energy, the band channels frustration over leadership failures, urging for change. The chorus’s rallying cry, “Now’s the time that you must go,” is underscored by driving percussion and fierce vocals.
With biting wit and spunky beats, “Neanderthal” takes a swing at intolerance and bigotry. The song’s punchy guitar riffs and catchy rhythm keep the energy high, while the lyrics confront societal issues with unapologetic boldness. The track is both entertaining and thought-provoking, capturing humor with heavy-hitting messages.
“Sunflowers” closes the album on an emotionally charged yet uplifting note. The track opens with warm woodwind sounds alongside rumbling drums, creating a delicate balance of melancholy and hope. The vocals, thick with longing, soar over vibrant guitar riffs, while the duet with rich feminine vocals brings more vulnerability.
5 Hills Out’s bustling, passionate Dystopia Bazaar is an album born out of adversity. Listen to it on Spotify.
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Photo credits: Paul Boland
Review by: Naomi Joan