Punk in the UK and Ireland: an alive and kicking scene
Demis from Profilo Basso Fanzine takes us to Ireland and the UK to meet 10 bands through punk, oi! and hardcore
As a longtime passionate and keen observer of the UK punk scene, I took the liberty of highlighting ten bands that deserve to be known.
Disclaimer: This article does not pretend to be either an encyclopedia or an archive of UK and Ireland punk, but rather a journey reflecting personal tastes and preferences. If you think something is missing, don’t hesitate to tell us! (contact us by email or write us on our social networks).
Chubby and the Gang: West London
Chubby and the Gang is a band formed in 2019 from the fusion of various UK hardcore-punk groups. The band consists of vocalist Charlie “Chubby Charles” Manning-Walker, guitarists Ethan Stahl and Tom “Razor” Hardwick, bassist Maegan Brooks Mills, and drummer Joe McMahon.
Their debut album Speed Kills was released by Static Shock Records after their first U.S. tour and was later reissued via Partisan Records. Their second album, The Mutt’s Nuts, came out in 2021 and includes the iconic track “Coming Up Tough,” which initially drew me to the band. After lineup changes, concerts, and growing fame, their latest album, And Then There Was…, was released a few months ago—a record I’ve practically worn out from playing.
I was lucky enough to see them live last month in Manchester—just a relentless half-hour set without breaks, but packed with energy.
The Chisel: London
The Chisel is a punk band formed in 2020 in London, originating from the collaboration between vocalist Nicholas Sarnella and Cal Graham. They later recruited guitarist Charlie “Chubby Charles” Manning-Walker. This trio recorded the EP Deconstructive Surgery, with Manning-Walker on guitar, Sarnella on drums, and Graham on vocals, before adding bassist Tom Ellis and second guitarist Luke Younger.
After two EPs—Come See Me / Not The Only One and Enough Said—they released their debut album Retaliation via La Vida Es un Mus. Their latest work, What A Fucking Nightmare, came out a year ago on Pure Noise. Notably, among their numerous live performances, they also released a split EP with the Mexican street-punk band Mess.
Their music is often fast and aggressive yet melodic, with Graham’s vocals showcasing his Lancashire accent. The quintet will be back in Italy this March for a show in Milan. I had the chance to see them nearly two years ago in Bologna, and it was an absolutely devastating live performance.
Fulmine: Around
Fulmine is a five-member band consisting of Luca, Sarny, Alex, Joe, and our friend Charlie “Chubby Charles.” Their debut 7” Randagio was recorded by Ben Spence at Fuzzbrain Studios. Reportedly, the band recorded these six tracks in just as many hours without a single rehearsal.
The sound is raw, intense, and essential, with highly incendiary lyrics. The surprising thing is that the lyrics are entirely in Italian, echoing the Oi! sound of the 1980s. At the moment, little is known about the band—it seems more like a fun side project. But a damn good one.
Rifle: London
Rifle is a British punk band from London known for their raw and direct sound. Formed in Camden, the lineup includes Max, Ross, Cam, Flynn, and Alb. So far, they’ve released three EPs: Holloway Demos (2022) and Under Two Flags (2023), the latter featuring five tracks and Pack Mentality (2024).
Their influences range from bands like Chubby and the Gang to The Chisel, blending ’70s British punk with the intensity of ’80s American hardcore. Recently, they’ve been very active on the UK live circuit, sharing stages with bands like High Vis, DIZ, and Crocodiles.
Clobber: London
Yet another London-based hardcore punk band I’ve been keeping an eye on. Clobber first caught attention on No Echo in early 2022 when they released their debut EP Tribal Rites of the New Friday Night. Their rough and wild sound has made waves in clubs across the UK, sharing bills with hardcore legends like Madball.
Signed to Venn Records, they released their second EP, Yesterday’s Heroes, Tomorrow’s Snide, in 2023, addressing government failures, police corruption, and the negative impact of social media on young people. Later that year, they dropped their debut full-length album, Violent Back Beat Noise, featuring eight tracks in a limited-edition release. They’re currently playing shows across Europe and will perform at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool this August.
Lambrini Girls: Brighton
Hailing from Brighton’s ever-thriving music scene, Lambrini Girls are a duo featuring Phoebe Lunny (vocals, guitar) and Lilly Macieira (bass). Active for a couple of years, they released their first EP, You’re Welcome, in 2023 through Big Scary Monsters, and just weeks ago, they dropped their debut album Who Let The Dogs Out on City Slang.
Their songs tackle social criticism, violence, and abuse, delivered with fury through fast punk rhythms, sharp guitars, and aggressive drumming. Definitely a band to watch.
Kid Kapichi: Hastings
Kid Kapichi is an English punk rock band formed in 2013 in Hastings, East Sussex. The lineup features vocalists/guitarists Jack Wilson and Ben Beetham, bassist Eddie Lewis, and drummer George Macdonald—a gritty quartet that openly challenges the establishment.
After building their reputation through local shows, they released multiple singles and EPs before touring Europe in 2019. Their debut album, This Time Next Year, arrived in 2021. On March 26, 2022, the band opened for Liam Gallagher at London’s Royal Albert Hall—Gallagher personally invited them after praising their song New England.
In June 2022, they signed with Spinefarm Records and later released their second studio album, Here’s What You Could Have Won. Their third album, There Goes The Neighborhood, was released on March 15, 2024, followed by a European headline tour.
Through their songs, they paint a vivid picture of life in small towns—exploring politics, pub culture, late-night adventures, and the desire to rebel against a corrupt system.
Soap Box: Glasgow
Formed in the spring of 2022, this four-piece band took time to refine their sound before making their public debut. Since then, they’ve built a small but loyal following through various UK gigs.
They’ve released multiple singles and the Hawd That EP (2023). In the coming months, they’ll open for Kid Kapichi’s tour.
Meryl Streek: Dublin
Meryl Streek is the ambitious project of a 32-year-old Irish producer from Dublin. I had the chance to meet him personally two years ago when he played his second-ever live show, introducing his stunning debut album, 796. The album’s title references a tragic event—the 2014 discovery of 796 children’s remains in a mass grave at a nun-run facility in Galway.
Following a couple of singles and countless UK live shows, he recently released Songs for the Deceased via Venn Records. His music transforms political manifestos into raw, furious anthems, tackling themes like church abuse, suicide, alcoholism, and political decline.
The Dogs: Wales
After a few digital releases, this Welsh band debuted on vinyl with Total Dog Shit, a 10-track 12” released via Mendeku Diskak. Their sound is a mix of Oi! and straightforward punk—effective, insolent, and full of disdain for human stupidity.
The trio will be playing several live shows in the coming months after opening for The Chisel in London and Blackpool last December.
Article By Demis Trieste
This article is an unedited piece written by Demis for Radio Punk. Its sharing is free but if you would like to republish or quote it write to us at info@radiopunk.it