There is a rich history of punk and adjacent genres such as hardcore, metalcore and post-hardcore within the UK. Whilst it has seen its time in the spotlight decades ago with bands such as Sex Pistols and The Clash, bands such as Slaves and IDLES have entered the fray in recent years to significant recognition. Grassroots bands such as Bob Vylan and Witch Fever have also emerged, showing that the genre remains in a strong position going into 2022. Now, looking to sit themselves alongside these emerging acts is Hex Poseur, who has recently released their EP, Hearsay. “There was a long period of anticipation and I was very nervous,” she reflects on its recent release. “It’s been a good reaction which I’m happy with but it feels surreal it being actually out.”
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Whilst Hearsay released just over a month ago, the EP saw its formation in December of last year. With Hex’s debut release coming out during the lockdown of 2020, the releasing of the follow up was new territory. “It’s a surreal feeling, when you release music there’s not always an immediate response and sometimes it’s a gradual response.” This release saw Hex’s debut on Manic Kat Records, which saw its announcement delayed due to the pandemic. “It feels like I’ve been with them for two years but I haven’t actually been announced to them or anything like that, so when I’m doing gigs in the back of my mind I’m like, ‘I’ve got the label, I’ve got the label,’ and then I couldn’t say anything to people as it was under wraps.” Having signed two years ago, it had been a long wait leading up to the official announcement.
The arsenal of resources that come with being part of a label allowed Hex to take the next step in their craft. Upon receiving the mixes back for the EP, the dividends started to show. “I was blown away by them and thought it was amazing. I was so glad I decided to go with the label, as you’re never too sure about making these decisions.” The label, who are based out of New York, have given Hex both freedom and reassurance. “They’re very much with me from a distance so it’s not too overbearing, but I know they’re there if I need them so it suits me well.” With this comes all the pleasantries of cultural clashes, such as “How they’re ok with travelling seven hours and how we would not do that, and how the pool what is local is much bigger in America. Local in the UK is one two cities, whereas in America it’s one part of a state.”
Returning to the recent EP which is an array of sounds and influences, Hex explains, “there wasn’t an influence for the whole EP but there were for individual songs.” With each track exploring its own vein, ranging from “Give Me Something Better” being a Nirvana-esque grunge tribute, “Gentlemen” being the “fun rock song“, and others exploring modern day post-punk that can be found in acts such as IDLES. With this, listeners may pick up on favourites. “I notice what people like but the problem is that what people like I may not be in the mood to write“, with Hex further delving into the current metal sound she is set on exploring. “At the moment people like “Gentlemen”, which isn’t a metal song, so at the moment I’m going to continue writing and see how that goes but I’ll keep that in mind.” with an array of possibilities to come next, the only certainty seems to be that the project will not remain stale and constrained to one sound.
Another first has come with live shows, which have enamoured the Leicester artist. “I’ve only been performing live for around a year and I love performing live. You have bad gigs and good gigs but the good gigs are amazing and I love them. I always get sad if I have a gig on and I get excited if I have a gig on this week.” And with all this, it now seems the vision that Hex has is coming through, with a strong EP release, label signing and live shows, each part slowly slotting into place to form a foundation for a career in music. “It feels like a stepping stone. I feel like if I look back on a musical career this will be one of the main points I remember.” Even if for now the imposter syndrome lurks, “I still have lots of anxieties about these things.”
When put on the spot about where punk has the potential to go in the coming decade, Hex articulates how it must remain truthful to itself. “That’s a key thing in music, if you write what’s honest to you, people will recognise it and understand it. Don’t try and write things that are punk, write about things you want to write about and it will then translate.” Certain bands in punk have arguably lost sight of this, straying from the roots that make the genre so personal and rewarding. And it’s important those who follow punk remain true to that, that while there is a glory in following larger bands within the scene, punk thrives in the underground of venues with sticky floors and artists experimenting with the genre, and that creative and talented artists such as Hex Poseur are supported even if the dazzling lights haven’t fully shifted their gaze upon them just yet.
Hearsay is out now via Manic Kat Records, and you can read our full review here.