Chicago's bass-driven duo, BELLHEAD, are gearing up to deliver a potent dose of post-punk with their upcoming EP, ‘Threats’, a visceral new EP set to drop on April 8th. The anticipation is palpable, especially following their well-received 2023 release, ‘Good Intentions’. Fans can get a taste of the new material with the title track, ‘Threats’, available now for pre-order on Bandcamp.
‘Threats’ signals a shift for Ivan Russia and Karen Righeimer-Schock. While retaining their signature darkwave elements, the EP showcases a clear evolution in their songwriting and storytelling. Gone is the stark black and white aesthetic, replaced by a striking yellow palette. The artwork, previously shrouded in anachronistic mystery, now presents a full-colour portrait of the duo, offering a direct glimpse into the faces behind the music. This visual change mirrors the EP's intensified energy and directness.
The title track, ‘Threats’, serves as a stark introduction to this new chapter. It's a sonic declaration, a narrative of a character embracing chaos and wielding it as a weapon. The lyrics, delivered with a mix of growls and whispers, paint a picture of a protagonist revelling in destruction, a figure who commands with calculated precision. This isn't just music; it's a theatrical performance of raw emotion.
The EP, engineered by Neil Strauch and mastered by Carl Saff, features five original tracks alongside two remixes that offer fresh perspectives on BELLHEAD's sound. Clubdrugs reimagine ‘Heart Shaped Hole’ with a hallucinatory, dreamlike quality, transforming it into a journey through a haunted mansion. Conversely, Stabbing Westward's Chris Hall lends his vocal talents to ‘Bad Taste’, infusing it with a driving, club-ready rhythm that encourages movement and fist-pumping. The tracklisting, including ‘Shutters + Stutters’, ‘No Dead Horses’, and ‘Double Jeopardy’, hints at a diverse range of themes and sonic textures.
BELLHEAD's reputation for electrifying live performances has been a significant factor in their growing popularity. Their relentless touring schedule, including sharing stages with acts like Stabbing Westward, Julien-K, and Clan of Xymox, has solidified their presence in the post-punk scene.
With ‘Threats’, they are poised to embark on another tour, hitting spring dates and festival stages, ensuring their new music reaches a wide audience. The EP, released via Oppressive Sky Records, is more than just a collection of songs; it's a statement, a declaration of intent from a band ready to take their sound to the next level.
For more from BELLHEAD, be sure to check out their website, or follow them today on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
