An alt-rock fourpiece who have been causing a stir on South Wales’ independent circuit, HWDU (pronounced like Hoodoo), have made their name by creating hard-hitting music layered with stoner grooves and harsh punk sensibilities. After kicking around stages all across Swansea, the band made the bold move of releasing the ‘Love Crime’ EP in May, taking to Bandcamp to launch the titanic six-track release.
Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Williams, fellow guitarist and backing vocalist Jonny Rundell, drummer Owen Foote and bassist Gavin Smith, HWDU are keen to make their mark, and the EP certainly goes a long way to doing just that, taking lead from their titanic lead single ‘Space Punk’ and delivering one of the most explosive EP’s the year.
Living up to its name, opening cut and lead single ‘Space Punk’ is as energetic as it is deafening, delivering a driven punk medley of distorted riffs and gritty vocals that hit hard and then keep on hitting. As the EP really opens up, tracks like ‘Shit TV’ keep the energy high, filling your speakers with aggressive guitar riffs and ruthless instrumentals, ensuring that punk fans of young and old will get their kicks. In ‘Jessie’ and ‘Song For June’, HDWU carves out a more wistful, pop-punk aesthertic, slowing the tempo and delving into more nuanced, almost emotive rock territory, before the whole EP comes to a bold, deliberate end with ‘Counter Esperanto’, a song laden with heavy, infectious grooves and some of HWDU’s most intense vocals to date.
While you can only hear the full EP by purchasing it on Bandcamp for the small fee of £5, which is well and truly worth it, you stream ‘Space Punk’ now alongside its rough and ready music video.
Taking influence from a wide range of punk, stoner, and old school rock, HWDU have created a bold testament to their abilities, breaking the mould with six cataclysmic tracks that are destined to make an impact. Check out the new single above, and be prepared to discover your new favourite punk band.
Score: 7.5/10
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