Credit: 5 Hills Out
Emerging from the depths of Derbyshire, England, 5 Hills Out is a band that has spent the last decade carving their name into the rich landscape of folk-punk. Born out of shared passion, rebellion, and an intense desire to give voice to the social and personal struggles they witnessed, this quintet has crafted a sound that blends traditional folk elements with the grit and intensity of punk rock. Their journey began humbly, as they toiled tirelessly at perfecting their music, performing in small venues, and pushing the boundaries of their sound.
Over the years, the band has endured both personal and collective challenges. Saxophonist Alex’s battle with cancer and drummer Chris’s recovery from a devastating cycling accident that left him in a coma are just two of the many obstacles they faced. Yet, in the face of adversity, they continued to write, rehearse, and play, driven by an unshakable sense of purpose. Their resilience and determination were evident as they recorded at Dubrek Studios in Derby, finally bringing their long-awaited debut album to life in 2024. Through their own label, Culvert Collective Recordings, 5 Hills Out has released two EPs, “No Way In” and “Still Outside”, as well as a double single, “Snug Sessions” and “Snowfall”. These releases laid the foundation for their latest and most ambitious project yet – an album that encapsulates their growth and defiance.
On August 24th, 2024, after ten years of musical evolution and perseverance, 5 Hills Out unleashed their debut album, “Dystopia Bazaar”, a collection of ten songs that embody the raw spirit of folk-punk. This album is a sonic voyage through hope, rebellion, agony, and history, crafted amidst personal difficulties and societal turbulence. The band’s tenacity and creative vision are demonstrated on “Dystopia Bazaar,” which combines intense punk with moving folk tales. Every song is filled with raw emotion, colorful arrangements, and unwavering lyrics that speak to the core of societal and personal discontent. This eagerly anticipated album represents a turning point in the band’s history and provides a soundtrack for overcoming hardship by transporting listeners to a place where the past and present merge.
Dystopia Bazaar Album Track List:
Feelings:
The song “Feelings,” which kicks off 5 Hills Out’s “Dystopia Bazaar,” is a relentless punk energy blast that instantly establishes the mood for the remainder of the album. The song’s intense opening guitar riff draws the listener into a vortex of intensity and immerses them in an exciting auditory experience. A raw and purposeful soundtrack is produced by the heavily distorted guitar tones and the powerful thumping of the drums. The track builds into a powerful storm of sound, with electrifying guitar runs, intense bass grooves, and the piercing accent of piano notes creating a dynamic and vigorous musical force.
The instrumental arrangement in “Feelings” is a masterclass in energy management, with each element balanced to maintain a steady flow of high-octane rhythm. The electric guitars dominate with a fire that never wanes, while the drums punctuate the track with a relentless, maddening rhythm that drives the song forward. The piano adds an unexpected layer, lacing the chaos with moments of melodic grace. Amidst this explosive backdrop, the lead vocalist delivers a performance that is as intense as the instrumentation, with a voice that is both commanding and full of emotional charge. His delivery conveys a sense of urgency and passion, riding above the instrumentation with a tone that complements the raw power of the song perfectly.
“Feelings” is particularly remarkable because it keeps up a relentless tempo without ever coming across as undesirable. The excitement is constant throughout the song, gripping listeners and holding them on the edge of their seats from the first note to the last chord. With flashes of genius interwoven throughout, it’s a relentless assault of punk power. Whether it’s the intricacies of the guitar riffs or the passion behind the vocals, “Feelings” captures the raw essence of what punk music is about—vigorous expression, powerful rebellion, and an undying intensity.
Town End:
“Town End” from 5 Hills Out’s “Dystopia Bazaar” feels like a revelation in punk music, offering a softer, more composed version of the genre that’s just as powerful as its more aggressive counterparts. Right from the opening, the guitar riffs carry a thrilling intensity, but this time they’re layered with a calm aura, a sense of quiet majesty that’s unexpected for punk. Each element, from the smooth basslines to the gritty, textured guitars, forms a cohesive unit that feels more meditative than explosive. The result is a balanced and transcendent piece, where the trademark punk power is cloaked in a downtempo softness.
The instrumentation in “Town End” shines because of its subtle complexity. The drums maintain a steady, majestic rhythm that feels both restrained and impactful, while the basslines weave through the mix with a quiet confidence. Unlike typical punk tracks where the energy is consistently at a high, “Town End” deliberately tempers its intensity, allowing each instrument to shine in moments of calm before they swell together again. The lead guitar riffs are thrilling without being overbearing, and the restraint shown in this arrangement gives the track a unique place within the album. It’s punk, but it moves with a slow-burning intensity that feels almost meditative.
The lead singer’s performance adds another layer of brilliance to “Town End.” His voice is powerful yet soft, carrying a subtle energy that perfectly matches the song’s overall mood. His delivery, filled with both grace and intensity, allows the lyrics to shine through, elevated by the calming yet electrifying soundscape beneath him. The track’s ability to hold listeners captive with its downtempo consistency is one of its greatest strengths, creating a hypnotic rhythm that feels impossible to ignore. It’s a beautiful piece of innovation within the punk genre, proving that power doesn’t always need to roar—it can also be felt in a steady, controlled force.
Legend:
“Legend,” from 5 Hills Out’s “Dystopia Bazaar”, lives up to its title by weaving a tapestry of sound that feels both transcendent and innovative. Right from the start, the song opens with a masterful fusion of folk-inspired guitar strings, layered atop a powerful wave of anthemic drumming that immediately sets the tone. The rhythmic consistency is mesmerizing, pulling the listener into a world where punk meets an eclectic range of sounds. As the song progresses, the complexity increases, with the intricate guitar work meeting the power of the drums to create a landscape that feels fresh yet familiar. The lead singer’s entry into the mix brings a different kind of energy—his voice, calm yet filled with passion, contrasts beautifully against the backdrop of surging instrumentation. His smooth vocal delivery enhances the overall dynamic, and as each sound blends seamlessly, the track becomes a sonic experience that is difficult to pull away from.
The evolution of “Legend” is remarkable, as it gradually shifts from its punk roots into something more grandiose, edging towards contemporary rock. As the song progresses, new instrumental layers are introduced: heavy, smooth basslines weave in and out, while synth-like melodies and reverberating sounds echo in the background, enhancing the track’s depth. These subtle additions enrich the sound, making the song fuller and more immersive. The interplay between the instruments feels like an exploration, as if 5 Hills Out is guiding the listener on a journey that constantly evolves, keeping the energy intact while introducing new textures and colors.
What sets “Legend” apart is its ability to maintain intensity despite the shifts in rhythm and tone. The song manages to be both dynamic and cohesive, thanks to the strength of the midtempo rhythm and the consistency of its vibrant core. Even as the song veers away from its anthemic punk roots towards a more expansive, rock-like progression, it never loses its essence. An even richer, more resonant sound is produced by the background vocals, which also fill in the gaps. “Legend” is ultimately more than simply a song; it’s an example of the band’s inventiveness, showcasing a range of emotions and genres to create a piece of music that is genuinely legendary.
Lost Connection:
“Lost Connection” from 5 Hills Out’s album “Dystopia Bazaar” is an irresistibly groovy track, packed with unpredictability that keeps the listener fully engaged. The moment the song begins, a captivating balance of sounds emerges, pulling you into a world where diverse rhythms and textures blend harmoniously. It’s a sonic landscape that grabs your attention immediately, making your soul dance to the beat. After the initial pull, the dynamics shift with precision—steady drum grooves, sweet synth-like melodies, and smooth basslines interweave with catchy guitar strings to create an infectious rhythm. The midtempo progression builds the core of the song, providing a continuously evolving soundscape that keeps you moving and listening attentively.
One of the standout elements in “Lost Connection” is the lead singer’s pure and clear voice. His vocal delivery is clean and textured, gracefully carrying the lyrics across the rich instrumentation. The clarity and softness of the backup vocals complement the lead vocals beautifully, adding depth and fullness to the track. The delicate balance between all the vocals results in a harmonious, polished sound that elevates the song’s overall experience. Each vocal line floats effortlessly above the instrumentation, and the subtle harmonies enhance the track’s emotional weight. The interplay between the vocals and instruments creates a seamless fusion that enhances the song’s dynamic, ensuring that no element feels out of place.
The instrumental arrangement in “Lost Connection” is nothing short of remarkable. The way the various instruments work together is flawlessly timed, and every rhythmic and melodic change adds to the track’s depth without taking away from its central theme. The song showcases the band’s ability to develop while remaining true to their roots because it keeps its addictive groove throughout, even with intricate melodic and rhythmic shifts. The track’s varied melodic parts, which constantly surface in thrilling and surprising ways, keep the song’s moments engaging and novel. In the end, “Lost Connection” stands as a testament to 5 Hills Out’s creative prowess and their mastery of crafting engaging, unpredictable music.
5 Hills Out’s genre-bending album “Dystopia Bazaar” combines creative rock elements with punk energy to create an exhilarating and contemplative listening experience. The band’s ability to combine unadulterated passion and great musicianship is evident in every song, from the powerful intensity of “Feelings” to the lyrical subtlety of “Lost Connection.” You’re captivated from beginning to end by the erratic rhythms, strong vocals, and captivating soundscapes. “Dystopia Bazaar” is an album that should not be missed by anyone looking for something that is avant-garde but still true to itself. Punk rock conventions are challenged on this thrilling adventure, and its inventive energy will stick with you. This musical journey is not to be missed.
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