There’s a distinct clarity that emerges in the chaos, a sharpness that cuts through when a message resonates beyond the noise. For London-based post–hardcore trio Hearing Tests, their debut EP reflects this sentiment as they step into the spotlight with a track that embodies modern conflict, personal struggles, and the dissonance between empathy and ignorance.
“Shut The Door,” the first release from the band, captures this tension in a direct confrontation between ideologies.
In the words of Kuba Starzynski, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, it’s a heated argument between “a bigot, misogynist, and racist” who refuses to adapt to the world’s progress, and a person who wants peace and understanding. It’s an everyday battle that feels increasingly prevalent across global discourse, especially now, as divisions become sharper and empathy feels harder to grasp. There’s no space for subtlety here—just raw frustration and the reality of those conversations many avoid but eventually face.
Starzynski doesn’t mince words about his influences either. Drawing heavily from Shellac and Fugazi, the sonic weight of those bands courses through the EP. But what makes “Shut The Door” so arresting is its refusal to romanticize this ideological clash. Instead, it embraces the ugliness, the heat, the unwillingness to yield. It’s modern discourse at its rawest, translated into ferocious guitar riffs and pounding drumlines.
Beyond the confrontational opener, the EP deepens into stories of personal and political conflict. “Cannon Fodder” channels a more intimate pain, inspired by a homeless ex-soldier from London, haunted by PTSD after serving in Afghanistan. It’s both an anti-war anthem and a poignant commentary on how society fails its most vulnerable. There’s a quiet rage simmering beneath the track, the kind that comes from witnessing injustice and feeling powerless to change it.
Then, there’s “Holy Fucker,” a searing critique of the Catholic Church, inspired by the Polish documentary Tell No One. The track delivers no mercy, cutting through layers of hypocrisy and shining a light on the atrocities often swept under the rug. The parallels drawn between this and Spotlight hit hard, but for Starzynski, it’s a personal indictment—one that sees the church’s abuses laid bare without the comfort of distance.
Despite the heavy themes, there’s an element of resilience throughout the EP. Recording this body of work was no easy task for the band. After finishing the vocals, Starzynski was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, halting the release. The fact that he’s now in remission and ready to push forward with the EP only adds another layer to the music—proof that despite everything, the human spirit remains unbroken.
The top 10 releases in this vein from the year reflect Hearing Tests’ DNA. From Shellac’s final album To All Trains to High Vis’s Guided Tour, the list provides a glimpse into the sonic world that has shaped the band.
Each track adds context to their story, showing a deep connection to the sounds of post-punk, noise, and hardcore. And while Steve Albini’s recent passing adds a sense of finality to some of these releases, it’s clear that his influence endures, particularly in Hearing Tests’ homage to his work and the music he helped craft.
Check out the full list below and keep your eyes peeled – the EP will be available on streaming platforms starting October 4th, with live shows set for the 17th of October at Signature Brewery and the 8th of November at The Macbeth in Shoreditch.
Top 10 noise rockish post hardcre releases this year
Shellac “To All Trains”
Unfortunately the last one ever from Shellac as Steve Albini sadly passed away earlier this year. We had tickets to go and see them and was really looking forward to it. RIP Steve. Great album. Personally I love it as much as I do “At Action Park” or “1000 Hurts”. It’s short and sweet.
Jesus Lizard “Rack”
Steve Albini produced these guys many albums. I’m not sure whether he worked on “Rack” but having listened to it, it sounds fresh and as good as their earlier ones like “Liar” or “Goat”.
Predeceased “The News/Sun Reader”
One of the best post hardcore bands on the local London music scene. Check them out.
The Meffs “What A Life”
Great lyrics and energy. Punk duo from UK.
High Vis “Guided Tour”
I saw them play live couple of years ago supporting Fiddlehead in Camden and then year later at a summer festival in London. I like the lead singer, I think he’s northern? I like “No Sense No Feeling” a lot and looking forward to hearing the new release. It’s post punk with elements of hardcore.
Amyl and The Sniffers “Cartoon Darkness”
Saw them at Glastonbury 2022. I left Diana Ross’s set half way through and all my mates thought I was mad but I was not disappointed. Love the new single “U Should Not Be Doing That” from the upcoming album. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Will be seeing them in London on the 13th of November.
Slint “Hippie Chick (Tweethan Mix)”
New mix of an old song from a legendary band.
Idles “Tangk”
I was admitted to hospital with leukaemia a few days before its release. Tried listening to it but was so high on morphine I was in a bad mood plus it sounded nothing like ‘the old’ Idles to me. I was hating on it for a long time but it grows on you.
Chat Pile “Cool World”
One of the coolest heavy “new” bands on the block. Alongside with Pigs 7x they are one of my favourite acts.
Fu Manchu “The Return Of Tomorrow”
The band that made me want to skate. “Evil Eye” on Tony Hawk right? This new album kicks a** and they’re coming to Europe very soon. We’re gonna catch them when they’re in London and I can’t wait. Might even grab that new LP!
