Leicester’s Our Souls return with their latest EP, DIY Misery, out on November 7, 2024. This six-track release marks their fourth EP and sixth overall, blending sharp, introspective lyrics with energetic, melodic punk.
The band’s sound lands somewhere between the hooks of Banner Pilot and the irreverence of Screeching Weasel, all the while maintaining their own distinct identity.
The EP opens with “Last Life,” a track that explores the unrelenting pull of self-destructive behavior. Guitarist Mark describes it as an exploration of the infatuation with losing control, where the realization hits that once you start down that path, there’s no turning back. It’s a ride, for better or for worse, and there’s a rawness to the honesty in the song. “You’re better to try than wonder,” he sums it up, capturing that feeling of being caught in a cycle you can’t quite control.
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The next track, “Boxer,” takes a more allegorical approach. It blends the story of George Orwell’s Animal Farm with a personal disillusionment toward blind obedience. As Mark explains, the song brings together the idea of blind loyalty with the eventual realization that those who claim to have your best interests at heart might not be so trustworthy after all. It’s the kind of track that weaves together personal reflection with broader social commentary, giving it an emotional weight without feeling preachy.
“Background” stands out as a track born out of a much smoother creative process compared to their previous work. The band’s dynamics seem to have settled, and Mark points out that this EP felt like a more natural creation. “Six songs coalesced at the same time into a body of work that fit together great, like a nice suit,” he says. It’s a comfortable fit—smart, but without pretension—and it’s clear that the band is hitting their stride both musically and personally.
As much as the music carries its own weight, the local Leicester scene also plays an essential part in shaping DIY Misery. Mark mentions how the city has been tough on punk rock bands, with venues like Soundhouse and Firebug fighting to survive. Yet, it’s precisely this struggle that has shaped the band’s identity. “We’re not punk enough to be hardcore and too punk to be alternative rock,” Mark says, a sentiment that perfectly captures the band’s ability to carve their own space in an often fragmented scene. It’s a reminder of the resilience that shapes not only their music but the very community they belong to.
Lyrically, the band continues to evolve. Ian, the vocalist, offers a glimpse into his personal struggles in “Them Old Haunts (The Earworm).” The song reflects on the cyclical nature of life’s challenges, with Ian admitting that no matter where he goes, the same struggles seem to follow. The song’s real power lies in its honesty—it’s not about offering solutions, but simply accepting the repetition of life’s hardships. “Sometimes I fail,” he confesses, capturing that quiet frustration with universal experience.
“Bands Are Stupid (The Shredder)” takes a playful jab at the self-consciousness that often surrounds music scenes. Drawing inspiration from Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity, the song critiques the pretentiousness of the music world through the lens of an older punk. It’s a clever reflection on the music industry’s sometimes absurd nature, especially when viewed from the perspective of someone who’s been in the scene long enough to see its flaws.
Perhaps the most personal track on the EP is “Glaswegian Blood, Yorkshire Heart, Leicester Lad (Chin up mate),” written by drummer Ben. This is his first foray into writing lyrics, and the song is an emotional catharsis, dealing with the grief of losing his father. As Ben admits, the song is a reflection of his struggles with accepting that some wounds never truly heal. It’s a vulnerable, deeply human track that anchors DIY Misery in real, lived experience.
DIY Misery is a record marked by its honest exploration of personal struggle, societal disillusionment, and the bittersweet complexity of life. It’s clear that the band is no longer just drawing influence from their peers—they’ve built something distinct, shaped by their experiences and their place in the world.
While the sound may echo the punk rock greats like The Lawrence Arms and Iron Chic, the band has clearly found their own voice, one that blends humor, raw emotion, and a dose of bitterness into something unmistakably their own.
If you’ve ever wondered about the intersection of reflection and rebellion, DIY Misery will take you on a ride that’s as raw as it is real.
