These are some mouldy old times we dwell in – and these guys know it. Yet, on their debut full length, this Bristol based bunch of noise-mongers manage to create something which, quite frankly, sounds like a breath of fresh air. ‘Hoping As A Coping Mechanism’ combines elements of punk (both post and pop), noise rock and an uncanny knack of creating genres all of their own. That is the apparent genius of Mould.
I mean, it’s not Cardiacs but the underlying creative integrity is close. On paper, as I listen to this, I probably shouldn’t be as drawn in as I am. Yet, even at their most pop-punk chorus-scribing best, like in ‘Lucid’ and ‘Lists’, I am genuinely impressed how they make even the most major progressions sound forlorn and almost resigned to…well, the eternally growing mould….I guess.
There are momentary flashes of Scars on Broadway, vast swathes of early Biffy worship, mathy segments that dissolve into a sad version of Death Cab For Cutie and much more. Take the rolling grooves of ‘Superseded’ and tell me that these guys aren’t acutely aware of the world in which they live, and everyone else does too.
‘Hoping Is A Coping Mechanism’ is exactly what I need from a band (that isn’t a metal band) in 2026 – if that makes any sense at all. I often find indie and punk derivatives to be a little twee and unaffected by the underbelly of life (from which it should have crawled on hands and knees). This is mould through and through – both thematically and musically – and every element is pitched absolutely right.
Astute, aware and affected. Listen to the last track ‘Humm’ and let Mould grow within your brain matter. In a genre that I generally mark mediocre, this is an exceptional and well-crafted gem that deserves your full attention. All hail sad gits.
Best paired with: being chucked out of your flat and sitting on the pavement with a hamster, drinking Guinness because it might not be cool again one day, and being glum but alive.
Mould – hoping as a coping Mechanism is out now on 5db records.
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