Stoke-on-Trent trio Formal Sppeedwear release debut album Punch Card, a shape-shifting avant-pop record built from sonic collage, instinct and happy accidents. Driven by a desire to constantly undermine expectation, the band fuse elastic basslines, jagged guitar motifs and sparse percussion into something both tightly controlled and thrillingly unpredictable. Much like the typo in their name, now worn proudly as a badge of honour, Punch Card thrives on collisions, contrasts and off-kilter charm. Self-produced and mastered by Paul D. Millar, Punch Card moves between improvisation, collage and moments of unexpected poignancy, emerging through collision, constraint and chance. FFO: XTC, Devo, Scary Monsters-era Bowie
- 1. Hit 'N' Run
- 2. Who Needs Spain Ball?
- 3. Indecent
- 4. Knutmo 1-5
- 5. Aardvark X2
- 6. A Concise History
- 7. Fleas
- 8. Wait (Hatchet Gets a New Hide)
- 9. The Ballad of DCB
- 10. New Brother
- 11. Appointment
- 12. Friedrich Backs Up Nothing