Irked’s self-titled EP is a rip-roaring explosion of punk rock that combines spectacular lyricism with pure energy.

First track, Snakes, immediately greets you with feedback, acting almost as a power up screen for the EP and providing a perfect preview of what is to come when the bass hits.

In the verse, the instrumentation is controlled yet threatens to explode at any moment. This expectation is fulfilled by the time the track hits the chorus, where we are greeted with a scream and a cacophony of guitars, meeting the anticipation that the track has built up.

The lyrics use intense imagery to bring singer Helen Walkinshaw’s experience of sleep paralysis to life, with the performance matching the vivid imagery of the track’s lyrics.

This gives way to Backstreets, which hits you once again with its primal punk energy while offering a sharp critique of gender dynamics, the dismissal of male misconduct, and the effects of this.

The frustration in the lyrics is perfectly encapsulated by the instrumentation, which fizzes with aggression. At times, this cedes to allow Walkinshaw to emphasise the song’s message and powerful commentary. The track overall is a perfect encapsulation of punk at its very best, delivering pure energy and an attack on societal norms.

Single Crippling Empath explodes straight into the chorus, bringing more incredible performances with some excellent guitar work that runs throughout the EP.

Lanzarote uses personal antidotes to reflect upon recent political history, creating a foreboding atmosphere that the worst is still to come. This is all painted over a canvas of riffs, which help to build up the atmosphere, while allowing the lyrics to shine through.

The EP concludes with Move, which begins once again with drum rolls and feedback before exploding into life. There is more great guitar work, with the entire fretboard getting a workout at times, as well as an energetic performance from the rhythm section, which maintains the energy throughout the tracks on the EP.

Lyrically, the song provides a snapshot of the frustration and obstacles of everyday life and the resilience and determination it takes to keep moving forward, providing a defiant ending to the EP.

Overall, this is an amazing EP front to back and does everything a punk album should do lyrically and musically. If you’re a fan of bands like Amyl and the Sniffers or The Chats, then Irked may have just made the perfect EP for you.