It was the hypnotic live shows that earned DEADLETTER a large, dedicated following (they also captivated the Add To Wantlist crew). Three years of relentless touring forged 2024’s Hysterical Strength LP, but it didn’t reveal that the UK crank wave outfit still has much greater potential. Their sophomore full-length, Existence Is Bliss, is what happens when the dust settles and the band dares to rethink the blueprint. The twelve new songs trade some of their serrated post-punk bite for more nervy new-wave textures and synth-streaked atmospherics, and it turns out bitter, sweet, and beautifully unsettled.

The rhythm section trots restlessly back and forth, unfazed by free-flying new saxophonist Nathan Pigott, who fires off inimitable notes, while frontman Zac Lawrence, a Nick Cave-esque beacon of charisma, declaims his shadow-drenched lines with theatrical poise. Rock, punk, folk, jazz, and art bleed into one another, forming a restless collage that jitters and gnaws but never really loses control. The record tightens its grip as it moves toward its closing stretch. Highlights Frosted Glass and He, Himself, and Him ​​smoulder with intent, before the looming Meanwhile in a Parallel lands like a final, slow-burn reckoning.

Unfortunately, there’s no Bandcamp or SoundCloud to embed here, just the two lead videos, but that’s probably more than enough to convince.

Existence is Bliss, produced by Ben Romans-Hopcraft, is out now on CD and vinyl LP through So Recordings. Featuring Zac Lawrence, George Ullyott, Will King, Alfie Husband, Sam Jones, and Nathan Pigott.

Add to wantlist: Discogs || Openstage || Rough Trade