Lackluster Writing Makes Fundamental Reading is the debut EP from Makeshift Art Bar. The Belfast band received tons of attention when they launched “Inertia” back in 2023, which landed them appearances on BBC 6Music as well as spots on tons of Ones to Watch lists. All that hype is justified, as this EP provides some of the best new Post-Punk we’ve heard in a long time. If you’re a fan of the early years of Gilla Band, you might wanna check this out.
Kicking off with the crushing grooves of “Birthday Party”, Lackluster Writing… is off to a good start. A wandering bassline kicks against a stuttering drum set to produce a vibe that sinks into the hips. As mentioned by the band in an interview with So Young, there’s almost a light-heartedness to it. Like the character is portraying somebody who’s really enjoying being the centre of attention, when really they’re spiralling inside. It’s a level of disguise we can only dream of having.
The monolithic “Notice Me” follows with a steady seven-minute descent into hell. Its steady drones ring out against the rhythm section to create an ominous sound. Leaving you feeling uneasy. Numerous wails from the guitars are heard throughout to maintain this nightmarish atmosphere, while the vocals sound as if they’re right in your ears. Becoming more unhinged as the song progresses. It’s darkness personified, and leaves you wanting more.
“Sonic Shelf” brings back the immediacy with a series of Home Counties-esque jangly guitars that surround and confuse the airwaves, while the drums focus on keeping things grounded with another punishing beat. It leads into “Bedwetter”, which closes out the EP with one final round of nightmares. I love the way it takes its time to get underway, and utilises silence to make those rapid drums sound even more powerful. It’s excellent – definitely the highlight of the EP.
Makeshift Art Bar have emerged from nowhere and immediately become one of our favourites. Lackluster Writing… is an excellent showcase of concise, tight songwriting that splashes around in the realms of Post-Punk and Noise Rock and delivers one of the most thrilling debuts we’ve heard in a long time.