There’s something electric happening in the UK punk scene, and its pulse is beating loudest in Bristol — thanks in large part to a trio called Mould. With a sound that’s as crunchy and cathartic as it is thoughtful, Mould is quickly carving out their place as one of the most exciting new acts on the alternative circuit.

Formed officially in 2023, Mould consists of Joe Sherrin (vocals/guitar), Kane Eagle (bass/vocals), and James Luxton (drums). Though new under this name, the three have been playing music together for over a decade in various forms, sharing a deep-rooted bond that’s immediately evident in their tight, kinetic chemistry on stage and in the studio. They emerged from Bristol’s vibrant DIY scene — a city known for its creative grit — and they’ve channelled that energy into a sound they call “chunky punk.”

If their name hasn’t made its way onto your radar yet, their music certainly will. Their debut single “Birdsong” landed in late 2023 and immediately marked them out as something special. Gritty, anthemic, and emotionally aware, it’s a song that explores the weight of constant positivity. “It’s about how trying to be optimistic all the time is draining,” says Sherrin — and that honesty resonates in every shout and strum.

In August 2024, Mould followed up with their self-titled debut EP, released on Nice Swan Records. A blistering four-track offering, it showcases the band’s ability to merge raw aggression with unexpected nuance. Tracks like “Cables” and “The Space You Take Up” blend jagged riffs and punchy rhythms with reflections on identity, anxiety, and the struggle to carve out space in a chaotic world. Their influences are broad — think Fugazi’s fervor, Weezer’s hooks, and Pile’s off-kilter grooves — but what Mould delivers feels undeniably their own.

Where Mould truly shine, though, is on stage. Their live shows are a tightrope walk of ferocity and finesse: loud, passionate, and brimming with a kind of unshakable belief in the power of music to move people. Having already stormed stages at festivals like 2000 Trees and Live At Leeds, the trio are quickly becoming known for their sweat-drenched, no-holds-barred performances.

But it’s not just noise for noise’s sake — there’s real substance behind Mould’s sound. Their lyrics touch on everything from societal pressure to personal growth, always underpinned by a desire to connect and challenge. In a scene often dominated by style over sincerity, Mould is refreshingly authentic.

With a second EP reportedly in the works and a growing reputation across the UK indie landscape, Mould is one of those rare bands that arrives fully formed yet buzzing with potential. They’re the kind of act you catch at a sweaty pub show one month and see headlining festivals the next.

So, if you like your music loud, smart, and straight from the gut — Mould might just be your new favourite band. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Follow Mould on their Instagram

@moulditsmould

Listen to them on Spotify

Mould on Spotify