Hardcore
Lochy i Smoki – Powiedz, że wystarczam EP
In the always interesting landscape of Polish punk music, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Szczecin’s Lochy i Smoki, whose name literally translates to “Dungeons and Dragons”, is undoubtedly one of them. On their latest release, a four-track EP titled Powiedz, że wystarczam, which translates to “Say, I’m enough”, the band seamlessly blends […]
The post Lochy i Smoki – Powiedz, że wystarczam EP first appeared on DIY Conspiracy – International Zine in the Spirit of DIY Hardcore Punk!
Artist: Lochy i Smoki
Title: Powiedz, że wystarczam
Release: EP / Digital
Year: 2023
Label: Peleton Records
In the always interesting landscape of Polish punk music, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Szczecin’s Lochy i Smoki, whose name literally translates to “Dungeons and Dragons”, is undoubtedly one of them. On their latest release, a four-track EP titled Powiedz, że wystarczam, which translates to “Say, I’m enough”, the band seamlessly blends styles ranging from ’90s emo to melodic hardcore and spaced-out shoegaze. Having previously released a demo in 2015 and a full-length album in 2021, Lochy i Smoki have been quietly building a dedicated following in Poland.
From the very first note, the EP captivates the listener’s senses with its lead single and title track “Powiedz, że wystarczam”. This powerful opener deftly blends indie rock and emotional hardcore sensibilities in a way that demands repeated listens. What truly sets the band apart is their ability to convey raw emotions through lyrics delivered in Polish, accompanied by vocals that resonate with both sheer power and vulnerability. The dynamic interplay between the fast-paced instrumentation and melodic layers, infused with subtle hints of shoegaze, creates a compact and impactful sound that envelops the hearer in a compelling experience.
As the EP progresses, the second track, “Rozbitek,” takes us back to the indie emo days of yore. Lochy i Smoki skillfully channel the spirit of those influences, crafting a heartfelt composition complete with neat Fugazi-influenced chords intertwined with cues from modern bands like Title Fight. It’s a nostalgic journey that will resonate with fans of the genre, while still maintaining a fresh and contemporary vibe. In “To nie pierwszy raz”, the intro and the main chords played throughout the song, for better or worse, immediately conjure a resemblance to Turnstile’s “Blackout”. The EP closes with Lochy i Smoki’s catchiest track, “Winny”. This final offering showcases the band’s dynamism as they effortlessly navigate between anthemic emo choruses, jangly guitar hooks and intense breakdowns reminiscent of bands like Touché Amoré and Pianos Become The Teeth.
But while some English-speaking bands may fade into the background as hackneyed Touché Amoré imitators, Lochy i Smoki’s decision to sing in their native tongue shines a spotlight on their authenticity and originality. Similar to bands such as Złodzieje Rowerów and Mojapołowa, Lochy i Smoki’s lyrics in Polish add depth and meaning, enhancing the emotional impact of their music and creating a sense of identity. Lochy i Smoki have firmly established themselves as a name in their local scene, and with this release, they demand the attention of both domestic and international audiences.
Source: diyconspiracy.net
