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Baudelaire strike again with their unique brand of industrial punk, this time with their second single ‘Lethe’. It should be noted that before I start this review there is simply not enough words in the oxford dictionary to truly encapsulate the wonders of Baudelaire’s exquisite musical output – if you haven’t been introduced to the group yet, then i strongly recommend that you stream their debut offering ‘Prayers’ to give you an emphatic introduction to just what this band are capable of.

Produced by Gavin Monaghan, ‘Lethe’ starts with a mere drum machine, yet it is only a matter of seconds before the industrial ‘wall of sound’ is unleashed from the tracks dark synthesised underbelly. Adding layers of cathartic guitars, Stephen Morris-esc drumming and an iconic bass riff to top it all off. Right from the offset the track has a clear, fresh feel to it – a dissociation from the ‘punk-by-numbers’ approach that many groups seem to take in the modern day. The dance-y element of the track works especially well as ‘Lethe’ seems to have blended the greatest aspects of dark, minimalist synthesised music and the wonders of gloomy post punk into a beautiful array of gritty guitar music.

In addition to this, the band shine lyrically as they look to explore the foreboding correlation that alcohol and violence share. Not only does this prove that Baudelaire possess an abundance of creativity in terms of musicianship, but it also demonstrates a bold and inquisitive nature that shows they are not afraid to address issues and relationships that are seldom addressed within music.

Evidentially, the group’s influences are steeped in legendary names. Perhaps Black Midi, Fontaines DC & TV Priest to name a few of the punkier feel of things that this track has incorporated. Furthermore, it is obvious that dance music is not too far behind on their musical paintbrush with the adoption of ‘mechanical grooves’. This is where ‘Lethe’ truly shines and stands out.

Baudelaire are unmistakably one of the most interesting and genre defining groups in Britain today. This is the future of post punk.

‘Lethe’ is released Friday 13th May, do not miss out.