Riding high on the back of last year’s Nordic Oik movement (a term coined by the NME for anything Scandinavian and loud) Holograms’ self-titled debut seems to be the logical progression for fans of Iceage’s stunning debut New Brigade.

Holograms’ production seems to mirror the Stockholm band’s attitude. It has been some time since I have heard an album with such a raw DIY feel. It truly feels like Holograms have gathered whatever instruments they could get a hold of to use as an outlet for their angst and aggression. One of the most brilliant things about it is the band’s use of synth, which at times feels so out of place you couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else.

At times Holograms’ influences are quite apparent, with several moments that are reminiscent of Joy Division. Stand out tracks on the album for me have to be Orpheo, ABC City and Stress. It is here that the awkwardness of Holograms comes to life, a band that doesn’t quite seem comfortable in their own skin and we should love them for it.

The album is a relentless assault on the eardrums and although there is not much variation throughout their debut, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Just as a listener may be getting a bit complacent, Stress kicks and really gets the blood pumping. This record should have a place in the collection of any post-punk and noise fans.

-Sam Flynn-