Norwegian post-punk quartet drop electrifying sophomore LP
Norwegian quartet The Real Jobs solidify their reputation as one of the country’s most compelling alternative acts with their sophomore release, Do-Gooder, an electrifying, albeit unsettling at times, journey into modern anxieties, expertly packaged in abrasive, psychedelic-tinged post-punk.
Billing themselves as an “evil boyband,” the group—consisting of producers Eirik Marinius Sandvik and Jonas Vedaa Særsten, lyricist Bryn Bowen, and guitarist William Jensen Mangerøy—self-produced an album that is both meticulously structured and gleefully volatile. Do-Gooder pushes their sound into a fascinating territory, combining the aggression of post-punk with deliberately “wonky” layers of blown-out electronics, anxious guitars, and a powerful, driving melodic core. The sound is designed to put the listener on edge, a feeling that perfectly complements the album’s thematic focus.
The band describes the record as “music to soundtrack the brain rot.” This concept is visceral and palpable, from the opening tracks through to the recent singles like “White Beef” and “BubbleGum.” The music is a cathartic scream against the “mean old voice in your head,” making it a strangely addictive listen that is equal parts menace and infectious hook.
For listeners who appreciate the rhythmic intensity of IDLES, the angular art-rock of Squid, or the wild energy of Fat Dog, The Real Jobs offer a distinct and potent alternative. Following their release, fans can look forward to experiencing the group’s notorious chaotic live performances when they return for a UK tour in May.
