Inaugurated by Knight and drummer Luke Bujniewicz in 2020, HOLY POPES emerges with a raw and assertive debut that delves into the gritty, distorted realms of their sound. The band’s moniker itself hints at a paradoxical reflection on societal constructs, challenging oppressive systems with music as their weapon. Knight’s fervor for dismantling fascism and bigotry resonates through their music, driving a call to dance amidst the overthrow of harmful ideologies.
Initially forming as a two-piece to merely create noise, the addition of bass player Jake Beckett catalyzed a transformative evolution.
The Bristol-based trio make a bold return with their latest single “Apples“. Following their debut self-titled album in 2023, the band unleashes a blistering track that captures the zeitgeist with raw intensity. HOLY POPES Guitarist Poppi channels a seething anger into the song’s lyrics, addressing systemic corruption within the police force. With a relentless barrage of storm-tossed riffs and palpable fury, “Apples” confronts recent events, including the conviction of a police officer for crimes against women and the murder of Sarah Everard. Poppi’s impassioned commentary reflects on a history of police violence in the UK, denouncing the notion of isolated incidents as mere “rotten apples“. Instead, the track calls for resistance against institutionalized injustice, challenging the very notion of policing by consent.
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