Emerging from the vibrant music scene of the North East of England, TV Death have carved a distinctive niche with their raw energy and sonic experimentation. The quartet have captivated audiences with their visceral sound and thought-provoking lyrics, reminiscent of the sensual anarchy of bands like The Cramps and The Birthday Party.
The band, comprised of Jack Burlison on vocals and guitar, Robert Owens on bass, Andrew McAskell on drums, and Michael Adamson on guitar and synth, release their debut album Neon Dreamland on 21st August via Dogged Sound Records.
Recorded at Blank Studios in Newcastle, Neon Dreamland was produced, mixed and mastered by Chris McManus, with the exception of “Village Mentality”, which was produced, mixed and mastered by Sam Grant of PigsX7. The album features twelves tracks – ten brand new, previously unrecorded songs, alongside two fan favourites: “Village Mentality”, and a newly recorded version of their debut demo single, “Crank Bugs”.
“We decided on the name for the album quite early on, before all the song choices were made, and we wanted the album and songs to reflect a more vibrant and darker electronic sound. I bought a Microkorg synth and got a homemade synth guitar pedal to expand our sonic landscape for recording,” explains Jack Burlison. “We’re very proud of ‘Neon Dreamland’, it touches on some of the darker sides of society and the world we’re being forced to live in just now, whilst at the same time giving us a chance to kick against it.”
Jack’s early exposure to live music came through his father, a gig photographer, who would take him along to see the touring bands of the noughties indie rock scene, like Babyshambles, British Sea Power, The Rapture, and Bloc Party. This experience laid the foundation for his immersion in the sonics of garage rock, new wave, punk, and goth rock.
Robert credits his musically inclined family for his broad taste, citing classic rock alongside new wave/alt rock bands such as The Cure, as well as 90s/00s punk and skate punk bands. Whilst Andrew says The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers were a significant early influence, and Michael’s journey has been via Pixies and Pearl Jam.
TV Death presents a compelling case for a young band on the rise. Their synthesis of post-punk, psychedelic and garage rock feels organic and avoids pastiche, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. The lyrical landscape delves into a range of compelling themes, demonstrating perceptiveness for the crumbling world around them, aligning them with the tradition of politically and socially engaged punk and post-punk artists.
As well as pointing the finger at governments and their significant hangers on, Neon Dreamland tackles the mass media’s apparent connivance and manipulation of the masses where propaganda and distraction techniques are rife. “Neon Dreamland is in part a place to escape the real issues of our overarching modern-day problems, and a place where we’re yelling wake the fuck up into the ears of those who are currently hiding.”
