SINGLE REVIEW: Barking Poets – Pure Blood
‘Pure Blood’ shows Barking Poets stepping into a darker, more reflective corner of their sound — a side that doesn’t appear often, but lands with clarity and conviction when it does. Where their last release leaned into party-energy chaos, this one descends into something more brooding and slow-burning, built on sombre tones and a weight that feels lived rather than theatrically imposed.
The verses lean into raw, almost conversational vocals — that unmistakable Barking Poets hallmark — delivered low, unvarnished, and emotionally close to the mic. There’s a labbish, unpolished charm to it, the kind of delivery that feels overheard rather than performed. Beneath it, the band weave together post-punk experimentation, atmospheric indie textures, and alternative rock heft, creating a sound that feels dense but never cluttered. It echoes the working-class bite of early Oasis in its attitude, while channelling the modern sharpness of acts like Kid Kapichi in its tone and intent.
Then the chorus hits — expansive, powerful, and almost anthemic in contrast to the verses’ downtrodden introspection. It lifts the whole track, not by abandoning the darkness but by expanding it into something cathartic. The production shapes this beautifully: a sweeping, wide-open moment that feels purpose-built for shouting along in rooms far too small to contain it.
The structure breathes with tension and release. ‘Pure Blood’ builds slowly, melts back into quieter passages, then surges forward again — a push-and-pull between grandeur and lo-fi honesty. That interplay keeps the track moving, constantly shifting its centre of gravity while maintaining its gloom-soaked core.
The guitar solo is a standout moment: melodic, magnetic, and shaped with the kind of swagger that reinforces the Oasis comparison without ever drifting into imitation. It’s bold but not overplayed, leaning into emotional resonance rather than technical display.
What really makes ‘Pure Blood’ shine is its sincerity. It feels honest, authentic, and open — a track that doesn’t dress up its moodiness but lets it breathe in its own raw form. The production is polished enough to elevate the band’s sound, but still retains that DIY edge that makes Barking Poets feel grounded and real.
Brooding, cathartic, and driven by big riffs and bigger emotion, ‘Pure Blood’ is a compelling detour into the shadowed side of Barking Poets — and they wear it remarkably well.
