Dream Nails – Doom Loop

While it's not common for bands to continue after their lead vocalists leave, it can happen. Most recently this was the case for Black Country, New Road, and in the summer of 2021, it was the case for queer punk collective Dream Nails, who revealed that new frontman Ishmael Kirby would be taking over from founding member Janey Starling.

Their live set quickly became bolstered by new numbers like BBC 6 Music-approved Good Guy, taking aim at toxic masculinity, and the Leonard Cohen-quoting Monster. Two years on, and flanked by OG members Anya Pearson (guitar), Lucy Katz (drums) and Mimi Jasson (bass), these tracks appear on the band’s second album, Doom Loop.

While the punk pace hasn’t changed, there are different forces at play here. Where Starling brought Kathleen Hanna-esque hijinx to the group’s debut, Kirby dishes out an almost Sleaford Mods-style swagger in the trip-hop-tinged Sometimes I Do Get Lonely, Yeah. It’s no more Sriracha-doused penises (2017’s Deep Heat) and witch hexes. Instead, Doom Loop surprises with tender, piano-led closer Time Ain’t No Healer.

But it’s in those heavy, riff-laden riots where the band still dazzles. Like recent single Ballpit, with new rave keys and rhythm block layered in for good measure. Sure, it might be a new era for Dream Nails but they’re still fighting the good fight, just with fewer goofs.

Listen to: Ballpit, Geraniums