Makeshift Art Bar release ‘Marionette’ EP 

Out now via Heist or Hit (Westside Cowboy, Her’s)

LISTEN HERE

Belfast quartet Makeshift Art Bar release sophomore EP ‘Marionette’, out today (June 26th) via Heist or Hit (Westside Cowboy, Her’s).

Fresh from supporting Chalk on their spring European tour run, as well as the group’s own Dublin & Derry headliners + 3Olympia show w/ Just Mustard, the frenetic four-piece have fast established themselves as one of the most fearless new voices in the underground scene. Folding post-punk into grunge into electronica, by way of proto sludge metal, hardcore and art rock, the rising sonic powerhouse have cemented their place as one of the most exhilaratingly coarse noise-outfits on the planet through sheer guts alone.

Speaking ahead of their EP’s arrival (the vinyl artwork features a painting from guitarist Callum Sweeney), Makeshift Art Bar explained: “‘Marionette’ had us focused on producing a body of work rather than a collection of songs. We were very much outside of our comfort zone in an exciting sense, it’s important to consistently push your own boundaries. Texture, mood and sound design were the most important aspects of recording this EP.  A lot of work went into generating synth sounds, processing drums and guitar tones, massively aided by Daniel Fox who engineered the EP and pushed us to experiment ourselves rather than doing it for us, which I’m sure he was equally capable of doing. Thematically, Marionette encompasses bleak attitudes and mindsets. Shining a light on struggle is vital to progress. Marionette isn’t supposed to read as self-loathing or preachy, rather it is an illustration of struggle, control and negativity without giving answers or solutions. We don’t find that interesting.”

Part-arch absurdist’s, part dissonant poets,  Joseph Sweeney (lead vocals/guitar/electronics), Callum McGuigan (bass), Alleyah Boulaich (drums) and Callum Sweeney (guitar/lapsteel) have already showcased several EP reveals to phenomenal acclaim. Kicking things off with scintillating lead single ‘Chocolate’ – a tale of crippling social anxiety and a preference for an unflattering, lonely reality – the band followed that up with the metallic intent of second track ‘Discipline’ and its 80s industrial influenced sensibilities. Whilst in newest cut (and EP closer) ‘Servant’, the newcomers explore a more abstract take on the idea of the power struggle, filtered through religious imagery and self-awareness of one’s own actions, coupled with an inability to exert control over them in their own trademark style.

Partnered with indie heavyweights Heist or Hit for their first extended offering, the enigmatic four-piece are primed for their own UK headline tour this autumn to celebrate their EP’s arrival. Having already ticked off a BBC 6 Music playlist spot and live session, praise continues to reverberate throughout the press landscape with nods of approval from the likes of DIY Magazine, Dork Magazine, So Young, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Rolling Stone UK and Rough Trade.

Produced by Gilla Band’s Daniel Fox (Sprints, MELTS, Psychotic Monks), Makeshift Art Bar’s ‘Marionette’ (EP) is out now via Heist or Hit and available on all digital platforms.

Makeshift Art Bar is Joseph Sweeney (lead vocals/guitar/electronics), Callum McGuigan (bass), Alleyah Boulaich (drums) & Callum Sweeney (guitar/lapsteel)

Makeshift Art Bar Online
Instagram | TikTok | Website

Live Dates
6 SEP – Edinburgh Psych Festival (UK)
12 OCT – The Cluny, Newcastle (UK)
14 OCT – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds (UK)
15 OCT – The Quarry, Liverpool (UK)
16 OCT – The Abbey, Manchester (UK)
17 OCT –  SŴN Fest, Cardiff (UK)
18 OCT – Exchange, Bristol (UK)
20 OCT – Green Door Store, Brighton (UK)
21 OCT – Dublin Castle, London (UK)
22 OCT – Croc’ the Rock Festival, Lausanne (CH)

‘Marionette’ EP Artwork © Alanah Quayle