“Making sense of the method in the meaningless” is the core message from Dublin four piece punk rock band TV People’s latest single, “Nothing More”.
Dubbed as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Dublin rock scene, this is their third single of the year following the successful releases of “Kitchen Sinking” and “Time Eats Up”. Based on those songs, generational ennui is at the forefront of this young band’s mind.
Opening with strong crisp drums, a layered guitar riff and an upfront bass line, TV People quickly set the tone of this moody dirge. Lead singer Paul Donohoe repeats that he is so tired of it all in a listless Ian Curtis drawl, punctuated at times by an Irish lilt. Speaking about the song, the band comments that “the song documents the experience of trying to make peace with the realisation that life may be inherently meaningless and deal with the burden of being responsible for your own life's purpose.”
It is important to note that the band conceived and recorded this song during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. In a way, the single acts as a time capsule of this moment, capturing the helpless tone and climate of existential dread that many have felt in this current situation.
The production and mixing of the song must also be praised. With the help of contemporary Dublin punk prodigy, Dan Doherty (of Fontaines D.C. fame) and mastered by Abbey Road engineer Christian Wright (who has previously mastered Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem to achieve similar clarity), “Nothing More” offers a clear sound without sacrificing its post punk edge.
My only quarrel with the release would be that it does tend to trudge in it’s own nihilism. While the lead vocals and the lyrical content are both worthy, the listlessness that the song speaks of can be counteractive, the songs own lethargy often leads to what seems to be a formless composition (despite the obvious talent of the band members and producers).
Aside from this minor criticism, TV People have proved that with only three singles released, they are one of the preeminent young punk bands working in the UK today. Their mix of existential angst and dark tones will surely prove popular in this modern social climate.
- Josh Lambie
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