Psykobilly – Minor Exit Wound (Album Review)

Indie band, Psykobilly, bids what may be a final farewell with their fifth album, Minor Exit Wound, a stunning collection of twelve songs drawn from their previous four records. True to form, the band refuses to stay pinned down, blending dark pop, rock, and vintage influences into a sound that’s both hauntingly nostalgic and vibrantly modern.

The core trio, Bill Newton (vocals, guitar), Phil Sorrell (multi-instrumentalist, producer), and Isabelle Sorrell (vocals), are joined by guest vocalists James Walsh (on Five Thousand Feelings #1) and Steve Smiley Barnard (on Remains), both of whom also took on production duties for their respective tracks. The remaining songs are produced by Phil Sorrell, maintaining a cohesive yet diverse sonic palette throughout the record. Worth a special mention is the evocative album cover by British pop artist Iain Bolton, whose visual style perfectly captures the melancholic glow of the music within.

Minor Exit Wound opens with Long Time Dead, where a classic guitar tone lays the groundwork for a moody, Depeche Mode-esque track. Overlaid vocals weave in and out of each other, creating a layered conversation that’s as catchy as it is brooding. The guitar solo soars without showboating, setting the bar high from the outset.

On Five Thousand Feelings #1, the band taps into a different energy. The vocals lend a Bowie-esque charm, floating over a riff that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Prince or Greta Van Fleet set. This track hums with ‘70s soul, the kind of song you have to hear live in a smoky, dim-lit venue to fully appreciate.

Someone (With Nothing To Say) leans towards brighter pop without losing the band’s darker undertone. Think Bleachers but moodier, perfect for a hazy summer afternoon. It’s radio-ready, infectious, and a clear standout.

Psykobilly then slip back into their darker side with Distance, carried by Isabelle Sorrell’s beautifully restrained vocals. While slightly repetitive, the emotional pull remains undeniable, offering a reflective Sunday soundtrack.

Lose Yourself brings a rougher edge back with its intense guitar and rock-driven energy. It might be the album’s least immediately gripping track, but it highlights Psykobilly’s range and refusal to play it safe.

Isabelle steps into the spotlight again on Violescent, offering a gorgeous, nostalgic vocal performance. The song’s lightness provides a refreshing contrast to the heavier moments, marking another album highlight.

(Kerouac Said) Everything’s Fine is a lyrical triumph. As always, Psykobilly’s knack for creating unforgettable hooks shines, with a dynamic rise-and-fall structure that sticks in your head long after the final note.

(She’s An) Emotional Athlete initially hints at darkness before blooming into a sweet, summery melody, punctuated with evocative ocean sounds, a subtle but beautiful production choice.

The Sky Is A Canvas brings an unmistakable ‘80s pop flavour, with sparkling vocals that feel tailor-made for open windows and endless skies.

You’re Not Coming Back From This keeps the momentum alive, infectious enough to have you dancing around your room, yet still carrying the emotional weight that runs through the entire album.

Then comes Remains, arguably the emotional heart of Minor Exit Wound. With its stark piano and aching lyrics, it feels almost like a personal monologue, one of perseverance through pain. It’s a devastating yet hopeful track that perfectly sets up the finale.

The album closes on The End (Déjà Vu), a slow, reflective piece that suggests a bittersweet cycle, hinting that all the emotions stirred throughout the album will keep echoing long after the final track fades out. In their own words, Psykobilly “don’t like to be pigeonholed into one genre,” and Minor Exit Wound is proof of that. It’s an album that could just as easily have been made in 1985, 2005, or today, a rare quality that few bands achieve. If this is truly their final statement, it’s a fittingly beautiful, genre-bending, and emotionally resonant one.

Rating/Outstanding  – Whether you are getting old or just turned 18, this set of tracks brings nostalgia back to music; it’s longing, brooding, but also hopeful. This could be their final album coming out on May 5th, so get your “I was here first” ticket and go listen!

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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