Irish post-punk quartet Scustin have announced their upcoming EP 'The Lock In', set for release on April 22nd. Alongside the news, the band have shared a new single, ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’, offering the first taste of the project.
Produced by Richie Kennedy (Interpol, The Murder Capital, Shame, Ride, The Libertines, The Last Dinner Party), the track sees Scustin lean further into their groove-driven post-punk sound. Driven by distorted basslines, sharp guitar work and a loose, dancefloor-ready energy, ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’ balances offbeat humour with biting social commentary.
The single was inspired by a real-life moment experienced by frontman Joe while working in a pub. “One of the regulars actually tried to get me to join a pyramid scheme,” he explains. “That, combined with our genuine belief that paying for a TV licence is a bigger scam than joining a pyramid scheme, planted the seed. It’s also about that mad pub optimism where every idea sounds bulletproof after two pints.”
The upcoming EP 'The Lock In' acts as a closing chapter to the band’s debut album 'Confessions Of A Pub Talker'. Expanding on the themes and world of the record, the EP captures more of the band’s pub-born storytelling, mixing surreal humour with sharp observations of everyday life while pushing their groove-heavy post-punk sound into heavier territory.
Over the past year, Scustin have built a reputation for their chaotic and immersive live shows, performing at festivals including Electric Picnic, Latitude, Wilderness, Wild Paths, SXSW London, Sŵn Festival and Other Voices. They have also supported Inhaler at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Ulster Hall Belfast and St Anne’s Park Dublin.
Scustin will continue to support the release with an Irish and UK headline tour across February and March, with further festival appearances expected to be announced later this year.
Have a listen to ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’ below.
