PHWOAR is a fizzy indie-alternative-rock two-piece from Birmingham, with DIY sensibilities and catchy tunes. PHWOAR is Helena pounding drums and Paul thrashing guitar, with both sharing the vocal duties. The band’s latest project, their Flowers Through the Concrete EP, arrived on April 11.
“Surge” is the warping and thudding highlight from PHWOAR’s new EP. The stand-out tune is a blissful yet chaotic blend of power chords that collide with buzzing electronics, creating an animated canvas for the chanting and in-your-face vocal performance. There is an air of simplicity around “Surge” that is undeniably infectious and enticing. Miraculously, in under three minutes, PHWOAR separates itself from the burgeoning post-punk scene by achieving a stadium-sized sound while maintaining a raw minimalism, creating the intoxicating textures that rush over the listener as soon as they hit play. At the heart of “Surge” is the undeniable chemistry between the duo, which becomes clear and more palpable with every listen. Paul’s searing and cartoonish guitar prowess only becomes more electrifying when paired with the heart-pounding drums of Helena. “Surge” introduces PHWOAR as a fearless, forward-thinking duo with limitless creativity.
