Newcastle’s punk scene has been bubbling away with new talent, and leading the charge is Dead Mall with their explosive debut album, 'SUPERLIMINAL'. The five-piece outfit has delivered a record that lives up to its name, pulling listeners into a twisted, dream-like state where corporate angst meets alien possession, all set to a blistering soundtrack.
Right from the get-go, it’s clear this is no one-trick pony. The album is a melting pot of genres, blending their hardcore roots with elements of alt-rock, nu-metal, power-pop, and even electronica. It's a testament to the band’s varied tastes and a bold statement for a debut. Tracks like 'GASOLINE' and 'PROPERTY DAMAGE' showcase their ferocious, high-octane energy, while the title track 'SUPERLIMINAL' and '100% PURE POISON' reveal a knack for catchy, melodic hooks and intricate arrangements.
Lyrically, the album is a cohesive, character-driven narrative. As frontman Ruairi Burns explains, "If you wanted to summarise every theme of 'SUPERLIMINAL', you could do it in four words, 'work sucks, I know'." He paints a vivid picture of a "Ferrari driving desk clerk" whose mundane existence is shattered by a "foreign (possibly alien) entity," leading to a city-wide rampage. It’s a wonderfully bizarre concept that gives the album a dark, satirical edge, perfectly capturing the frustrations of modern life in a slightly more "violent" way.
A huge part of the album’s success lies in its production. Engineered and mixed in-house by guitarist Darcy Long, 'SUPERLIMINAL' has a raw, personal feel that could only be achieved by a band so in tune with their own sound. As guitarist Joe Willis notes, the writing process was a chaotic but ultimately fruitful journey, "a sort of random codswallop that was arguably incohesive as a group of tracks, but I kinda liked that." That willingness to jump between styles is what makes this record so engaging. From "classic four-to-the-floor riff-salad" to pop-rock with "questionable percussion choices," the album is a fun and unpredictable ride.
The meticulous, collaborative effort is evident in every track, a result of the band moving between various studios and even their own homes. The time spent together, not just working but also hanging out, undoubtedly helped them craft a record they are all “super proud of.”
With significant support already pouring in from radio and streaming services, and a string of album launch shows on the horizon, Dead Mall are set to make a serious mark. 'SUPERLIMINAL' is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a fully realised, genre-bending statement of intent from a band that refuses to be boxed in. It’s a wild, cathartic journey for anyone who's ever felt like they were at the end of their rope.
You can check out the new album now, and be sure to connect with the band today on Facebook and Instagram.
