I am a decade late to the party, but I’ve just discovered Manchester-based electronic rock band HENGE, and I am in love. Formed in 2015, the quartet take on fictional characters from seemingly different species. Zpor is on vocals like an unhinged space wizard. Goo performs on bass and synth bass, and along with Nom on drums, wears an alien costume. Sol is on synths, although he was originally called Grok before I imagine a certain twat and his AI forced a name change. HENGE describe their music as “Cosmic Dross”, but I liken it to a modern and futuristic take on space rock and psychedelia. The electronics are crunchy and often nod to chiptune and game music without it ever taking over. The guitars and riffs are clever, and the lyrics are out there. Leave it to the weird rocker to fully embrace a cosplay!
HENGE’s latest single is titled ‘Brains’ and is taken from their forthcoming album ‘HUMANS’, which releases in January 2027. From the B-movie synths, tripping rhythms, razor guitar solo, and the catchy punkish chorus, the track is electrifying. The music video is pretty spectacular, too. It’s the perfect balance of kitsch and streamlined, so the weirdness comes in waves. HENGE is unhinged [I hate myself for writing that].
To mark their fifth album, HENGE are embarking on a 75-date World Tour. To find out which countries they are visiting, as venues are still being announced, and to keep up with the album release, visit HENGE’s website. I can imagine that, with so much work put into the band’s lore and aesthetic, their live shows would be memorable and vibrant!
Now I’m off to discover a decade of alien electrorock. Don’t you love it when you discover a new exciting band with a back catalogue to dive into?! I wonder if they descended to Earth at Stonehenge to grace us with their musical ways…
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