Preview: HMRC @ Engine Rooms, North Shields

Newcastle punks HMRC mark the arrival of their debut album Cost of Living with a special hometown launch show at Engine Rooms, North Shields on Wednesday 29th October. Performing the record live in full for the first time, the band will bring its unflinching examination of housing inequality, workplace exploitation and state repression from the studio to the stage.

Written by lyricist Lloyd Holmes, Cost of Living is steeped in working-class perspectives and sharp political commentary, tackling issues that continue to shape contemporary Britain. Tracks such as Property Ladder and Brownsite Slum explore the fallout of the housing crisis, while Hostile Architecture and Fulfilment Centre (The Death Of Billy Foister) take aim at the treatment of society’s most vulnerable and the realities of modern labour. Elsewhere, Outlaw Peace addresses anti-protest legislation and growing state control.

The show will also introduce HMRC’s expanded live line-up, with guitarist Lewis Hewitt adding extra weight to their already formidable sound, creating a fitting backdrop for Holmes’ pointed spoken-word delivery and vocal performance.

In keeping with the album’s themes of solidarity and community, all LP sales and the band’s fee from the show will be donated to North Tyneside Food Bank, with a further £500 pledged if the event sells out. County Durham’s politically charged indie rockers Vice Killer provide support.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here.