Self-styled post-punk misfits Cazimi are a grizzled three piece from the North East, with Something for the Pain following on from 2020’s debut Late in the Day. Influences such as the Bunnymen, the Stranglers and Killing Joke are much in evidence across the ten tracks here, albeit we happen to know that bassist Drew Gallon has a penchant for some Rush from time to time. And although taking their blueprint from the aforementioned, there is plenty on Something… that sounds fresh and inventive, not least lead single ‘Foul Play’, a definite toe-tapper with its hypnotic groove and throbbing bass. The urgent riff of ‘Higher’ is another early highlight, the slightly sinister vocal delivery really adding some venom to the clever arrangement. By contrast the vocals on ‘Siren Song’ have a much more cinematic feel, the track chugging along before bursting into life during the chorus.

Not many of the tracks nudge towards four minutes, Cazimi know what they want to say and waste little time in getting on with it. There is a dream-like, dare we say psychedelic flavour to ‘Dark Money’, something of a mid-album left turn that provides one of the more memorable moments. The electro-punk of ‘The Party (at the End of Time)’ boasts another strong choral melody, set against a backdrop of buzzsaw guitars that somehow makes it feel both retro and contemporary. Almost saving the best until last, closing number ‘Coming Home’ is another anthemic stomper that offers a more than satisfying coda to what has gone before.

Although gigs this far have been confined to the North East, more are in the works for next year; you can certainly imagine Cazimi going over well at the likes of Rebellion and we certainly hope to catch them here in the Midlands before too long.

For more on Cazimi, including merch and news of upcoming gigs for 2026, head over to https://www.cazimi.co.uk/