Welcome to the 9 o'clock nasty

Saturday, 22 February 2025

This Is Crowland, the difficult 4th Album

 

So, 2025. Great time to be alive! In December 2023 we made the last tweaks to a song called Crowland, all about a fictional parallel universe. The place that many people that we would loosely describe as cunty wanted to drag us all back to. A place without ethics, rights to self, care for others... a theocratic monocultural wasteland. In February 2025 when the album finally tears through the membrane, Crowland looks more real than we're comfortable with, hence THIS IS CROWLAND.

The title of this post is ironic, This Is Crowland was not a difficult album to record in any real sense.  We weren't starving or being prevented from doing exactly what we wanted in any way, and we had no lack of ideas. We also now have most of the practical studio skills to make our music sound more or less how we want it to sound. So no excuses, this is the real shit.

Not going to lie, never thought we'd make quite this much music in our short career. But then, all that time in rehearsal rooms with every other band I've been in, converted instead into songwriting and recording gives us the luxury or making a lot of music.

This is the best 9 o'clock Nasty album. That isn't the put down any of the others, but this one feels really special. The sort of thing you don't get to make often in a lifetime.

You can hear it:

On Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer etc etc. It's on all the streaming services and that is how most people listen to our stuff. No complaints, thank you.

You can also hear it, and see it free on Youtube on this playlist.

It's on Bandcamp as a CD or download, and on Patreon if you're a paying member.

The trackist is:

  • Crowland
  • Unkle Natur
  • Smash Grab and Go!
  • The Wrong Guy
  • Hot Disco Shit
  • Bad Vegan
  • For the Sugar
  • Pusher Needs a Haircut
  • Kid Blast
  • Coliseum
  • Shrink Wrap
  • Bad Monkey
  • Devil Don’t Care
  • Dead Pilot
  • Paint Me

We wanted an album that was just popping with songs you'd skip to and play over and over. We wanted an album where every track would stand comparison with your favourite music. We don't want to make songs that are "good for an independent artist working on their own."

Fuck that. We want to make songs as good as anything ever produced. As well recorded and as well written as the very best music out there.

Judge for yourselves how close we got. There are certainly moments where we touch the sky.

Some of the songs popped easy. Smash Grab and Go and Bad Vegan were almost instant. Hot Disco Shit was (I think) just one afternoon to do, but that was after two years of it being half-complete. Paint Me was agony, we demoed it for "By All Means Necessary" the same night as Darker Star, but it just languished waiting for the moment. Then, something shifted and it landed. Pete put in long, long hours working on some of the edits to get them all to the final version.

We think Pete's mum likes "Coliseum" best. So that is officially the best song on the album. Ma Brock is the ultimate arbiter of truth.

We're dead happy with this album Proud. Content. So now we need to crack on with the next one.

As always, a huge thank you to anyone that wrote about the album. 

“Party, with the people you trust.” This lyric truly encompasses the epitome of 9 O’Clock Nasty’s overall sound: headbobbing, beat-laden music, with a twist of snarl and edge. @jpgchief


“The band has described how they feel about this record as an ‘exceptional album for an exceptional time,’ and I couldn’t agree more.” This sentiment resonates deeply, reflecting the current dystopian mood. @jpgchief


“I am not alone in feeling some dystopia around the turn of the new year, and I think that music from a band like 9 O’Clock Nasty is a much needed remedy.” A hopeful note in uncertain times. @jpgchief


The band really put their energy into this record, and when you listen to it that comes right through, consciously touting “no filler” on it. @jpgchief


The “B-Sides” as they describe them were “buried in a landfill just outside of Leicester.” laughs As good as the record is, I hope those B-Sides aren’t archived to never see the light of day. @jpgchief


Indeed my overall emotional reaction when listening to the album is a roller coaster of angst, unease, and … swagger. Swagger? Yeah swagger. @jpgchief


Tunes like “The Wrong Guy” and “Hot Disco Shit” bring the musical ride to a nice old school hip hop vibe. @jpgchief


Another spoiler I’d put out there too is that the band has a music video in place for every song on the album, and the visual aspect of the album just takes it to another level. @jpgchief


The imagery used adds an element to what feels like an overall concept to the record. Interesting to say the least. @jpgchief


@jpgchief: “Partying is indeed, great. However, only as fun as the crowd you choose to surround yourself with. I’m happy to report that the lads from Leicester, UK 9 o’clock Nasty have an epic new album in store for you and I to party to, coming out February 22nd, entitled ‘Crowland.’”


@jpgchief: “The band has described how they feel about this record as an ‘exceptional album for an exceptional time,’ and I couldn’t agree more. I am not alone in feeling some dystopia around the turn of the new year, and I think that music from a band like 9 O’Clock Nasty is a much needed remedy.”


@jpgchief: “Another spoiler I’d put out there too is that the band has a music video in place for every song on the album, and the visual aspect of the album just takes it to another level. The imagery used adds an element to what feels like an overall concept to the record.”


This Is Crowland, an album packed with defiant energy, sharp satire, and raw intensity. @lelahelmetal  


Each song on the album was written as a single. When we’re working on something, it’s never “for the album.” You just have to do the absolute best you can for the song that’s in front of you. @lelahemmetal


Giving up on a song is always really painful, and it can feel very personal if it is your idea, but that’s part of the deal with working in a band. The result is better quality work. @lelahemmetal


Laughter is one of the best ways to highlight stupidity and greed, and also more interesting than out-and-out protest songs, although we’ve done a couple of those too. @lelahemmetal


Each time we finished filming one video, we got an idea for another. It’s the closest that video making has ever felt to songwriting. @lelahemmetal


Certain things any 9 o’clock Nasty song needs: it must be short - tight and effective. It must have a hook. It must excite us. @lelahemmetal


There have been times in the last 50-60 years when artists have been the rallying call for change. Music, Art, Writing provide touch points of truth for people. @lelahemmetal


We used it to test a lot of our stuff, simply by dropping our tunes between tunes we adore. It’s due a big change in the next few weeks, but in truth we’ve found a mix of songs we really really like. @lelahemmetal


Although it’s bold and swaggers more than it probably should, it’s actually quite personal and very human. @lelahemmetal


“9 o’clock Nasty always break the rules and shapeshift boundaries of so many music genres to illustrate such a rich and luxuriant sound.” @thoughtswordsaction


“Each vocal harmony, each instrumental and rhythmic manoeuvre, outstanding production, all these qualities shine at ‘This Is Crowland,’ making it one of their greatest works so far.” @thoughtswordsaction


“Perhaps punk rock comes to mind first, but don’t be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from post-punk, garage, hip-hop, industrial, and even some electronic music.” @thoughtswordsaction



9 o’clock Nasty has created a fresh, unique, versatile, innovative, and entertaining material fully stacked with incredible songs that immediately grab you by the collar and refuse to let go long after this material ends. @thoughtswordsaction


Their experimental nature is more than vividly hearable here, as they deliver an entire amalgam of catchy, memorable, engaging compositions that immediately get into your ears and refuse to let go. @thoughtswordsaction


The band thought about even the tiniest details, nuances, and accentuations while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing this material. @thoughtswordsaction


You’ll notice how each hit of the snare, kick of the bass drum, and splash over the cymbals cuts the atmosphere, bringing more detail and depth to this impressive full-length album. @thoughtswordsaction


You’ll hear each instrument and vocal line in the mix, so a pleasant listening experience is more than guaranteed. @thoughtswordsaction


"9 o’clock Nasty’s This Is Crowland is not just another electronic album—it’s a declaration. Unapologetic, raw, and deeply entrenched in the dissonance of modern life, this release holds the listener captive from its first beats to its last echo." @parkettchannel.it


"The album’s premise is one of defiance: of refusing to accept the status quo, of laughing in the face of the monsters under the bed, and of fighting back in whatever way possible." @parkettchannel.it


"Ultimately, This Is Crowland is not just a collection of songs—it’s an experience. It’s a musical statement that doesn’t pull any punches." @parkettchannel.it


"A deeply personal yet universal soundtrack, it feels like an anthem for a time that has become uncomfortably familiar—one where the pendulum swings violently between chaos and control, identity and conformity." @parkettchannel.it


"At its core, This Is Crowland is a meditation on resistance, identity, and the absurdity of existence, set to a backdrop of throbbing basslines, searing synths, and the unrelenting pulse of techno." @parkettchannel.it


"There’s a fierce authenticity in This Is Crowland—an album that feels as much about the creators’ catharsis as it is a rallying cry for anyone who’s felt the weight of an oppressive world." @parkettchannel.it


"If the world is truly spiraling toward chaos in 2025, then this is the soundtrack for those willing to scream into the void and fight back with every beat." @parkettchannel.it


"There is no filler here, just raw energy and brutal honesty. In a time where art feels as fractured as the world itself, 9 o’clock Nasty has crafted something truly exceptional." @parkettchannel.it


"Leicester-based indie rock provocateurs 9 O’Clock Nasty are back with This Is Crowland, a raucous, rebellious, and wildly entertaining full-length album that revels in its irreverence." – @musicearshot


"This Is Crowland establishes itself as a raw and unfiltered experience, unafraid to challenge, provoke, and entertain." – @musicearshot


"In an era of overproduced, safe, and formulaic music, This Is Crowland stands out as a bold, chaotic, and deeply authentic piece of work." – @musicearshot


"Clocking in at 15 tracks with no filler, the album is a sonic middle finger to conformity, a celebration of chaos, and an invitation to embrace the absurdity of modern life with a knowing grin." – @musicearshot


"Tracks like Unkle Natur and The Wrong Guy showcase the band’s signature blend of jagged guitars, swaggering rhythms, and biting lyricism." – @musicearshot


"There’s an undeniable sense of fun woven throughout the album, a reminder that rebellion can be as much about laughter as it is about rage." – @musicearshot


"The production is deliberately rough around the edges, giving This Is Crowland an unpolished, garage-rock feel that suits the band’s DIY ethos." – @musicearshot


"9 O’Clock Nasty delivers an album that doesn’t just invite listeners into their world, it drags them in, kicks down the door, and demands they dance in the ruins." – @musicearshot


"The album’s opening track, 'Crowland', is filled with raw energy and a sense of urgency that makes you want to shout along. It’s the kind of anthem that gets under your skin, pushing you to embrace the chaos with the band." @edgarallanpoets


"'Smash Grab and Go' brings a dose of 90s grunge, introducing a riff that transports you back in time. The band’s influences are clearly diverse, and they wear them with pride." @edgarallanpoets


"'Shrink Wrap' is a departure from the intensity of its predecessors. This track takes on a more avant-garde approach, combining influences from the Beastie Boys with electronic sounds that are unsettling and thought-provoking." @edgarallanpoets


"The infectious vibe is impossible to ignore, showing the band’s knack for blending genres while staying true to their unique style." @edgarallanpoets


"'The Wrong Guy' surprises with its rapid-fire lyrics and a beat that could have been pulled straight from a Hip Hop record." @edgarallanpoets


"It’s experimental, creating an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. The dissonant tones and unusual arrangements challenge your expectations but reward you with a unique listening experience." @edgarallanpoets


"You can tell this is a band that’s not afraid to take risks." @edgarallanpoets


"Every track on this album reveals a little more about their artistic vision." @edgarallanpoets


"Imagine an imaginary place where the clock hands go backwards, where there are only two television channels that broadcast patriotic music and old Shakespeare classics and where everything seems crystallized." @artistionline_playlist


"The three British rockers, even more unleashed than usual, have called this new piece of theirs a 'musical violence', where the guiding voice of the singer Ted Pepper emerges who half sings and half screams, in a calm and controlled chaos." @artistionline_playlist


"Rock lovers out of the box will surely love this song, a single from the album This Is Crowland." @artistionline_playlist


"Every track brings its own unique flavour, yet the band exhibits a remarkable diversity and fusion of musical styles, encompassing post-punk, alternative, glam, gothic techno, hip-hop, trance, and many other genres." @rockeramag


"Listening to the album was somewhat challenging for me, as I had already heard many of its singles beforehand. This presented one of my toughest challenges yet, as I genuinely doubt any listener could pinpoint a negative track." @rockeramag


"Revel in the chaos, embrace the absurdity, and let the music be your rallying cry. Each track on 'This Is Crowland' is a testament to resilience and defiance, a sonic journey through the labyrinth of modern existence." @rockeramag


"As you listen to the album, you’ll find it very enjoyable. Its well-crafted structure, strong vocals, melodic riffs, and exceptional mixing and mastering create an iconic experience." @rockeramag


"With this album, 9 o’clock Nasty invites you to join them in their artistic protest, to dance on the ashes of what was and to build anew from the rubble." @rockeramag


This is 9 o’clock nasty’s most versatile, most direct, and most painful album. @mangowavemagazine


Welcome to the sphere between the one and the zero, where categories dissolve and barriers vanish. @mangowavemagazine


This is the eye of the storm, the space where the true resistance gathers, This Is Crowland @mangowavemagazine


You can tell that the album was a labour and blood, sweat and laughs for the band and the hard work has paid off. It’s their most accomplished record to date, with plenty to unpick @york_calling


The band wanted to make songs that hold their own against some of alternative indie’s best and I have to say they’ve done that. 9 o’clock Nasty truly have a sound that’s their own, both anarchic and polished. @york_calling


“It makes sense that this is music from another place, or perhaps a dark, shadow aspect of our own world, the titular Crowland, because the songs found here sound so wonderfully other, avoiding the fickle fad and fashion of the real world.” — @bigtakeovermag


“After ‘Crowland’ itself sets the tone like ‘The Sweet’ trying their hand at hip-hop—and it is better than I make that sound, much better – the band wanders all over the anarchic fringes of the musical map.” — @bigtakeovermag


“All killer, no filler…as the kids used to say. And why? Because all the songs that didn’t make the grade are buried in a landfill site just outside Leicester… apparently.” — @bigtakeovermag


“Fifteen choice sonic cuts, all with something to say, all standing on their own two feet, each good enough to be sent out into the world as a single or maybe a sort of ‘we know where you live’ sonic threat.” — @bigtakeovermag


“They play with growling post-punk poise with ‘Smash Grab and Go,’ which doesn’t sound unlike ‘The Fall’s’ more accessible moments.” — @bigtakeovermag


“Dirge-disco-punk in the form of ‘Bad Vegan’ and ‘Coliseum’s’ sleazy, low-slung garage rock apocalyptic boogie!” — @bigtakeovermag


“And the message? Well, it might be, ‘Just because there are monsters under the bed, doesn’t mean that you can’t point and laugh at them’ …just try not to elect them President….damn, too late.” — @bigtakeovermag


“Only, totally of the now, too, a blend of stomping analog glam-anthems (glamthems?) and delicious digital adventure, classic moves and modern grooves…or perhaps, vice versa.” — @bigtakeovermag


"9 o’clock Nasty is back with an explosive new album titled This Is Crowland, making a bold statement against the chaotic times of 2025. With 15 songs packed into just under 40 minutes, this album offers an intense listening experience that’s anything but boring." @landonbuford


"From the powerful title track 'Crowland' to the energetic 'The Wrong Guy,' 9 o’clock Nasty blends raw excitement with a playful twist, showing that even in tough times, there’s always a reason to have fun and be bold." @landonbuford


"Their music mixes punk energy with catchy beats, representing the struggle between freedom and control in today’s world. 'This album is about standing up for yourself,' the band explains." @landonbuford


"9 o’clock Nasty's new album is a wild ride through the craziness of modern life." @landonbuford


"The band delivers sharp humour and a rebellious attitude, creating songs that inspire you to dance, shout, and challenge the status quo all at once." @landonbuford


"9 o’clock Nasty encourages you to laugh in the face of challenges, embrace the chaos, and take charge of your story." @landonbuford


"Even in tough times, there’s always a reason to have fun and be bold." @landonbuford


"This album offers an intense listening experience that’s anything but boring." @landonbuford


"Prepare yourself for an unforgettable ride because your playlist is about to welcome a brand new set of songs as you tune in to the latest album by 9 o’clock Nasty, This Is Crowland." - @sinusoidal.music


"9 o’clock Nasty never fails to impress listeners with their compositions because they offer a diverse range of sonic elements that captivate the audience in no time." - @sinusoidal.music


"The rhythm section in all of them is going to force you to lose yourself in the grooves to an extent where you don’t wish to get over them." - @sinusoidal.music


The album 'This Is Crowland' by 9 o’clock Nasty is an out-and-out indie alternative rock album that promises a unique listening experience with its fifteen diverse tracks. - @sinusoidal.music


Listeners are rewarded with gritty riffs and melodies, and with every passing moment, this album keeps getting better and better. - @sinusoidal.music


Each song in the album offers different vibes and feels, both in terms of composition and overall idea, creating a captivating listening experience. - @sinusoidal.music


The album’s compositions captivate the audience in no time, leaving them curious and expectant for what comes next. - @sinusoidal.music


You will not be able to resist yourself from playing the whole album all over again due to its exceptional rhythms and diverse sonic elements. - @sinusoidal.music


“With their latest album, 'This is Crowland', 9 O’clock Nasty takes the listeners on a rebellious sonic adventure which will be difficult to forget." - @musechronicle.music


“If this fabulous band were to start a cult, I would join it without even thinking for a single second." - @musechronicle.music


“The versatility that 9 O’clock Nasty offers the listener is praiseworthy and their creativity with the music demands appreciation.” - @musechronicle.music


9 O’clock Nasty is a super-talented alternative indie rock band from Leicester, England that is stunning listeners with its unmatched talent and musical prowess. Their unique sound and charismatic personality successfully hook the listeners to their music, making 9 O’clock Nasty a musical force to reckon with. @musechronicle.music


The band’s chaotic energy is very contagious and drives a certain bolt of current to the listener’s body. The versatility that 9 O’clock Nasty offers the listener is praiseworthy and their creativity with the music demands appreciation. @musechronicle.music


9 O’clock Nasty have gifted us with one of the most enigmatic and infectious performances in the history of music with their album 'This is Crowland'. If this won’t get your blood pumping, I don’t know what will. @musechronicle.music


So, strap on your boots and get ready for an epic sonic journey with 9 O’clock Nasty’s 'This is Crowland'. " - @musechronicle.music


“Finally arrived this one we've been waiting for so long, the new and powerful album of the geniuses of modern punk rock 9 o'clock Nasty, sensational work that involves us from beginning to end." - @indieoclock


“The Wrong Guy is extremely relaxing, it brings a surprising hip-hop sound again, full of quality and expressiveness, arrangements that take us to the root hip-hop, from the 90s and 80s.” - @indieoclock


“No more spoilers, this work is a mixture of styles that show us the versatility of 9 o'clock Nasty, how talented this band is and how they can make us travel in their songs.” - @indieoclock


“The album already starts with everything with its first track Crowland, an organized, perfect instrumental song, which brings the essence of Rock and punk.” - @indieoclock


“Unkle Natur brings a striking guitar, rock that brings a hip-hop footprint and surprises us, showing how the band knows how to work well in different rhythms.” - @indieoclock


“Smash Grab and Go is the third track it is a hit, it sticks to our mind and brings us a lot of energy, it is a scream that comes out of the soul, it is magical.” - @indieoclock


“Listen now: this work is a mixture of styles that show us the versatility of 9 o'clock Nasty, how talented this band is and how they can make us travel in their songs.” - @indieoclock


“This Is Crowland is the name of the new working album of the geniuses of contemporary punk rock 9 o'clock Nasty, with 15 songs the record is a real gift.” - @indieoclock


“9 o’clock Nasty’s latest album, This Is Crowland, is a dynamic fusion of alternative indie rock that captivates listeners with its eclectic soundscapes.” @space_sour


“Spanning fifteen tracks over approximately forty minutes, the album showcases the band’s versatility, with each song offering a distinct rhythm and groove that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.” @space_sour


“Notably, tracks like ‘Bad Vegan’ and ‘Coliseum’ exemplify the band’s signature ‘dirge-disco-punk’ style, delivering a raw and invigorating energy.” @space_sour


"There are albums that sound like war cries, others like poisoned whispers in your ear. 'This Is Crowland' by 9 o’clock Nasty does both at once, with a crooked smile and a dangerous gleam in its eyes." – @radio.armazem


"It's an invitation to collapse, a call for resistance, and above all, a sarcastic celebration of disorder. Fifteen tracks, no fat, no concessions." – @radio.armazem


"This is not an album for placid souls or those who find comfort in passivity. It’s a manifesto disguised as a dirty party, where each track fights for its space like a survivor in a world on fire." – @radio.armazem


"Crowland, this spectral place, serves as a mirror and metaphor for a world on the brink of collapse, where freedom has become a rare currency and conformity hides at every turn." – @radio.armazem


"If tomorrow looks like a nightmare, the answer comes in the form of a strident mockery, with guitars that grind like clenched teeth and an unrelenting beat, with grooves that infiltrate your skin and leave no room for calm." – @radio.armazem


"The building of walls to later tear them down happens with a constant, precise beat, while the sensation of suffocation and claustrophobia emerges in dry, sharp chords." – @radio.armazem


"And the irony is poured out like distilled poison, proving that even in chaos, there’s room for sharp, merciless humor." – @radio.armazem


"'This Is Crowland' doesn’t just compare to great indie and alternative albums; it challenges them, shakes them, pushes them out of the way." – @radio.armazem


"Because, in the end, if everything is crumbling, the only possible response is to dance on the ruins and laugh in the face of the abyss." – @radio.armazem


"Their latest release, This Is Crowland, is an electrifying 15-track project that blends elements of alternative rock, glam rock, and post-punk. Rugged guitar riffs, fuzzy bass, and energizing rhythms immerse the listener in an array of grungy soundscapes." - @senocular_media


"Angsty vocals slice through the instrumentation with a vengeful presence. The album explores the twisted world that the hierarchy has created for its citizens." - @senocular_media


"9 o’clock Nasty’s new album, This Is Crowland, is a true punk masterpiece and the perfect addition to any alternative playlist." - @senocular_media


"Rugged guitar riffs, fuzzy bass, and energizing rhythms immerse the listener in an array of grungy soundscapes." - @senocular_media


"9 o’clock Nasty bring their signature phonk rock vibe with a thrill that cannot be matched by any band out there." @audiokaradipress


"Crowland is a perfect intro to a genre that is now officially theirs, with raccoon rock having its origins only with the boys." @audiokaradipress


"Making every song anthemic, keeping the energy up and giving their best—this is why rock will live on." @audiokaradipress


"They’re mad hatters, out with purpose to make Peter Pan’s Neverland a home for all the misfits out there." @audiokaradipress


"This identity revolves around creating a sound that relies on electronic elements as a background spice for distorted guitars, aggressive vocals and a groove-filled kitchen." @musicforallmag


"The result is masterful tracks like "Crowland" (which got a really cool music video), "Unkle Natur" and the punk "Bad Vegan", but listening to the entire album is essential." @musicforallmag


"From Leicester, United Kingdom, 9 o'clock Nasty gives us 'This Is Crowland,' an album that feels like a cry of resistance in the midst of chaos." - @lacavernamx


"Each track in 'This Is Crowland' has a purpose, with no room for the fill. Songs like 'Unkle Natur', 'The Wrong Guy' and 'Coliseum' encapsulate the fight against conformism." - @lacavernamx


"The central theme of the album is reflected in 'Crowland', a song that plays with sharp metaphors and unwavering energy." - @lacavernamx


"This British trio channels social discontent into an explosive mix of indie rock and post-punk with a biting and provocative style." - @lacavernamx


"The lyrics—'A pen is a sword when you're sharp with the word'—reflect the essence of the album: the word as a weapon and music as an act of resistance." - @lacavernamx


"'This Is Crowland' is not just a collection of songs, but a bold statement in uncertain times." - @lacavernamx


“9 o’clock Nasty’s ‘Crowland’ is an unsympathetic homage to garage rock’s raw potential. The song is handled by searing guitars and a persistent rhythm section that never relents.” - @lostinthemanor


“The vocals are swaggering, lead reciting clever, cheeky lines as much fun to analyse as to sing along to. The tune has a raw power that is akin to jumping into a manic live show, with just enough anarchy to create interest.” - @lostinthemanor


“With its rough exterior and cheeky bite, it’s a fantastic anthem for anyone who can handle their rock with a touch of trouble. ‘Crowland’ is a song that doesn’t overdo it, and that’s why it’s charming.” - @lostinthemanor