Written by Sam Novak
Ever since the massive resurgence of the post-punk sound in 2022, with seminal releases from bands like Black Midi, Fontaines D.C., Viagra Boys, and, of course, Black Country New Road, I’ve kept an eye on new releases in the genre. And while it’s slightly played out since then and potentially just a nostalgic itch of mine, I still enjoy searching out new releases. 2023 had Shame’s Food for Worms, 2024 had Corridor’s Mimi, you get the idea.
In-come 2026, we have Ulrika Spacek with EXPO – self-described as “a large international exhibition”. Dealing with themes of digital isolation and human connection, largely experienced during their last US tour. It’s a highly emotive and introspective release, compared to their typically warmer tape-recorded sound. Instead, with EXPO they opt for a darker blend of analogue and electronic sounds, which are heard all over the record. The record begins with a jagged guitar and drum machines, bringing you right into the colder theme of the album. The song is an exploration of absolute collaboration versus the hyper-individualized digital world we exist in, noting “back to strength in numbers, count in fives.”
Throughout the record, the band explores this new sound, taking the time to make sure each one stands out as a separate composition. If you’re a sound person like I am (i.e., tiny specific additions to sounds making the song), this album is for you. No instrument is ever overpowering another, and the stage of sound is well balanced, yet ever evolving. My favorite examples of this are the title track, Expo, Square Root of None, and I Could Just Do It. All masterclasses of the blend of analogue and electronic sounds.
Then, standing on its own, we have Showroom Poetry, the centerpiece of the album. This track starts with a very Duster adjacent tone and progression, which expands a swirl of dulled color at the sound of a tremolo’d guitar. This song is a conceptual track detailing the curated and artificial existence of humanity. Contrasting basic needs to “showroom poetry” in the digital life. It stands to showcase the impact of capitalist nature on humanity in the isolated digital age.
Overall, this album is great, with lots of nods to Women’s 2008 self-titled (which is my favorite). I find it to be Ulrika’s best work yet and shows a promising direction for the band overall. There’s something new to discover lyrically and sonically and it gets better with every listen. So if more if you like a little more introspection and layers to your post punk, get at them.
Rating: 7/10
Favorites Showroom Poetry, I Could Just Do It, Square Root of None, Expo
Least Favorites: A Modern Low