Essex trio, Bilk are set to release one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2025, when they release Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll on 25th January via Scruff of The Neck Records.
The band consists of Sol Abrahams (Vocals/guitars), Luke Hare (bass) and Harry Gray (drums) and they’ve spent the past 6 years, building up a loyal following through relentlessly rehearsing, releasing music and playing live including one infamous riotous show at Rough Trade East, which eventually saw the band banned from all future Rough Trade events and in the process entering Bilk into rocknroll notoriety.
Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll is a deeper dive into the band’s indie-punk sound, seamlessly blending raw, high-energy tracks, with acoustic moments and bluesy undertones,
The album covers themes of love, partying, alienation, and the quirks of small-town life, offering a distinctly British take on modern youth experiences. Frontman Sol Abrahams describes it as a snapshot of his current world, reflecting everything from his life in a band, to personal relationships and late-night escapades.
From the moment album opener RnR kicks in with its pounding drumbeat and gritty electrifying riff the album grabs you by the balls and refuses to let go. The foundation of punk is evident throughout, and is combined with catchy melodies and driving rhythms. Fan favourites such as On It and F Up provide anthemic, choruses tailor made for sweaty mosh-pits. There’s a real infectious swagger and confidence across an album that wears its heart on it’s sleeve. In an era where many tread carefully to avoid causing offense, this album stands out with its refreshing directness and unfiltered authenticity.
Whilst this album is centred around a punk-y rocknroll sound, there’s time for the band to show an alternative side to the band. Songs such such as Very Nice Life and Turning Pages have an upbeat, playful tone and whimsical lyrics built around an infectious melody and are stripped back to acoustic guitars and Sol’s distinctive and melodic vocal.
Album closer Band Life Blues is probably the moat surprising song on the album, when you consider what has come before it. It’s built around a Rolling Stones guitar lick (Shake Your Hips), really embracing the blues in the process. Lyrically it tells a witty story of how Sol started a rocknroll band, losing band members, playing gigs and references being banned from RoughTrade. Whilst the song is clearly about Bilk’s experience’s it could easily be applied to any other bands and the challenges they face in today’s music industry.
With “Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” Bilk cements their place as one of the most exciting bands in the indie-punk scene. The album captures the bands sense of humour and their knack for creating infectious anthems. With Essex Drugs and Rock and Roll, Bilk have delivered an authentic and unpolished portrayal of modern youth culture that feels even more relevant in 2025 that will be the soundtrack for anyone navigating the thrills and pitfalls of growing up.
Essex Drugs and Rock and Roll is released on Friday 24th January and is available for pre-order or pre-save now.
Tickets for their 2025 headline tour are available HERE
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