Office Goth

I first encountered Jimi, one-half of the enigmatic post-punk duo Office Goth, months ago at the Lincolnshire Poacher pub. Introduced by John, our resident music guru and the landlord of this cozy, ale-soaked haven, our conversation meandered through the familiar terrain of music. Jimi casually mentioned his involvement in a band, Office Goth, and hinted at some recent releases. I made a mental note, but as time tends to do, it slipped away.

Fast forward to another evening with John, just before the launch of NottsRocks, and the conversation drifted back to Office Goth. As we mulled over potential bands to feature, John, ever the curator of obscure yet potent sounds, urged me to give their tracks a listen. Headphones on, a pint within reach, I hit play. Within the first thirty seconds, a grin began to stretch across my face, growing into a full-blown smile that matched the infectious energy of the music. It was an instant connection—a visceral reaction that only truly authentic, lo-fi post-punk can provoke.

John, ever the pragmatist, interrupted my reverie. “Mate, you can’t listen to every song from every band we discuss,” he chided. He was right; we had a strategy to devise, after all. But Office Goth had already taken root in my mind, their tracks looping in my head long after our conversation ended. They soon became a staple in my playlist, their gritty, DIY sound perfectly suited for both the open road and quiet moments at home. The algorithm kept nudging me back to them, and before I knew it, I found myself belting out "Lads, Lads, Lads!" while preparing one of my signature Coq Au Vin dishes—much to the bemusement of my partner.

There’s something undeniably compelling about lo-fi, DIY post-punk. It strips away pretension, transporting you back to a time when music felt raw and unfiltered, yet brimming with thoughtful ideas and infectious melodies. Office Goth embodies this ethos perfectly, their music a cocktail of great beats, clever hooks, and lyrics that cut through the noise to put a broad smile on your face.

Tracks like "Lads," "Another Day," and their latest release, "It's A Horror," stand out as testament to their craft. Each song is a journey, a carefully constructed experience that deserves more than just a passing listen. It’s clear that Office Goth has carved out a niche in the Nottingham music scene, and it’s high time they were given the spotlight they deserve. So, if you find yourself yearning for music that’s as honest as it is engaging, give Office Goth a listen. Just make sure you don’t burn your Coq Au Vin in the process.

Office Goth will be playing a gig at Billy Bootleggers on the 22nd October (now).