These New Puritans: The Avant-Garde Architects of British Art-Rock

These New Puritans are an English experimental rock band known for their ambitious, genre-defying soundscapes that incorporate orchestral arrangements, electronic beats, and found sounds. Formed in Essex in 2006 by twin brothers Jack and George Barnett, the group has carved a distinct path in the UK's alternative music scene, earning critical acclaim for albums like 2010's Hidden and 2013's Field of Reeds.

Early career

These New Puritans formed in Southend-on-Sea in 2006, centered on the core duo of Jack Barnett (vocals, multi-instrumentalist) and George Barnett (drums). Their early sound was a tense, minimalist post-punk, drawing immediate comparisons to groups like The Fall. This led to a deal with the independent label Angular Recording Corporation, which released their debut single Navigate, Navigate in 2006, followed by their first album Beat Pyramid in 2008.

Breakthrough

The band's major creative and critical breakthrough arrived with their second album, 2010's Hidden. Released on the label Domino Records, the record was a dramatic left-turn, incorporating a 13-piece brass and woodwind ensemble, Japanese taiko drums, and Foley recordings. While not a mainstream chart success, Hidden achieved significant underground recognition, with the track We Want War becoming a standout and cementing their reputation as fearless sonic innovators.

Key tracks

We Want War — This epic, percussion-heavy track from Hidden perfectly encapsulates the band's shift towards cinematic, orchestral art-rock.

Fragment Two — A haunting highlight from Field of Reeds, it features the ethereal vocals of Portuguese fado singer Elisa Rodrigues over sparse piano and ambient noise.

Inside the Rose — The title track from their 2019 return album is a lush, synth-driven piece that merges romantic melody with dark, industrial undertones.

Fire-Power — An earlier, more aggressive single that showcases the band's foundational post-punk energy and rhythmic precision.

Their third album, 2013's Field of Reeds, further dismantled rock conventions, favoring a subdued, jazz-inflected and classically-inclined atmosphere. After a six-year hiatus, the band returned in 2019 with the album Inside the Rose, continuing their exploration of dense, atmospheric production. Throughout their career, they have collaborated with figures like filmmaker and photographer Harley Weir and featured contributions from artists including singer-songwriter Elisa Rodrigues.

Fans of These New Puritans' challenging and atmospheric approach to rock music might also explore the work of Radiohead for their shared spirit of electronic-rock experimentation. The dense, conceptual sound worlds of Liars offer a similar sense of artistic restlessness. Listeners drawn to the orchestral ambition might appreciate Arcade Fire for their grand, emotive arrangements. The rhythmic intensity and avant-garde leanings can also be found in the music of Battles.

The innovative catalog of These New Puritans is a staple on forward-thinking alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion adventurous artists. Their tracks, from the percussive force of Hidden to the delicate layers of Field of Reeds, regularly feature in programming dedicated to cutting-edge rock and electronic fusion.

You can discover the evolving, ambitious sound of These New Puritans by tuning into the specialist alternative and art-rock radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their music is regularly in rotation for listeners seeking depth and innovation.