Every now and then, a new band emerges fully formed, armed with riffs, attitude, and plenty of heart. Formed in 2025, Peterborough-based three-piece Rough Pup is already proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the alternative melodic punk rock scene.
Proudly part of the Socks On Records family, the trio has released a blistering four-track debut EP, ‘Something To Say’.
What truly sets this band apart is their secret weapon: a three-pronged vocal attack. In a rare and brilliant dynamic, all three members take turns sharing lead vocals across the EP. This offers the record a unique perspective, emphasising a deeply collaborative spirit while infusing the rich tradition of melodic punk with fresh, modern urgency.
When we asked Rough Pup what inspired the creation of this record, they summed up the EP’s core theme perfectly:
“The trials and tribulations of trying to navigate life in an ever-changing modern world.”
With that in mind, here is a track-by-track breakdown of the ‘Something To Say EP’:
1. A Moment Of Clarity/Better Days
With Simon on lead vocals, the EP begins with a strong declaration of purpose. Driven by his frustrated yet empowering battle cry of “I just wanna be heard” and “I got something to say,” the opener stands as an anthem for anyone trying to escape a toxic situation. Simon’s delivery captures the relatable struggle of progress—taking “one step forward, two steps back”—while ultimately aiming for better days. It’s an energetic, optimistic, and punchy start.
2. Wasting Away
Raising the tempo and intensity, Louis takes to the mic for track two, embodying the spirit of alternative punk with a touch of existential dread. “Wasting Away” explores the frightening, relentless flow of time, with the line “We can’t stop the night from turning into day.” Louis infuses the lyrics with powerful energy, contrasting the band’s energetic sound with the sadness of fading relationships and stagnation: “As we sit and watch things slowly slip away” It serves as an urgent reminder that “time waits for no one,” delivered in a sharp, fast-paced style.
3. iSleep
Daniel takes on the vocals in “iSleep,” immersing the EP in darker themes of mental health and insomnia. His performance feels deeply vulnerable, highlighting sensory overload and the burden of a racing mind: “The tiredness can’t sit still, the overwhelm and the overspill.” His voice leads the raw, desperate chorus: “Wide awake and I can barely breathe,” guiding listeners through vivid metaphors of wading through water and burning boats. This demonstrates the group’s skill in creating intense emotional tension and releasing it therapeutically.
4. The Struggle
Every great EP needs a memorable closing track, and Simon returns to the mic to ensure “The Struggle” makes a strong impact. It begins with the painful realisation of self-sabotage: “Now it’s clear I know the one to blame. It’s me,” as his vocals explore the cycle of monotony and dependency. The highlight is the catchy, slightly dark nursery rhyme-style chorus: “Two for joy and one more for sorrow / Another for the road and one for tomorrow.” This track captures the essence of the genre: overcoming hardships and facing personal struggles. demons, and finding someone—or something—to guide you home.
The Verdict:
Despite forming only in 2025, Rough Pup’s ‘Something To Say EP’ already exhibits the polish of experienced industry veterans. It’s concise, anthemic, and instantly appealing, but it’s their lyrical depth and the distinctive three-vocalist interplay that truly make them stand out.
Allowing Simon, Louis, and Daniel their own space to showcase their talents enables the EP to delve into topics such as mental health, toxic relationships, and the swift passage of time through diverse, compelling viewpoints.
Fans of classic skate punk as well as modern pop-punk and alt-rock will want to listen again and again. Socks On Records has clearly uncovered a treasure in Rough Pup.
The ‘Something To Say EP’ is available today (13th April) exclusively on Bandcamp.
It will be hitting Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major streaming platforms everywhere else on 17th April.
Don’t miss out—go grab it on Bandcamp today and support grassroots punk rock!