Galway band Puck release debut single 'Caricature' from upcoming EP
- Richard Blowes
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 24
Caricature from Puck is the Galway-based psych punk band's debut single from their upcoming EP Hiraeth due for release in November via Blowtorch Records.
Track: Caricature
Band: Puck
Released: October 23 2025
Puck (it's a Shakespeare reference not hockey) are an experimental punk band from Galway City. They have released their debut single Caricature on streaming services ahead of an EP titled Hiraeth which will see a streaming and vinyl release in November via Galway independent record label Blowtorch Records.
They describe their sound as "morphing ... influenced by a wide inspiration of genres, namely hardcore punk, neo-psychedelia and garage rock. In accompaniment with the eclectic sound we harness our social and societal grievances into our lyrics and ethos with an iron fist, all sewn together with a DIY approach."
A radio friendly unit shifter it is not. Coming in at over 5 minutes Caricature is a statement of intent from a fiercely DIY punk band determined to do things their own way. Among many influences they cite local heroes Turnstiles, not just for their music but also the fertile scene they created with their Free House imprint. One of the beneficiaries of that is Galway risers Shark School - and their frontwoman Nora Staunton is also the drummer in Puck.
While the track length may not be radio friendly (so what?), the song is a reverb soaked, melodic, psych tinged thing of beauty. The introduction has a hint of OK Computer era Radiohead but soon heads into more Thee Oh Sees/The Brian Jonestown Massacre territory. The bass and drums are inseparably locked as they drive the track to a gorgeous chorus presaged by a sweet guitar line which could have come from Blondie's Atomic.
The extended breakdown section is ambitious and also leaves wanting you that chorus one more time and the band don't disappoint.
This is a high quality debut from a band to keep an eye on. As Puck says in Midsummer Night's Dream "And those things do best please me, That befall prepost’rously."
Puck recently settled on their five piece lineup - Rua Grassi on vox/guitar, Narz Hession - vocals, Daniel Marron - bass, Hubert Rudy - guitar and Nora Staunton on drums (Nora is also the frontwoman of Galway's Shark School).
Puck have built their following through a resolute DIY approach and relentless gigging. Caricature is self recorded and mastered by Darragh Hansard (Unique Freaks/Thee UFO) at Orc's Lair Studio.
Caricature is the first single from a six song EP Hiraeth which will be released on streaming services and Blowtorch Records 12" black vinyl in November.
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