When I first encountered Cardiff punks Hurting Germs back in September, supporting The Drowns, their frontman Nick was quick to point out that some of the songs in their set that night would soon be released as a debut EP.
So, here it is. Now, are you ready to get infected by some Hurting Germs too?
Released on the fiercely independent Nifty Fifty 50 label (run by renowned Rebellion artist Colin Creamcrop Scott), this limited-edition EP is the result of The Germs contaminating Cardiff’s Evolution Studio in the weeks following my aforementioned live encounter.
Kicking off with the band’s mid-set stomper ‘Toxic Nik’, this is the track that immediately made me reference Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom in my live review (which you can READ HERE). Singer Nick spits out his vocal over a riff that is equal parts punk and metal, and I reckon any fan of Anti Nowhere League will love this track.
Elsewhere, ‘Shallow Grave’ and ‘Idle Chat’ continue the punk/metal riot, and I can’t help but think of the legendary Warfare (of the germ variety in the case), especially during the latter.
‘You Scum’ closes the EP out, and this track is more full-on punk rock than the rest of the release. It’s a song that comes covered in gob and could very easily have fallen off a No Future of Secret Records compilation from back in the day.
Checking out Hurting Germs upcoming gig list they are due to support the likes of The Defects, The Macc Lads and Hung Like Hanratty in 2026 and these all seem like excellent opportunities to help the lads spread their punk rock disease and promote not only this EP but hopefully a full-length debut.
In the meantime, you can get your hands on a CD copy of ‘Toxic Nik’ right now by hitting the eBay link below and parting with £4.30 (which includes P&P too).
Now, how punk rock is that, eh???
Buy Here
Author: Johnny Hayward
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