From Antwerp, Belgium we introduce The Hickey Underworld. Forming from the closely-linked worlds of hardcore, punk and alternative rock, this is a band that a stagnant scene has been waiting for. Owing a small debt to the likes of Nirvana, Jesus Lizard and Minor Threat and possibly sharing common ground with fellow countrymen such as Evil Superstars, Millionaire and Deus - but still maintaining a stance of their own. There are no scene haircuts here, no false American affectations; no horrible emo posturing. This is the real: noise and anger and energy and ideas. And songs!

Yes. Plenty of songs. Their self-titled debut album is a juddering, thunderous, multi-headed monster of a record – part post-hardcore catharsis, part discordant melody overload…part unknown other.

Produced by the Das Pop chaps and mastered by Howie Weinberg (of Nirvana’s Nevermind fame), when first released in Belgium in early 2009 The Hickey Underworld sold 3500 in its first week on the strength of the band’s live reputation alone. “In the underground scene that we’re from, if you sell 2000 records in a year it’s deemed a success,” says Jonas. “I really don’t know what we’re doing differently, but we seem to be doing it right.”

And their name?  It comes from the song of the same name by late great Washington DC band Nation Of Ulysses, whose chorus goes “Hysteria is coming out of stereo /  Action - don't you want some?”, which seems like an appropriate description of this next great band poised to make the leap from the underground.

“Mystery Bruise” is out June 29th.