Baffo d’Oro warped post-punk into gnarled garage rock ritualism with ‘Borderline’ –

Through gnarled basslines, reverberation of post-punk distortion, and a forebodingly mechanised monochromatic colour palette, Baffo d’Oro twisted alt-punk beyond recognition with their standout single, Borderline.

The rhythm section brings a tribalistic intensity to the reverent nod to garage rock, while the vocals summon the same infernal energy as Nick Cave and deliver the vocal grooves of Josh Homme. With so much happening in the atmosphere of the production, it would be easy to be overfaced if Baffo d’Oro weren’t irrefutable alchemists when it comes to contrast and catharsis through snarled confession.

Since 2020, the Swiss four-piece have been tearing through the alt scene with their brand of post-punk-garage-rock steeped in raw energy and jagged wit. Their sound is rooted in the discontent and drive of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, but it’s sharpened by a modern-day expositionism, drawn from their observations of cultural absurdity and social decay. After the release of their EP This is it, via their DIY label Much More Louder Records, Baffo d’Oro have stormed radio waves and festival slots. Borderline is yet another visceral reminder that this isn’t a band playing at rebellion, it’s a band exorcising something real through distortion and discipline.

Borderline is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Bandcamp and Spotify. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast