OUT NOW
Via SharpTone Records
Words by: Kyra Jade
Poison The Well is a band name that should be on your radar and mostly like is if you are reading this. If they aren’t, well you are in for a treat then as you get to explore and discover their repertoire for the first time. It’s been 16 years since we’ve had new music from Poison The Well, stealing the musical edging crown from our very own Karnivool who clocked up a cool 13 years between albums.
When musicians dis-band it naturally evokes a whole array of emotions ranging from confusion, anger, relief, sadness, happiness and everything in between. Only with time can you try to heal from such events and their new album Peace In Place is a perfect example of expression. I’ve always said that music and song writing is a creative mind’s diary, this album is a perfect example of that. Poison The Well have come and gone over the years and I truly hope this is the band firmly throwing their hat back in the ring for solid time.
Now let’s get into the music…
Wax Mask starts off with the growing feedback and launches into an all out assault almost immediately. From the first verse I was involuntary in ‘stank face‘ mode and it had my heart beat racing. Truth be told, this kind of music is right up my alley, I knew what I wanted and anticipated to hear with the opener track being exactly that. I can already picture the epic sing-alongs and we have been generously gifted plenty of opportunities to do so.
Second track Primal Bloom starts off fast & heavy. It sounds rough and raw to me – I’m hook, line and sinker feeling the emotions intended. Listening to the lyrics only makes me want to know more about this track and I can’t wait to hear other listener’s perceptions.
‘Still longing for
Seasons I bowed to the ground
Our gardens wilt so sudden
In the shadows you left behind’
Thoroughbreds Starts off with Chris Hornbrook’s driving beat and a tasty drum fill before getting to the first verse… I’ll admit that if you start a song like this it will win me over every time. Again, Jeff Moreira’s vocals are strong and raw leaving you well and truly invested before going into a beautiful melodic clean vocal that he’s so bloody good at blending in.
The starting to Everything Hurts has ethereal vocals and rhythm section that is providing a small breather and softer song – somewhat. I looked at the title and thought ‘Well hell yes, anyone over 30 can agree with that statement’, although I quickly realise this isn’t them trying to do what they did 20 years ago with new aches and pains, it’s a lot deeper than that. Of course it is, this whole album has graciously invited us in to experience their pain and heartache with them. There is something really relatable and healing about this album, I urge you to fully emerge yourself into what they are saying and I dare say you will connect on some level.
Ending track Plague Them The Most is an ode to taking the power back and being strong in what you want and rightfully deserve. Supporting the lyrics is a band that sound united, hard hitting and have just supplied you with the song that will be your new go to when you need to scream your heart out to release your emotions in a safe way. Anyone who’s lost themselves to someone or a situation that made you helpless, this is your anthem.
‘I bend no more
I bend no more for you
Unwind your hands
Around my neck
I kneel no more for you
Unwind your hands
Around my neck‘
You can jump back and indulge in Poison The Well’s music from decades ago and you will indeed find ferocious emotion and intent. When you make it back around to Peace In Place you will still hear that raw and ferocious energy, although there is maturity, real pain and vulnerability that only comes with time and life experiences. A testament to all they have been through.
Without a doubt this album is going to be on high rotation at my place. Each time I play it through I connect deeper and feel thankful in the band’s decision to be bold in releasing such a well crafted balance of top shelf musicianship and meaningful lyrics. Not only that, they have backed themselves and managed to casually drop an album like this after 16 years like it’s something they do everyday. I have profound respect for all members of Poison The Well for being able to do this, it’s fucking scary out here these days!
I couldn’t go without sharing that I had Peace In Place blasting as I made dinner and my very senior wolfhound, Winston, started doing little jumps and barking at me as we danced around the kitchen. This is the highest of accolades you can receive in my books. Winston’s only approves the best of the best!
Last of all, Poison The Well broke my inbox by announcing an Australian headline tour with hardcore Aussie vets’ Iron Mind and USA’s Haywire. If you have seen either band live you’ll already know it’s going to be HUGE. If you haven’t, this is your chance. Don’t miss out, these songs are going to soundtrack the year 2026.
‘Till next time, legends!
Poison The Well
with special guests Haywire + Iron Mind
Tour Dates:
Sunday 7 June: Magnet House, Perth
Tuesday 9 June: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Thursday 11 June: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Friday 12 June: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 13 June: King St Bandroom, Newcastle
Sunday 14 June: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Tickets via Destroy All Lines
