"I can hear the rock but where's the roll gone?"
Nestled away in a dark corner of southeast London, The Hertz Complex asked themselves this very question. And then they set about answering it, combining lo-fi fuzzed-up guitar riffs and hypnotic melodies to create shimmering post punk masterpieces.
Neil O’Keeffe (lead vocals, guitar) and Paul Keane (guitar) have a songwriting partnership that transgresses borders. Hailing originally from Cork, Ireland, they have set up camp in the emerging artists’ haven that is Deptford, London. Here they draw on a mix of influences from their Irish roots to bands such as The Chameleons, Joy Division, Whipping Boy and Howling Wolf, resulting in their own eclectic version of post punk. Joining Neil and Paul are Benjamin Balan (drums) and Chris Keelan (bass). Originally from Canada, they form a solid, driving rhythm section that provides the foundation to The HertzComplex’s dynamic interlacing guitar work.
The four-piece aim to bring a forgotten passion back into music and this musical salvation has certainly been delivered - an ever-growing army of fans, festival appearances and a headline slot at LA’s legendary Whisky A Go Go are testament to that fact. The HertzComplex’s highly anticipated debut EP comes on the back of news that one of their songs will be featured in a movie soundtrack, another sure sign that this band are making music that is essential listening.