Finnish outfit Drug Store Raid has struck gold with their debut album, Background Music for Family Arguments. Hailing from Helsinki, the band delivers a masterclass in modern post-punk, seamlessly blending slacker rock, art-punk, and noise rock into a sound that’s both nostalgic and thrillingly fresh.

This 12-track record kicks off with “Prologue,” a cinematic, ambient opener that sets an eerie stage for the raucous energy to follow. Lead single “I Wanna Be A Hipster” encapsulates the band’s eclectic genius: jangly, distorted guitars, sharp brass stabs, and melodic shouts that teeter between irony and intensity. Tracks like “Phar Mac Is T” and “Fashion Fashion” channel Talking Heads-esque art-rock vibes, but Drug Store Raid’s sharp, groovy arrangements and brassy crescendos carve out a distinctive niche.

Darkness looms in songs like “Sicko Zone” and “Rebirth Of Plasticity,” where gothic atmospheres reminiscent of Bauhaus and Joy Division are imbued with the band’s signature raw energy. The standout “Vi Är Finnjävlar” marries gritty, distorted chords with dynamic rhythm and layered vocal harmonies, showing the band’s penchant for controlled chaos.

Ending on the krautrock-infused “This Is Not A Drug Song,” the album closes on a hypnotic high note, leaving no doubt about Drug Store Raid’s versatility and vision. Background Music for Family Arguments is a compelling debut—packed with surprises, cathartic melodies, and post-punk perfection. A must-listen for fans of bold, boundary-pushing music.

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