Unrivalled don’t waste time with introductions — their debut Statues – E.P. comes out swinging with four sharp, aggressive cuts of classic punk fused with Oi! grit and hardcore energy. Formed in 2024, the Cornwall-based band sound like veterans from the first note.
Frontman Mike — best known from Plymouth’s Arch Rivals — leads a group of mid-Cornwall musicians with serious chops and an obvious hunger. Together, they’ve delivered an EP that’s loud, tight, and refreshingly no-nonsense.
1. Statues – Confident, Controlled, and Classic
The title track opens the EP with exactly the right tone: fast, forceful, and locked in. It’s a no-frills punk anthem that highlights what Unrivalled do best — driving riffs, honest vocals, and sharp execution. It’s not trying to be clever — and that’s why it works.
“Unrivalled sound battle-tested already. This is punk with purpose.”
“The production and control here are a level above what you’d expect from a debut EP.”
2. If It Wasn’t for You – Big Hooks and Gang Vocals
“If It Wasn’t for You” hits hard straight out of the gate with a catchy opening riff and gang vocals that demand a sing-along. The stabs into the pre-chorus build great tension, and the chorus explodes in all the right ways. This track feels built for the live stage.
“Killer opening riff and gang vocals that hit like a punch to the chest.”
“Smart stabs, catchy structure — this one will explode live.”
3. Victims – A Tribute to The Strike with Fresh Urgency
Unrivalled’s version of “Victims” is a nod to Scottish punk legends The Strike, paying homage while injecting their own punch and precision. It’s clear the band respect the roots of the track, but they’ve sharpened the edges and tightened the rhythm, delivering it with a modern rawness that feels entirely their own. The drumming, in particular, shines — tight, on point, and full of energy.
“A powerful nod to The Strike — Unrivalled breathe fresh urgency into a classic.”
“The drummer absolutely owns this track — great feel, tight control, and never gets in the way.”
4. Now Is the Time – Chant-Heavy and Uncompromising
The final track throws the biggest punch. With its explosive “Fuck off and die” chant, “Now Is the Time” is a brutal closer that shows the band at their rawest. The pace is unrelenting, the riffs are razor-sharp, and the entire band sits tight under the vocal attack.
“A snarling, unapologetic hook — ‘Fuck off and die’ — chanted with venom and unity.”
“Relentless riffs and a rhythm section that’s glued together like they’ve played a hundred shows already.”
A Debut with Teeth
For a band that only formed in 2024, Unrivalled are already moving like they’ve been doing this for years. The production quality is slick without losing grit, the songwriting is focused, and the performances are tight across the board. Punk bands often take a few releases to find their footing — Unrivalled have landed fully formed.
“One of the tightest debut punk EPs we’ve heard in years.”
“Unrivalled aren’t trying to reinvent punk — they’re reminding us why it hits so hard when done right.”
Touring Across the UK and Europe
Backing up the release is a stacked live schedule that takes them from local stages to international clubs and major punk festivals. If you want to see what all the noise is about, here’s where to catch them this summer:
- May 16th – Monkeys Music Club, Hamburg
- May 17th – Oi at the Pub, Apeldoorn
- May 22–25th – Punk on the Peninsula, Dunoon, Scotland
- June 5–8th – Skinhead Reunion, Brighton
- June 21st – Punk and Oi! Weekender, Blackpool
- July 5th – Cream of the Crops, Bedford
- August 3rd – The Salty Dog, Northwich (w/ Sheer Terror)
“They’ve only just arrived, and they’re already booked for major European punk shows. That says it all.”
Final Word
Statues – E.P. isn’t just a strong debut — it’s a warning shot. Unrivalled are here, and they’re not playing around. With their first release, they’ve laid the groundwork for something bigger, louder, and very real. Keep your eyes on them — this is just the start.
