Holy Spirit Gang: The Rise of Poppy Wizard

After drawing attention with singles "Drowning" and "Lately I've Been Caught Up," the four-piece band Poppy Wizard—comprising Hendrik Dyga (guitars & vocals), Lukas Andrzejewski (guitars), Robin Kwasniewski (bass), and Philipp Baum (drums)—is set to shake up the alternative rock scene with their debut EP, "Holy Spirit Gang," dropping on August 23rd via Supervillain. The first single, "Bedridden," has already gained popularity, securing a spot in Spotify’s top 10 “All New Rock” playlist.

What started as a small creative project during the COVID-19 lockdown has now evolved into a fully-fledged band known as Poppy Wizard, driven by their love for post-grunge and indie rock. With guitar-driven, melodic tracks inspired by the various addictions of life, their music delivers a powerful fusion of 90s grunge and 2010s alternative rock, creating a distinct and captivating sound.

Starting off strong, "H.S.G." is an immediate attention grabber with its backtrack intro and grunge-screamy vibe. The heavy guitars and energetic delivery make this an intense opener, perfectly setting the tone for the EP.

"Drowning" stands out with its punk influences, echoing the raw emotion of early 2000s indie rock. The layered guitars and emotional depth highlight the band’s ability to resonate with fans of the genre.

Next up, “Lately I’ve Been Caught Up,” evokes a deep sense of introspection, compelling you to sit in your room and contemplate life. The grunge sound, mixed with midwest emo guitar riffs and vocals reminiscent of The Story So Far, creates a powerful and reflective experience.

"On Your Plate" offers a danceable grunge beat with melodic guitar lines. It’s simpler than the other tracks, but its captivating rhythm and catchy hooks definitely make it memorable.

The final track, "Bedridden," is a masterful blend of grunge and alt-rock, exploring themes of depression and personal struggles. The aggressive backup vocals and cool electronic ending make it the standout track on the EP, leaving a lasting impact and serving as the perfect closer.

Overall, "Holy Spirit Gang" is a powerful debut that solidifies Poppy Wizard as a rising force in the alternative rock scene. Their mix of grunge, fuzz rock, and emotional depth makes this EP a must-listen. Fans of Title Fight and those who gravitate toward guitar-driven, melodic music will find plenty to admire in Poppy Wizard’s distinct sound. This EP showcases their potential and hints at even greater things to come.

If you like what you hear, you can order “Holy Spirit Gang” on vinyl here!

Rating: 4/5

Tracklist for “Holy Spirit Gang”:

1. H.S.G.

2. Drowning

3. Lately I’ve Been Caught Up

4. On Your Plate

5. Bedridden

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