Pestilent Planet
Clock of Time
Static Shock Records
August 21, 2020

My favourite thing about 2020 has been the consistent releases from bands across subgenres who have completely fine-tuned 80s sounds for a modern audience. Pestilent Planet is the debut seven-track album from brand new Berlin-based band, Clock of Time. While this project itself may be new, their sound is quite classically post-punk, draped over a skeleton of death-rock with a splash of dark wave.  

Clock of Time played their first show less than a year ago, but since they feature members of Diat, Vexx and Useless Eaters, it comes as no surprise that this LP has a completely seamless sound from the get-go. Don’t let their track records fool you, Pestilent Planet isn’t a continuation of any of their other projects, it’s got it’s own individual sound that shows you how well these guys really get post-punk.

The droning, yet urgent vocals and eerie repetition of the guitar really get under your skin. Pestilent Planet starts off strong with ‘Something to Look Forward’, which is pretty brilliantly titled honestly. The first time I listened to this album, I had the hooks from the opening track stuck in my head for days.  

‘Rotten Master’ has the perfect tempo and pacing from start to finish and ‘Swallow the Feed’ feels ‘nasty’ and raw.

The final track ‘Sunk Cost’ has a more frantic feeling to it. It doesn’t necessarily feel like an ending track, but it’s definitely not a throwaway. All in all, they’ve kept this album short and sweet. It’s enjoyable from start to finish, it’s strong and every song should resonate with you in some way or another.

There’s something so simultaneously simple and complex about this sound. Everything blends together perfectly. My only complaint is that we won’t be able to see this band perform live anytime soon.

I can’t imagine listening to Pestilent Planet and not loving it. Pre-order this now. You’ll kick yourself later if you don’t.  

-Linsey McFadden