Pacific Northwest hardcore band POISE are charging ahead at full speed. Since their last No Echo feature, they’ve sustained their momentum with fresh tracks, a beefed-up lineup, and a persistent string of shows across the region.
“Since then, we’ve recorded a new record,” vocalist Ian tells No Echo about their forthcoming Iron Foot EP, which will hit streaming outlets later this month. “It's coming out on 7” via Discos Enfermos Records in Barcelona and on tape through Human Future Records out of San Diego," says Ian. The band is already peering ahead, too. “We’re working on our next release, which should be out later this year.”
If you’re familiar with the group’s 2025 self-titled EP, you won’t be surprised by how hard POISE go. Still, their new material hits even tougher, as heard on “Ill Anguish,” a track from Iron Foot premiering below. “It’s about doing your best to get on top financially in a system that’s designed to keep you down,” Ian says about the song. “It’s a bit cynical and sarcastic, but that’s kind of my lyric-writing style.” The track also marks an early moment in POISE’s current lineup. “It was one of the first songs we wrote after assembling the full band.”
POISE started as a raw, minimalist project, but that spark has grown into something bigger. “With the first record, it started as a passion project between Chase and me,” Ian explains. “I recorded guitar, bass, and vocals, while he tracked drums. Then our friend Eddie Brnabic from Hippie Death Cult recorded the lead parts.” After that release, the band expanded into its current form. “This time around, three other musicians were involved in writing. I like to think it makes things a bit more exciting.”
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Onstage, POISE have been putting in the work. “We’ve been quite busy playing a lot of gigs,” Ian says. While Olympia and Portland remain consistent stops, one place stands out. “Our favorite city to play is Missoula, Montana—that city goes wild.”
They’re also tuned in to the heart of the scene. Ian shouts out Endless Joy, Spikepit, Spiritual Law, Hot Load, and Yambag. “Those records have been on repeat for most of us,” Ian notes.
Looking ahead, POISE aren’t letting up. Along with more shows, a split release is already underway. “We do have plans to release a split in the near future—more to come."
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Iron Foot will be out on May 22 via Discos Enfermos Records (vinyl pre-order) and Human Future Records (cassette pre-order).
POISE on social media: Instagram
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