Lip Critic

New York-based art punk band Lip Critic eschew a conventional setup, instead utilizing two drum kits, synths, and samplers to create as much chaos as possible. Deeply rooted in hardcore music, but heavily swayed by internet culture, they pride themselves on switching up rhythms and layering in as many samples as they can get away with. All of this is accompanied by strong indictments of Western capitalist society. Formed by friends in 2018, they had originally started out with comedic elements in mind, both leaning on samplers to create music they saw as semi-ridiculous. They cut their teeth in venues across Brooklyn, forging a reputation for their energetic and confrontational live shows. In keeping with their D.I.Y. ethos, they recorded and released their early singles and debut EP, 2019's Kill Lip Critic. They carried that mentality onward to self-release their debut album, 2020's Lip Critic II, which ultimately got them noticed by labels and audiences outside of their local scene. They were picked up by Partisan Records, who helped them tour Europe. Their label debut, 2024's Hex Dealer, put them on the map for their inventive blend of hardcore, rap, and electronic music. Their third album materialized after a case of stolen identity, thus birthing a concept and entire set of songs for 2026's Theft World. ~ Liam Martin