Hemel Hempstead’s Ramona Marx dropped their debut EP Splenectomy, unleashing a fierce and unfiltered slice of punk that’s sure to resonate with the UK’s underground scene. Known for their fiery live performances and hard-hitting sound, the quartet has finally channeled that livewire energy into a release that matches the intensity of their reputation. With Splenectomy, Ramona Marx carve out their place with unapologetic force, showcasing their no-holds-barred approach to both music and message.
The EP follows the buzz generated by the music video for 'Seek The Day', a collaboration with acclaimed videographer Adam Docker, whose portfolio includes work with Alice in Chains. It’s a powerful visual introduction to the EP’s sound, which was crafted under the guidance of producer Erik Miles. Known for his work with artists like Soft Play and Kate Nash, Miles brings a sharp edge to the EP while allowing Ramona Marx’s raw, unpolished intensity to shine through.
Musically, Splenectomy is a whirlwind of chaotic energy and tightly controlled aggression. With frenetic drumming, gritty guitars, and driving basslines forming the backbone, Sam’s vocals stand front and center—delivered in a ferocious, almost primal fashion. The band’s sound is built on tension, constantly teetering between full-blown sonic chaos and moments of razor-sharp precision. Their energy is explosive, and it feels like every track is pushing toward some kind of emotional breaking point. It’s messy, visceral, and utterly relentless, embodying the very spirit of punk.
At the heart of the EP is the band’s personal experience and social commentary, brought to life through the title Splenectomy. Named after Sam’s own medical ordeal with a ruptured spleen earlier this year, the EP uses this as a metaphor for something deeper. The band describes it as “a removal of spite,” an effort to purge all the pent-up anger and frustration they’ve carried with them. As they explain, “This EP is us in our most naked form. We want to surgically remove this spite and serve it up to you on a cold and bitter plate.” It’s a deeply cathartic work, grounded in personal pain but with a clear-eyed look at the power structures that stoke that rage. The EP tackles the feeling of being trapped in a rigged system, where life’s outcomes are dictated by those holding the cards.
Recorded at the Forum Recording Studio in Kent, Splenectomy feels like a pivotal moment for Ramona Marx. It’s an EP that captures the band at their most furious and most focused, offering a snapshot of a group that’s been steadily rising but is now poised for something bigger. Splenectomy doesn’t just introduce Ramona Marx to a wider audience—it sets the tone for what they’re capable of, blending personal vulnerability with a sound that refuses to be ignored. This is the start of something significant, and Ramona Marx are just getting warmed up.