Burner marks Free Zorba The Hooligan’s explosive arrival
Born in the gritty expanse between Birmingham and Paris, Free Zorba The Hooligan have released their debut EP Burner, a blistering introduction to their distinctive alt-punk sound.
Produced by: Free Zorba The Hooligan
Newly-formed alt-punk force Free Zorba The Hooligan has formerly exploded onto the music scene with their debut EP, Burner. Formed in 2024, the band—comprising lead vocalist Niko May, bassist Edd Paul, drummer Tom Taddei-Davies, and guitarists Alex Cachia and Yo Badorc—has rapidly built a reputation for their intense, cathartic sound that pulls from post-punk, noise, and hardcore.
Having played in various projects at festivals like SXSW, Pitchfork, and Green Man, the five-piece came together with a singular vision: to make music that goes “louder and deeper.” The result is Burner, a record that channels raw energy into a wall of sound while exploring profound lyrical themes of self-discovery and resilience. Their debut single, ‘Afterhour,’ released on January 22, 2025, set the stage with its relentless intensity, followed by ‘Amandino’ on February 12. Both tracks showcase the band’s ability to merge crushing instrumentation with introspective lyricism.
Framing the 4-track EP as a battle for faith—not in a divine entity, but in oneself and the interconnectedness of humanity, the band declares: “In the gutter, I found a fire, in that fire I found heaven.”
With a growing presence in the UK’s independent music scene and performances at renowned venues like The Windmill and Paper Dress Vintage, Free Zorba The Hooligan is proving itself to be a powerful new voice in alt-punk. And Burner is just the beginning.
Standout Songs: ‘AFTERHOUR,’ and ‘AMANDINO.’
Release Date: March 26
6.7
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