It’s a recipe where math rock meets post-hardcore, and it blends quite nicely. All you really need to picture is Dance Gavin Dance’s Will Swan’s guitar playing with a swash of Tera Malos’ math rock. Blight Town, from Nottingham, United Kingdom, has been grinding since 2014 and now, 12 years later, is reaping the rewards they so generously deserve. It’s been a bit of a shock to see it take off the way it has, but that’s the beauty of music.

“This kind of came out of nowhere,” laughs guitarist Sam Hough. “I never anticipated this happening.”

They released their newest EP, “Nu Malaise,” about a month ago, and it showcases expanded boundaries. The beginning of a two-part project, this piece is a little heavier and raw, with a darker side, whereas the second part is going to be a little more poppy. They’ve always been one of the heavier bands on any bill in the U.K., but have noticed a really good scene for the lighter side.

“What if we got everything we really enjoy?” quips guitarist Will Emmerson. “All the stuff we’re into more recently, and mix it all together. I think having two keys where we can kind of split that tie is a really cool thing. Then maybe when we end up writing a full-length, it’ll give us a better understanding of how to blend those things as well.”

The idea for this universe was mostly for the visual. At first, they thought they might have been writing themselves into a corner, but they got to the point where, even though there was a vague, overarching sort of feeling, they realized that people can make their own conclusions from what’s coming out of it. 

Thematically, this record takes a whole different life, creating an eerie, TV-themed universe. With everything going on today, and the state of the world, the group decided to take a look into the past and bring back some nostalgia, a simpler time. The idea for this universe was mostly for the visual. At first, they thought they might have been writing themselves into a corner, but they got to the point where, even though there was a vague, overarching sort of feeling, they realized that people can make their own conclusions from what’s coming out of it. 

“From the early 2000s, it was a time that we really enjoyed,” explains vocalist Jake Hough. “Simpler times of VHS; I’ve been watching a lot of analog horror at the time as well. We can do something on the surface that’s optimistic and happy looking, but also a bit dark and sinister if you look past it a little bit.”

Leading the excitement of the future of the band is the announcement of their first-ever tour in the United States, supporting Hail the Sun. 80% of their fan base is in America, and they are very excited to meet all the people who have shown them love and made what they’re doing possible. They are excited more than anything; it’s a dream come true.

“We’re just really, really excited to do it,” exclaims Sam Hough. “Hail have always been really supportive towards us. We’ve played Glasgow and Sheffield, and we did a run with them and Kurt Travis. They’ve always been lovely to us and show us love wherever they can. It’s just nice to be able to do that on their home turf this time.”