Mark Vennis & Different Place, known for their blend of punk rock, post-punk energy, and biting social commentary, return with their latest single, In These Times…, marking a significant evolution in their sound. The track, set for release on October 4, 2024, continues to draw on the raw, rebellious roots of punk, yet reveals a fuller, more melodic sound that promises to resonate deeply with listeners. As always, the band has plenty to say about the “state of the nation,” and this single is no exception.
In These Times… showcases Mark Vennis & Different Place embracing their eclectic influences while honing a more polished yet gritty sound. Featuring blistering guitar work by Mark Vennis and Sean Quinn, paired with Dave Sweetenham’s reggae-infused bass rumble, the song offers an urgent blend of melody and dissonance. While their earlier work leaned heavily on raw post-punk, the band’s latest release adds new layers of sonic complexity and depth, capturing a broader spectrum of rock ‘n’ roll influences. Vennis’ love for bands like Gang of Four and Screaming Blue Messiahs can be heard in the circular, choppy riffs that give the track a feeling of tension and unease.
“The chassis for In These Times… is a circular riff that we’ve been kicking around in rehearsal for ages,” Vennis explains. “Big influences on me are Gang of Four and Screaming Blue Messiahs, so I tried to channel some of that guitar sound into the song—raw, a bit choppy, a bit uneasy and chaotic.” The song’s swirling guitar lines and throbbing bassline mirror the sense of struggle and instability conveyed in the lyrics.
Lyrically, In These Times… is quintessential Mark Vennis & Different Place—unflinching in its social commentary. The song reflects on the challenges of navigating life in uncertain, difficult times, touching on themes of survival, resilience, and the search for moments of peace amidst chaos. “The lyrics are about the shit you have to do sometimes to stay afloat in these hardest of times,” Vennis notes. “Hanging on by your fingertips, struggling with the day to day, but sometimes finding an oasis of calm.”
This juxtaposition of chaos and calm is mirrored in the music itself, with its blend of sharp guitar riffs, a steady bassline, and driving rhythms that build into an anthemic chorus. The band’s ability to weave melodic hooks into socially-conscious messages is part of what makes In These Times… such a compelling listen.
Mark Vennis & Different Place have steadily built a reputation as one of the premier post-punk outfits, with previous albums like Small Town Vampire (2024) and Fighting on All Fronts (2020) receiving glowing reviews. Their sound has often been described as a seamless blend of jangly guitar work, reminiscent of The Byrds, with the harder-edged rhythms of bands like The Stranglers. Critics have lauded Vennis’ songwriting for its sharp, observational style, drawing comparisons to the likes of Ray Davies for his “pithy, closely-observed vignettes of humdrum British life.”
With In These Times…, the band continues to expand on this foundation, adding a broader palette of sounds and textures to their music while staying true to their post-punk roots. This single is also the first taste of their forthcoming five-song EP, Sunrise, which is slated for release in November 2024. All songs on the EP, including In These Times…, were written by Vennis, further cementing his status as the creative force behind the band’s evolving sound.
Following the release of In These Times…, Mark Vennis & Different Place are gearing up for a series of live performances, including a notable appearance at London’s legendary 100 Club on October 13th. The gig will coincide with the film premiere of Head South, a New Zealand coming-of-age punk story directed by the award-winning Jonathan Ogilvie. This high-profile show will give fans a chance to experience the band’s new material live, showcasing their ever-evolving sound.
In addition to the original version of In These Times…, the single also includes a remixed track titled Sure Ain’t No Crime. This bonus offering gives listeners an alternate take on the band’s signature sound, adding further depth and variety to the release.
Based in Petersfield, Mark Vennis & Different Place have made a name for themselves with their potent blend of punk, indie rock, and incisive social commentary. With influences that range from The Clash to The Kinks and The Jam, they have carved out a niche as one of the most compelling voices in modern music. Their ability to blend raw, punk-infused energy with thoughtful, cinematic lyrics sets them apart in today’s musical landscape.
As their sound continues to evolve, so does their relevance. In a time when the world feels increasingly chaotic, In These Times… speaks to the struggles of daily life, but also offers glimpses of hope and resilience. It’s a song for these times, and for the uncertain future ahead.
Mark Vennis & Different Place remain a band with plenty to say—and the talent to say it with force, melody, and passion.
In These Times… is released on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Keep an eye out for their forthcoming EP, Sunrise, set for release in November 2024, and be sure to catch their electrifying live performance at the 100 Club.
Connect with Mark Vennis & Different Place on
English