Hovercraft closes their Bond-themed reconstruction trilogy with Blown Away, a raw, unfiltered collection of indie-punk tracks that resurrects the late 1990s energy of their vanished songwriter, Piers “Charlie Pepper” Wildman. Originally written in 1996 and left on degraded cassette tapes, lyric fragments, and memory, these 13 songs have been meticulously reconstructed in 2025. The result is a record that feels both timeless and immediate—a vivid window into a brilliant yet fragile creative mind.
Unlike the neo-soul textures of Shaken Not Stirred or the darker experimental tones of On The Rocks, Blown Away dives headfirst into indie-punk and alt-rock. The tracks are jagged, emotional, and unpredictable, reflecting the raw urgency Charlie infused into his early compositions. It’s a snapshot of a young artist on the brink of both brilliance and burnout, brought back to life with modern clarity while preserving every imperfection and idiosyncratic flourish.
Standout tracks demonstrate the range and emotional weight of the album. “New Pine Overcoat” shifts from celebratory tones to stark fatalism in minutes, capturing the tension of a generation navigating disillusionment. “Angel” transforms intimate acoustic yearning into defiant, Arlo Parks–style poise, while “Concrete Hill” evolves from a raw ancestor of Higher Ground into alt-dance catharsis. “These Days,” resurrected from half-speed analog four-track tapes, pulses with the urgent energy reminiscent of The Jam, bridging the past and present seamlessly. Each track serves as both memorial and message, offering glimpses into a mind that hovered between revelation and warning.
The reconstruction was guided by bassist Aaron “Ron Nasty” Downing and David “Golly God” Marsden, who employed AI-assisted restoration and modern mastering to preserve the authenticity of the original recordings. This musical archaeology approach ensures that Charlie’s voice—intimate, volatile, and unmistakably alive—remains at the heart of the album. The work resists over-polishing, honoring the original spirit of the compositions while allowing the listener to experience the immediacy of 1990s indie-punk energy.
Blown Away is more than a collection of songs; it’s a preservation project and a beacon, transmitting the creativity of a lost artist across decades. The album’s release has already drawn attention from publications worldwide, including EARMILK (USA), La Caverna (Mexico), and Music For All (Brazil), with impressive playlist reach and a 29.66% save-to-listener ratio signaling its resonance with audiences.
For fans of The Jam, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, PJ Harvey, Fontaines D.C., and Big Thief, Blown Away is a striking reminder of indie-punk’s enduring power. It’s loud, emotional, and unforgettable—a triumphant conclusion to Hovercraft’s ambitious trilogy and a compelling testament to the enduring spirit of Charlie Pepper’s songwriting.
Connect with HOVERCRAFT on