Labels: Fucking North Pole Records/Captured Records
Formats: Vinyl/Digital
Release Date: 20 Mar 2026
Tracklist:
1. Barren Womb - The Perils of Self-Improvement
2. Hylko - Green Spa (Cold Region Version)
I still love a good 7" single. I’ve been steadily picking them up, even though all of my record storage is taken up by LPs and they're now relegated to a crate (will be looking to change that soon!). That's what drew me towards this little split single from Norwegian noise-rock duo Barren Womb and Japanese stoner trio Hylko. It features one song by each band and was limited to just 100 copies, 50 on black and 50 on white vinyl, released by Fucking North Pole Records (or FNPRecords for short) and Captured Records.
It’s been quite sometime since I last reviewed a quick-fire release like this one. Barren Womb is a name I’ve seen pop up in various places over the last few years, though I didn’t realise they have been making music since 2011! Their song here ‘The Perils of Self-Improvement’ is a surprising mix of pop/melodic hooks and thundering heaviness. Dual-clean vocals, shouts, mid-paced percussion and guitar riffs that pivot between classy rock, and harrowing stoner-metal. The ending is especially worth waiting for, as Barren Womb literally grind their way to a halt.
Hylko are a completely new band to me and as they’re from Japan, I don’t know what to expect (apart from something unexpected!). The trio features a drummer, a vocalist who also plays a djembe drum and a bassist. Japan has a long history of producing great psych/stoner/noise bands and as the rumbling bass riff hits on ‘Green Spa’, another one is born in Hylko. Simple but noisy with beguiling Japanese lyrics that really bring out the psych influence, alongside the sounds of what is apparently a hot spring!
Two totally different bands sharing a love for noise and rock, but interpreting both in their own way. Barren Womb show a lot of maturity but also a fraught side. Hylko are relatively new still (this is only their second release) but show great promise and ingenuity with their music. There’s a lot to like here.
You can stream Hylko's half of the split via their bandcamp page below, where the track is also available to purchase:-
You can also stream/download the full split from Barren Womb's site here - https://barrenwomb.org.
Barren Womb Instagram - @barrenwomb
Hylko Instagram - @hylko.stonerrock
Physical vinyl copies can be purchased via the pages below:-
FNPRecords - https://www.facebook.com/FNPRecords
Captured Records - http://captured.web.fc2.com