mclusky – chekhov’s guns

Mclusky’s latest single, “chekhov’s gun,” is a gloriously abrasive return, proving the Welsh noise-rock trio hasn’t lost their knack for sharp, nihilistic wit wrapped in punishing riffs. The track, from their first album in 20 years (the world is still here and so are we, out May 9 via Ipecac Recordings), is a masterclass in post-hardcore efficiency—short, brutal, and packed with the kind of lyrical absurdity that makes you laugh before you realize it’s probably about mortality.

Frontman Andrew Falkous describes it as a song about “getting to the point”—something he’s allegedly working on—and, naturally, death. Because what isn’t? The lyrics are peak Mclusky: self-aware, sardonic, and just cryptic enough to keep you guessing.

This is the third preview of the album, following “way of the exploding dickhead” and “people person,” and if these tracks are any indication, the record will be as unrelenting as their early work. The accompanying video, directed by Remy Lamont, continues their streak of darkly comic visuals—though, as always, the real spectacle is the music itself.