New Music: The IRS – Byzantine

The intro to Byzantine immediately catches your attention, containing monochrome shades of Joy Division, but The IRS take you somewhere rather different.

That post-punk energy remains noticeable in the bass and lead guitar throughout the track, it must be said, giving the song a solid and unyielding core. But The IRS take a route that is decidedly cold wave in tone and tempo, despite the romantic and warm vocal style.

As the track fades out, Byzantine comes full circle in a way: New Order may have an influence on the dark yet clubby electronic heart that marshals the track along, but present too is an indefinable sadness, icy fingers that momentarily touch your very essence before drawing away.

Connect with The IRS on Instagram. Byzantine and previous singles from the New York outfit can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.