Bilk have been steadily building a cult-like grassroots following, but 2025 will be the year they make a significant leap, with the release of their second album, Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll, on January 24. Their recent singles—Summer Days, F Up, and On It—reveal a band that has not only raised their ambition and accomplishment but also embraced a newfound versatility, all while maintaining the chaotic energy and larger-than-life personality that sets them apart.
Since debuting in 2018 and the release of their self-titled album in 2023, Bilk has stayed true to an ethos of gritty, authentic rock ‘n’ roll, offering an escape from the mundanity of daily life. This approach has led to unrestrained energy and memorable live shows, with headline gigs in London at Omeara, The 100 Club, and The Garage, plus an infamous in-store performance at Rough Trade, which led to the band being banned from the shop. Their festival moments—at Reading, Leeds, SXSW, Truck, The Great Escape, and Louis Tomlinson’s Away From Home—have only added to their reputation for high-octane performances.
Bilk’s most expansive headline tour to date kicks off in 2025, with the band playing their biggest London show at the Electric Ballroom before heading across Europe.
Ahead of the album release, Bilk’s lead singer, Sol Abrahams, sat down with CinemaChords to discuss the LP, the band’s evolving sound, and the personal experiences that shape their music. As the Essex-based punk band prepares for a European tour and the album’s release, it’s clear that Abrahams’ creative process is anything but conventional, in the best possible way.

“This album feels like a natural progression,” he explained when asked about what fans can expect from the new work. “I never really sit down and plan what I’m going to write. I just write based on what I’m into at the time.” This unfiltered approach has led to a diverse collection of tracks, including a blues song—a genre previously unexplored by the band. “I’ve been getting into I’ve been getting into Maddie Walters and all that sort of shit a lot recently as my girlfriend is really into that, and one just came out naturally,” he said, highlighting how his evolving tastes have shaped the band’s new sound.
One of the most surprising developments on the album is the inclusion of love songs, a genre Abrahams had previously avoided. “I always thought love songs were cheesy, and I didn’t want to say what had already been said a million times,” he admitted. However, a change in his personal life has shifted his perspective. “I’m in a relationship now, and I just write about what I’m experiencing. It’s not forced—it just comes out that way,” he explained. One track even features his girlfriend’s name, something she’s particularly fond of. “She loves it because she’s a bit of an attention seeker like me,” he laughed. “She’s going to love hearing her name sung back to her at gigs.”

Despite the more personal nature of his songwriting, Abrahams remains resolutely uninterested in catering to external expectations. “I never consider the fans, or the labels, or bloggers, or interviewers like yourself when I write. I make music for myself. That’s when you make great art,” he said firmly. His songs are raw and often unpolished, reflecting real-life moments and emotions. A prime example is a song that mentions a local pub in Chelmsford—a place significant to the singer, but obscure to most listeners. “If people relate to it, great. If not, that’s fine too,” he added.
This no-frills approach extends to Bilk’s live shows as well. Known for their chaotic energy, the band embraces spontaneity in their performances. “When we play live, anything can happen,” the singer said. “We just want to bring the chaos and the great tunes.” He recalled a wild moment at last year’s Truck Festival when he impulsively dove into a drum kit. “It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. But I love that kind of unpredictability. It makes the show feel real.” Reflecting on him having previously mocked such antics in a Nirvana music video, he laughed. “I guess I’m a bit of a walking contradiction.”
Bilk’s commitment to authenticity is evident not only in their music but also in their DIY approach to creating. For the music video to their latest single, Summer Days, the band took a lo-fi, homegrown approach. “We bought a cheap camcorder and just filmed some stuff in Brighton. My girlfriend and I were going to Brighton for my birthday, and we went shopping. I just mentioned how I didn’t have time for the video, and my girlfriend said, ‘Let’s just fucking film some shit on a camcorder then,’” Abrahams explained. “It was last minute, but it turned out perfect.” He also revealed his behind-the-scenes role in editing, having briefly studied film before turning to music. “I studied TV and film for a year and a half, then dropped out to focus on music. It was also because it got too studious. At first, I enjoyed the practical side, pretending I was Quentin Tarantino and all that. But when it got to the written work, that’s just not me. I know what I’m good at and what I’m not. I don’t like being told what to do, especially with creative stuff. I just go with what feels right.”

As Bilk prepares to hit the road in support of their new album, the singer is focused on the live experience, promising a longer set with surprises. “We’re going to play all the new tracks, and we’ve got a few things planned to make the shows feel fresh,” he teased. “But for me, it’s all about the energy and that sense of spontaneity. That’s what makes a great live show.”
With their unique blend of punk attitude, personal lyricism, and a willingness to push boundaries, Bilk are carving out their own path in the music scene. Whether they’re writing blues songs or performing chaotic gigs, they remain true to themselves—and their fans are clearly responding. “In Europe and the States, the reactions have been incredible,” Abrahams noted, observing how fans from different cultures connect with the band’s energy and authenticity. “I think in the States they have less of a judgmental attitude. In England, there’s a big judgmental attitude. Some people here can be like, ‘Oh, you’re influenced by that. That’s a bad thing. You’ve ripped it off.’ But in places like Europe and the US, they don’t give a fuck. They just think, ‘This is cool.’ Sometimes, people need to chill out with comparisons between bands and just take music for what it is. I’ve seen how music can bring people together, no matter where they’re from.”
As Bilk prepares to release their sophomore album and embark on their European tour, it’s clear that they’re not just making music—they’re living it, every spontaneous, unpredictable step of the way.
Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll is available to pre-order or pre-save HERE. Physical formats include red vinyl, black vinyl and CD, while the band’s official store offers bundles with options for a t-shirt and tote bag.
The band’s dates are below, remaining tickets are available HERE.

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