Bleech 9:3 Bring Grit and Massive Hooks to New Single ‘No Surprise’

There’s been a steady, organic buzz building around Bleech 9:3 for the better part of the last year. The Dublin-formed, London-based four-piece managed to pull glowing write-ups from NME and The Guardian based purely on the strength of their chaotic, word-of-mouth live shows before they even had a formal record out.

Now, with their self-titled debut EP arriving via Polydor Records, the band is proving that the hype was entirely warranted. While the project is a tight five-track introduction to their world, it’s the latest focal single, “No Surprise” that feels like their definitive statement so far.

From Recovery to a Prolific Partnership

To understand why the music hits with such intense vulnerability, you have to look at how co-frontmen Baz Quinlan (vocals/guitar) and Sam Duffy (guitar) met. Both were navigating the Dublin music circuit while struggling with addiction. They ultimately crossed paths in a 12-step recovery program, where Baz became Sam’s sponsor.

That foundation of radical honesty carried over when they relocated to London in 2024 to form the band alongside James Quinlan (bass) and Luke O’Neill (drums). What could have been a standard indie project instead became an outlet for genuine catharsis.

The Sound: 90s Grunge Meets Sharp Melodic Pop

Produced with engineer Dani Bennett Spragg and mixed by Alex Farrar, “No Surprise” finds a brilliant middle ground for the band. Their earlier tracks like “Ceiling” and “Underrated” leaned heavily into claustrophobic, heavy alt-grunge. “No Surprise” keeps that underlying grit and driving rhythm but layers it with a massive, undeniable pop sensibility.

Lyrically, the track digs into the messy loops of codependency and the sharp, sometimes painful clarity that comes with getting sober. It anchors an EP that feels less like a polished studio product and more like a document of survival.

Bleech 9:3 EP Tracklist:

1. Jacky

2. Underrated

3. Cannonball

4. No Surprise

5. Ceiling

Out on the Road

Bleech 9:3 have already proven they can back up their recorded material on stage, recently packing out London’s Scala. They’re currently in the middle of a UK and European run, which includes some massive upcoming support slots for Wunderhorse and Nick Cave, alongside summer festival appearances.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

• May 18: Yellow Arch Studios – Sheffield, UK

• May 19: YES – Manchester, UK

• May 21: Heartbreakers – Southampton, UK

• May 28: Trefpunt – Gent, Belgium

• July 23: Latitude Festival – Southwold, UK

• July 26: Truck Festival – Abingdon, UK

The Verdict

“No Surprise” works because it doesn’t play it safe. Bleech 9:3 are taking heavy, deeply personal themes and wrapping them in anthems that are meant to be heard in packed, sweaty rooms. It’s an incredible introduction to a band that is bound to be everywhere by the end of the year.