Punk-Rockers, Filthy Algorithm, release debut album

Music Review | 25th March, 2025 Filthy Algorithm

Despite being relatively new on the scene, Drogheda based studio-project, Filthy Algorithm, have been quickly making a name for themselves with their unique brand of blues fused punk rock.

Releasing a number of singles in 2024, the musical project led by Paul Byrne, received both radio and media coverage, which has seen them attract a loyal following. With a number of releases under their belt the project has been busy with the debut album, Masque Of Anarchy.

Masque Of Anarchy, takes the listener on a musical journey through blues, rock, and even spoken word. Filled with screaming guitars and snarling vocals the album includes snippets of samples taken from radio broadcasts and movies, adding an extra flavor to the overall sound and feel.

The album bursts to life with Crossroads, the bands debut single, which pays homage to American culture and of course Blues-Master, Robert Johnson. Featured on the track are Sean Murtagh (Rowdy Outsider) and Head Lynch.

The album is filled with punk energy with tracks such as the guitar driven Elvis Was A Punk, Piper Blush and Goin Surfin, a track that sounds as though it was taken straight from the Sex Pistols.

The album is not just a one trick punk-pony and dives into a number of styles such as the catchy melodic-sounding, Black Swan, the blues toned Jazz Kat and the alt-rock sounding title track, Masque Of Anarchy.

The band goes into rock-mode territory on Ciza, with its rich guitar tones, while Union Rules sees Byrne accompanied by strummed electric guitar reminiscent of British singer-songwriter, and political activist, Billy Bragg.

While the theme of the album is punk-rock, Byrne shows his electronic side with, Union Rules Head Much (Remix), a track with a programmed dance beat under snarling vocals and distorted guitar riffs.

The album comes to a climax with End, a spoken word track performed by Byrne with the sounds of battle forming a musical background. Along with the snippets of samples such as Charlie Dont Surf from the 1979 cult classic Apocalypse Now, Filthy Algorithm ooze with creativity on this stunning debut album.

Not content to settle on a debut release Filthy Algorithm are already back in the studio working on their second album, set for release in 2025.

Filthy Algorithm - Goin Surfin (Youtube)

The album, Masque Of Anarchy, is available through SoundCloud and Big Moon Records, an independent record store located at 44 St Laurence Street Drogheda, A92YDX0.

Masque Of Anarchy

Photo Credit: Aran Young