Gatefold CD / Heavy Black & White Col Gatefold LP. Since forming in 2012 they've become increasingly involved with the DIY queer punk scene. Citing influences including Buzzcocks, T-Rex and C86, the new album is louder, bolder, fuller-sounding and captures more of their live sound-aided and abetted by producer MJ of Hookworms. They have toured the US, where they became the subject of a Rolling Stone documentary. Lyrically, it's more direct than their debut, exploring issues around gender and identity. Songwriting is split between all 4 members, giving a different perspective and energy to each song.. Perhaps the standout track is "Binary", a song about questioning gender norms, something that Nye's experience of coming out as being trans has forced him to think about..'I'm so proud and fortunate to know quite a few amazing people who openly identify as non-binary, genderqueer or other non-binary identities - they exist in the world on their own terms and consistently challenge something that so many people just take as read'. This song has quickly become a live favourite, prompting massed choruses of the I am bigger than a hexadecimal line. Try To Be Hopeful is the sound of a band growing up, embracing their identities, and taking charge at the world. The Spook School are the shot of optimism we've been hoping for. LIVE: 11th Sept Bristol; 12th Cardiff, 19th Newcastle, 23rd Edinburgh, 2nd Oct London, 17th A Carefully Planned Festival, Manchester.