Doomed Confessionary: Jade Ashleigh & Thom Longdin (Kulk)
Kulk is a two-piece doom/stoner/sludge/post-metal band hailing from Norwich, UK.
Kulk’s latest album »It Gets Worse« comes two and a half years after the release of their thunderous and experimental sophomore album »We Spare Nothing« which saw them further define their unique and monolithic brand of heavy doom and sludge and sees the band mature massively in sound as well as cementing their place as the future of UK heavy music. Jade Ashleigh (drums) and Thom Longdin (vocals and guitar) have defined their sound massively across this release, focusing on louder and more aggressive cuts throughout this 8 track album.
The band’s third full-length album »It Gets Worse« was released on May 17th, 2024 via Human Worth.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a heavy noise two-piece from Norwich, UK. We try to produce an experimental and punishing blend of punk, doom and noise rock.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Jade & Thom: It’ll always be the next record and then the one after that. We try to put everything into every release so coming off the back of one can feel like there’s nothing left in the tank. We just have to find the way through!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Jade & Thom: We’re proud of everything that what we achieved so far and all the wonderful people we have met along the way, especially those in our little band family who have helped make our music happen.
What was your biggest regret?
Jade & Thom: We don’t have many regrets but one is definitely wishing we’d worked with Wayne Adams sooner. We recorded and produced our last two albums together and he was a joy to work with as he sure knows pure heaviness.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Jade & Thom: We had the absolute pleasure of joining Pigsx7 on tour. They’re truly one of the best bands in the UK and night after night we got to watch them from side stage.
We also finished our album on this tour, when we recorded the solo on ‘Life Will Wait’ with Adam of Pigsx7 in the green room of one of the venues.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Jade & Thom: It has to be the people. The extent to which people can be the best and the worst. We’re incredibly lucky to have met some truly life changing people but there also happens to be some real shit heads
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Thom: Right now the biggest records for me are Thou – »Umbilical« and Sunrot – »The Unfailing Rope«, for Jade it’s Pest Control – »Don’t Test The Pest« and Shellac – »To All Trains«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Jade & Thom: To always go harder and lean into what you love. If it means making music that gets more and more unlistenable, then that’s what we’ll do.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Thom: I don’t think I have one, never be guilty about your pleasure. You’re free to enjoy James Blunt and your biscuits with hummus if you please.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Norwich / UK?
Jade & Thom: The scene in Norwich is a very small one but well connected. When good heavy music comes through, which it does often enough, the people of Norwich truly appreciate it and don’t take it for granted.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
20/07 Bury St Edmunds – Rehearsal Rooms
04/08 Birkenhead – Future Yard
15/08 Arctangent Festival
20/08 Birmingham – The Victoria ~ supporting Iress
21/08 Exeter – The Cavern ~ supporting Iress
22/08 Bournemouth – The Anvil ~ supporting Iress
23/08 Leicester – Big Difference ~ supporting Iress
14/09 Norwich – Waterfront ~ supporting Melt-Banana
17/09 Ipswich – The Baths ~ supporting Melt-Banana
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Jade & Thom: To keep on doing what we’re doing, but most importantly to grow and get better while we do it.
How can people best support your band?
Jade & Thom: If you like what you hear keep on listening. Come to a show near you too, that would be very much appreciated. There’s nothing we love more than melting faces at massive volumes.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Jade & Thom: Thank you so much to everyone for their wonderful reception on our new album, »It Gets Worse«, and also to those who have made it happen. We’ve been so pleased that everyone who has listened or bought a copy has enjoyed it, it’s all we could ask for.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well