New Music: Erotic Secrets of Pompeii - Bring Me Back from the Black Beyond

Erotic Secrets of Pompeii: Bristol's Art-Punk Visionaries with "Bring Me Back from the Black Beyond"

Erotic Secrets of Pompeii (often abbreviated as ESOP) are a unique and captivating band hailing from Bristol, UK. Formed around 2018 (with a significant lineup change in 2020), they are known for their distinctive sound, which they themselves describe as "wild, weird apocalyptic lounge music" or "existential wonky rock." Their genre blends art rock, indie rock, post-punk, and alternative elements, often characterized by angular instrumentation, transgressive themes, and a surrealist, gothic aesthetic.

The band comprises Thomas Hawtin (vocals), Tom Hackwell (guitar/synth/producer), Sean Jones (guitar), Julian Port (bass), and Alex Auld (drums). They draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists across different mediums, including Lynch, Dali, Bacon, Blake, Cronenberg, and Jodorowsky, which is reflected in their grotesque imagery, vivid symbolism, and impressionistic lyrics. ESOP's live shows are noted for their energy and theatricality, with vocalist Thomas Hawtin often performing with striking makeup and a possessed intensity. They gained significant attention with their debut EP "Trash Jugular" (2022) and their debut album "Mondo Maleficum" (2024), receiving support from BBC Radio 6 and Radio X.

The song "Bring Me Back from the Black Beyond" is a recent single from Erotic Secrets of Pompeii, released on May 22, 2025. It's described as an anthemic ear-crusher, drenched in pomp and severity, featuring a colossal dual synth-guitar riff and a "tainted goth-disco beat."

Lyrically, the song is a desperate final plea from a lover stranded in the afterlife. It explores themes of longing, seeking reconnection from beyond the grave, and the blurred lines between life and death. The lyrics hint at a "metal telephone" for communication from limbo and a desire to "cheat" the quest of death to find a living person on the other side. The song is a theatrical and bombastic blend of genres, conjuring allusions to Yeats at his most apocalyptic, merging elements reminiscent of Joy Division, Goldfrapp, Kasabian, and even The Rocky Horror Picture Show. "Bring Me Back from the Black Beyond" perfectly encapsulates Erotic Secrets of Pompeii's ability to create dark, thought-provoking, yet hook-laden and danceable tracks. Band Page: https://www.instagram.com/erotic_secrets_of_pompeii