Album Review: Artio – Soul Rot (LAB Records)

Leeds-based alt-rock four-piece Artio will release their sophomore album ‘Soul Rot’ on January 21st, 2026, via LAB Records.

As part of a new breed of modern alternative rock bands who utilise electronica in liberal ways, Artio have already made a significant name for themselves so it’s no surprise that this new record comes with expectations. Yet, if the band felt pressure to live up to that demand, it doesn’t show. This album isn’t just the sound of a comfortable band, it’s the sound of a confident band.

Delivering a bevy of familiar, but fresh sounds born from a wide range of creative ideas. The album oozes passion, energy, and life as Artio take the listener on a powerful and personal journey driven by the incredible vocals and lyrics of Rae Brazill. One part of a band focused on delivering the best of themselves, which across the fourteen tracks of this album, is a goal that is certainly achieved.

Beginning in straight-forward, but energetic and anthemic fashion, The Devil You Know is a floor-filler with jolting electronica and raucous guitar parts. A cool start, so it’s a bit jarring to then have Soul Rotting follow it. Which simply has different people repeating the line “please call me back, my soul is rotting” twisted by electronica. It’s interesting, quite disconcerting, and undeniably imaginative, but works better as an intro to Bite Down than a standalone thing. Which is a track all about its huge chorus, Arito soaring high and then unleashing a ton of heaviness on us. The ending of this track is nuts, and I love it.

I’ve got a lot less love for Full on Fight for Fun even though the pop-punk bounciness does have appeal. Unfortunately, it’s just not that interesting of a track. Whereas Only They Had More Chance to Take Flight is downright awesome. A creative track with frantic instrumentation, expressive melody, and varied vocals. CJ of Love Rarely guests on this one and it’s a notable guest spot.

A little further into the album, there’s another guest spot, namely kahal who makes an appearance on Seven Suns. A likable example of pulsating effects and dramatic melody, showing just how interesting Artio’s music can be when they collaborate outside themselves.

Though that’s not to suggest their non-guest stuff is found lacking. Far from it. Check out O Negative and the emotional depths this one sinks to. Check out Soda, a track with soaring vocal layers and a likable chorus. Or check out Let It Be a Void and Incision Site. Both offering up big riffs, some really cool synth sounds, and in the case of the former, a very chaotic end. Whereas the latter has the catchier chorus.

As the album starts to reach its culmination, there’s a sense that Artio weighted the back end with some of their more eclectic and challenging efforts, but that just might be me. I found I couldn’t quite get on board with the poppy, atmosphere-driven, Vertebrae, whereas I found the spoken-word weirdness of Death Stems to be creative and potent, but likely to be one that is skipped on repeat plays.

Finally, we have Algae Bloom and Room Tone. Where Artio aim to end things on a high and keep the listener well and truly focused on them right up to the very last second. An easy task to complete it turns out thanks to two of the album’s most energised, excitable, and effortless bangers. Capping of what has, for the most part, been a wonderful listening experience. They’ve already come so far, and you can’t help but think there is no limit on what this band can achieve if they carry on this way.

Artio – Soul Rot Track Listing:

1. The Devil You Know (feat. Cody Frost)
2. Soul Rotting
3. Bite Down
4. Full on Fight for Fun
5. If Only They Had More Chance to Take Flight (feat. CJ of Love Rarely)
6. O Negative
7. Seven Suns (feat. kahal)
8. Soda
9. Let It Be a Void
10. Incision Site
11. Vertebrae
12. Death Stems
13. Algae Bloom
14. Room Tone

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