Album Review: Civil Villains – A Sleeper, Underneath (Thundersnuff Records)

Oxford alt-rock/post-hardcore trio Civil Villains will release their second album ‘A Sleeper, Underneath’ on May 8th, 2026, via Thundersnuff Records.

A creative band focused on exploring more unique alternative ideas and different approaches to post hardcore. Drawing from other genres such as indie, noise, and rock, the album is built on the bedrock of experimentation. The result is quite brilliant, even if some of that brilliance needs more time to emerge.

I think that affects later parts of the album, as the first couple of tracks are immediately appealing. Opening with the infectious Never Felt Better, a track that evolves cleverly as it goes on. The chorus is peppy, but the post hardcore developments make it so much more potent. There’s a touch of the strangeness to it, something that is explored even more in the following High Achievers. A brash showcase of alternative rock blended with noise rock elements, wrapped up in theatrical fashion via a unique vocal delivery. One of the album’s most addictive tracks.

Second Guess doesn’t quite grab me in the same way though, lacking something even though do I like the tempo switches. Whereas Horehound’s experimental melodies make it stand out on an album filled with exciting eccentricities. Here is where you’ll find the side to this album that needs a bit more time and patience. Especially as the following Shadow Weight is melody focused, albeit with a moodier intensity that is quite appealing. Like an itch you just can’t help but scratch.

I think if you make it this far and still find yourself enjoying what you’re hearing, then you’re probably all in on the record and what Civil Villains are doing here.

There’s something so cool about a track like Punching Down. Where Civil Villains make upbeat instrumentals sound darker and more thought-provoking through a varied approach. It ends abruptly, but the following Telegraph quickly grabs the attention in a different way, allowing the mind to smoothly transition into the mighty Come Home.

Inarguably one the album’s best, it’s a track filled with heartfelt melody, expressive vocals, and potent rock twists. Remember, they’re a band who aren’t easily definable and this track is another great example of that.

Now you might think that things would tail off after such a strong effort, but the more garish noise-infused style and potent atmosphere of Knifes of Ambition kicks a ton of ass. In particular, the vocals, which really drive the track forward. I actually find that it’s after this track, and with Crosstalk, that my mind begins to wander.

I like it, I do, but it’s a bit too disjointed to hold my attention for over four and a half minutes. By contrast, the melodic simplicity of Canvas Stretcher, and the hefty flareups that it features, are delightful and another high point of a really strong record overall. It all comes back to two words and those words are ‘creative’ and ‘experimental’. While there’s so much more to the album, those two words define it.

Civil Villains – A Sleeper, Underneath Track Listing:

1. Never Felt Better
2. High Achievers
3. Second Guess
4. Horehound
5. Shadow Weight
6. Punching Down
7. Telegraph
8. Come Home
9. Knives of Ambition
10. Crosstalk
11. Canvas Stretcher

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