B-Side Guys

Grammy Award-winning producer Jim Abbiss has a knack for capturing lightning in a bottle – just ask Arctic Monkeys or Adele. With Public Order’s “Joker,” he’s done it again, helping this Welsh outfit transform their relentless touring energy into something both immediate and lasting.

The track serves as a mission statement for their upcoming ‘HELLO’ EP, demonstrating how far they’ve come from their early days playing Port Talbot pubs. While many young bands mistake volume for impact, Public Order and Abbiss have crafted something more nuanced. The production emphasizes space as much as sound, allowing the band’s “atmospheric hooks” to breathe without sacrificing their characteristic intensity.

What’s particularly striking is how the arrangement supports the song’s exploration of youth’s temporary nature. The instrumental breaks don’t just fill space – they create room for reflection, mirroring the band’s own description of the track as “a bittersweet snapshot of youth.” This isn’t just another anthem about living in the moment; it’s an examination of why those moments matter.

The decision to lead their debut EP with this track suggests confidence in their evolution. While previous singles “HELLO” and “STRANGER” earned them BBC attention, “Joker” feels like a band discovering their own voice rather than chasing radio plays. The upcoming Everyone You Know tour should provide the perfect testing ground for how these carefully crafted studio dynamics translate to stages ranging from Brighton’s Concorde 2 to London’s Electric Ballroom.

For a band that’s built their reputation through constant gigging, “Joker” proves they’re equally comfortable in the studio. Working with Abbiss has helped them capture their live energy while adding new layers of sophistication. It’s a delicate balance, but one that suggests Public Order understands the difference between growing up and growing stale.