Despite one being a Danish punk band and the other being an LA hip-hop collective, there are comparisons that can be drawn between Iceage and Odd Future (OFWGKTA). The hype surrounding both comes largely from their highly energetic live shows, which often end with injuries sustained to both band and audience. Taking a look at Iceage’s blog reveals images of lead singer Elias Rønnenfelt covered in blood, a scene fans of Odd Future’s front-man Tyler, The Creator will be familiar with.

The similarities end there though. As anyone who heard Tyler’s Goblin will know, hype will only get you so far. Iceage however, have transcended the hype that’s been heaped upon them and created one of the best albums of the year.

The four-piece hail from Copenhagen, where the album was released at the beginning of the year, and all four members are under 19 years old. With their chaotic gigs, they are clearly a punk band in attitude, though their music takes in not just the sound of 1976, but also early 80s hardcore, the atmosphere of goth and the guitar work of post-punk. By taking influences and keeping them just that, influences, they avoid the trap of sounding like a covers band and instead deliver music entirely their own whilst still paying respect to those that came before them.

The most unique aspect of their sound comes from their lead singer’s lyrics and vocal style. Singing in English, not his native tongue, Rønnenfelt can often be entirely unintelligible, but what his wordplay lacks in clarity the band more than make up for in attitude and atmosphere. At various points in the album, you could be forgiven for thinking you were listening to new work by the Buzzcocks or even Wire.

Over the album’s 24 minutes, angular guitar work turns suddenly into crunching chords. Pounding beats quickly become crashing cymbals, all the while pushed forward with solid bass lines and those intriguingly incomprehensible lyrics.

Unlike Odd Future, Iceage won’t be taking to the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards any time soon, but they won’t receive a critical mauling either. With New Brigade, Iceage seem to be the exception to Chuck D’s rule: don’t believe the hype. This time, you can.