The Polish hardcore scene, while relatively small, is a breeding ground for raw energy and emotionally charged music. Emerging from this landscape is SPLIN, a band quickly gaining attention for their Dischord-inspired sound and unflinching lyrics. With their upcoming 12” release, Type of Love, on European hardcore powerhouse Refuse Records, SPLIN is poised to make a significant impact. The band’s vocalist, Paula, spoke with TIME.news about the formation of SPLIN, the themes explored in their music, and the current state of hardcore in Poland.
SPLIN’s origins were a gradual convergence of musical ideas and shared creative energy. Paula explained that the band’s formation stemmed from a long-held ambition between herself and drummer Maciek to create something distinct, drawing inspiration from the DIY ethos of Dischord Records but forging their own path. “For a long time, Maciek and I had been planning to start a band together with a certain Dischord vibe,” Paula said. “I really wanted to do something completely different from what I had done before, something with a strong emotional charge, but at the same time not something that would sense like a copy of anything else.”
The lineup solidified when guitarist Tomek, formerly of the band Moira, sought a new musical direction. Recognizing a shared artistic vision, he proposed forming a band with Paula and Maciek. The final piece of the puzzle came with the addition of bassist Daniel, whose background in heavier, grindcore-influenced music surprisingly complemented the band’s evolving sound. “We spent quite a long time looking for a bassist until we finally came up with the idea of inviting Daniel to join the band,” Paula recalled. “I was not completely sure it would work out because Daniel had been playing much heavier, grindcore-style music before, but it turned out he fit in perfectly.”
The band’s lyrical content, often deeply personal and politically charged, is a central element of their identity. Their song “Crack,” featured on Type of Love, exemplifies this approach. Paula described the song as a direct response to those who attempt to impose limitations on others. “For me, It’s about pointing out the limitations that others endeavor to impose on us,” she explained. “Those people who try to act like the moral police, always ready to put us back in line so that we follow their rules and expectations. It is a way of saying something straight to someone’s face.”
SPLIN represents a distinct departure from Paula’s previous musical endeavors, particularly her work with Moira. While Moira often delves into darker, more emotionally turbulent territory, SPLIN embraces a more energetic and confrontational approach. “I think it is quite different in many aspects,” Paula stated. “In the way I sing, in the music, in the lyrics, and even in what happens on stage. Moira can be heavy and often carries a lot of negative emotions. There is a lot of dirt, darkness, and suffering in it, but sometimes it is good to spend time in that kind of space.”
SPLIN is much more energetic. Even when I sing about difficult things, and it is still very emotional, I experience it in a completely different way. There is much less sadness and more of an attempt to face certain issues that feel very urgent and important to me. There is definitely much more space for different kinds of vocals and a different kind of energy on stage, but it is simply a completely different vibe. Moira is darkness and a kind of cleansing, while SPLIN is energy and emotional intensity. Both bands are equally important to me.
The partnership with Refuse Records, a label renowned for its commitment to hardcore and DIY ethics, was a natural progression for SPLIN. Paula recounted meeting Robert, the head of Refuse Records, at the Nacjonalizm Nie Dziękuję! Fest in Bielsko Biała several years ago. Refuse Records had previously released music from Moira, demonstrating a willingness to embrace bands that defy easy categorization. “When SPLIN started to take shape, Robert was quite curious about what would come out of it,” Paula said. “He decided to release our record without first hearing the full material.” This trust in the band’s vision ultimately proved fruitful, with Robert enthusiastically embracing the finished product.
Type of Love promises to be a dynamic and emotionally resonant release. The 12” features eight fast-paced tracks infused with Dischord-inspired energy, yet grounded in a contemporary sensibility and deeply personal lyrical themes. “These are eight fast, energetic, and emotional tracks with Dischord vibes, but with a more modern twist and very personal lyrics,” Paula explained. “Sometimes they’re political as well. I think everyone in the band really found their place in this material.”
However, the Polish hardcore scene faces unique challenges. Paula described it as somewhat insular and stylistically limited, dominated by men and lacking significant representation of women. “It’s hard to talk about the hardcore scene as something separate. It’s more like the broader scene in Poland that revolves around DIY activity,” she noted. “There are relatively few strictly hardcore bands in Poland. The same goes for straight edge bands. Hardcore here has turn into quite stylistically limited, it’s largely dominated by men, and it’s fairly insular.” Despite these obstacles, a growing DIY scene is fostering greater inclusivity and participation, particularly among younger people and women. “Over the past few years, you can clearly see a growing number of young people attending shows, starting their own bands, or getting involved in various initiatives. The same goes for women. There are more and more of them in the space, and their voices and actions are becoming increasingly visible.”
While acknowledging the persistence of sexism within the scene, Paula expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and welcoming environment. “Of course, sexist behavior is still present, but I feel like there’s less of it than before. At the same time, it’s something deeply rooted in our mentality, traditions, and culture. It’s hard to get rid of, even for people in the DIY scene. It will take many more years and a lot of effort to change it, but I hope things are moving in the right direction.”
Type of Love is currently available for pre-order via Refuse Records, with a release date expected in the coming weeks. Fans can follow SPLIN’s journey and updates on their Instagram page.
SPLIN’s music represents a powerful voice within the Polish hardcore landscape, and their debut 12” is eagerly anticipated by fans of the genre. The band is scheduled to begin a series of regional shows in Poland following the release of Type of Love, with potential plans for a European tour later in the year, according to information posted on their Instagram page. What comes next for SPLIN will depend on the reception of their record and the opportunities that arise, but one thing is certain: they are a band to watch.
What are your thoughts on the evolving hardcore scene in Eastern Europe? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word about SPLIN and their upcoming release.
