Electronic/Review Polite Bureaux - BRADFORD

Bradford, the city of Culture, formed the broken-beat-maker Joe Smith, also known as Polite Bureaux. Smith is joined on stage by his blood sister Maya Lili and Raver Viv Maher, introducing Ying and Yang energy live.

Inspired by the tales and experiences of vocalist Joe Smith's father's urban upbringing, Polite Bureaux's most recent hit, "BRADFORD," is a gritty, lyrical depiction of daily existence. The song, which is the first single off their new album "EXCEPT YOUR SKINT," which is scheduled for release on April 11th, sets the tone for what seems to be an honest and provocative record.

Musically, "BRADFORD" combines spoken-word lyrics with post-punk vigor, bringing to mind bands like Sleaford Mods and Yard Act but retaining its own sound. An aggressive, restless mood is created by the song's powerful basslines, jagged guitars, and snappy rhythms, which reflect Bradford's working-class hardships and cultural identity. The lyrics have a lived-in realism that strikes a deep chord because of Smith's conversational yet powerful delivery.

With support from Bradford 2025 City of Culture and airing on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire and Sheffield, the tune has already attracted a lot of interest and reached thousands of people on social media. Polite Bureaux is set to leave a lasting impression with a UK tour planned and support from well-known independent promoters like Scruff of the Neck.

More than just a song, "BRADFORD" captures the hardships, reminiscences, and tenacity of everyday existence in a sound that is both timeless and present. "EXCEPT YOUR SKINT" is expected to be one of the year's most captivating releases if this debut single is any indication.