Hemel Hempstead’s punk quartet Ramona Marx have released their highly anticipated debut EP Splenectomy, marking a bold new step for the band in the UK’s underground punk scene. Released on September 20th, the four-track EP captures the raw, visceral energy that the band has become known for through their chaotic live performances and pointed social commentary. With a reputation for blending intense musicality with a rebellious spirit, Ramona Marx continue to push boundaries, both sonically and lyrically.
The release follows the striking music video for their lead single “Seek The Day,” created in collaboration with renowned videographer Adam Docker, whose previous work includes major acts like Alice in Chains. This visual statement, combined with the EP’s powerful production by Erik Miles—known for his work with Soft Play, Kate Nash, and Hotwax—solidifies Splenectomy as one of the band’s most definitive releases to date. The result is an uncompromising punk record that distills the group’s live intensity into a polished, yet gritty, studio sound.
On Splenectomy, Ramona Marx deliver an unrelenting sonic assault of racing drums, distorted guitars, and deep basslines, all anchored by frontman Sam’s visceral shouted vocals. The EP mixes moments of inventive musicianship with an overarching sense of urgency, creating a sound that is at once chaotic and tightly controlled. The songs swing between raw angst and explosive energy, embodying the frustration and anger that the band channels through both their music and lyrics. Their ability to balance messy, anarchic tones with a deliberate, pointed direction is a hallmark of their evolving style.
Speaking about the EP, the band explain that the title—Splenectomy—refers to the surgical removal of the spleen, inspired by Sam’s own sudden ruptured spleen earlier this year. They describe the EP as “a removal of spite,” saying, “Pent-up anger and hate consumes and devours. This EP is us in our most naked form. We want to surgically remove this spite and serve it up to you on a cold and bitter plate.” Lyrically, the EP explores themes of anger and disillusionment with the structures of power, with Sam calling it “a metaphor for the rigged game of life, where those in power decide who wins and who loses.”
Since their formation in 2019, Ramona Marx have been steadily gaining momentum in the punk scene, earning critical acclaim features onSpotify editorial playlists and building a live audience. The band’s aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics have resonated with listeners and critics alike, further fueled by their electric live performances. They’ve opened for acts like The Professionals, Panic Shack, and Sheafs, and have played at festivals including PennFest and Bish Bash Fest, carving out a dedicated following along the way.
Recorded at the Forum Recording Studio in Kent, Splenectomy is a potent showcase of Ramona Marx’s evolving sound and vision. As they continue to build on their growing reputation, this EP stands as a defining moment for the band—a bold, unapologetic statement that positions them as a rising force within the UK’s punk landscape. With its powerful combination of intense musical energy and sharp, socially conscious commentary, Splenectomy serves as a glimpse of what’s to come from a band that’s only just beginning to hit their stride.
