PENGSHUi: GUTS
The London-based band PENGSHUi have never been ones to play by the rules, and their third album ‘GUTS’ is the sound of a band fully embracing that freedom. Explosive, unpredictable and fiercely alive, it’s the culmination of years spent breaking boundaries between punk, grime and bass-heavy electronic music.
Since their 2018 debut single ‘CONTROL’, PENGSHUi have carved their own path through the UK’s underground and festival circuits. Their self-titled debut and 2022 follow-up ‘Destroy Yourself’ showcased flashes of what they were capable of, but ‘GUTS’ sharpens that raw energy into something far more defined and unforgettable.
The band first caught attention through Kerrang! Radio’s Finding Fresh Blood competition, which landed them a slot at Download Festival just before the pandemic — a stage they triumphantly returned to in 2022. From there, momentum snowballed. Whether tearing up the mosh pits of Bloodstock or shaking the fields of Glastonbury and Boomtown, their explosive fusion of grime, punk and bass-driven chaos has transformed every stage into a battleground — and every audience into believers.
That live electricity pulses through every track in their new album. Opener ‘Take Me Away’ hurls the listener straight into chaos, setting the tone for what’s to come. ‘Let’s Go’ stands out as a clear highlight — fusing dubstep grit with punk ferocity, its drop delivers everything fans could hope for and more. Amid the onslaught, brief interludes offer moments of space and groove, giving the record a sense of movement and balance. It’s a thrilling mix of rap, explosive choruses and uncontainable energy.
Yet ‘GUTS’ isn’t just about noise, but also about purpose. Beneath the aggression, there’s reflection and resilience: songs like ‘Four Walls’ and ‘No Resolve’ tackle mental pressure and perseverance with raw honesty. The album’s production is thick with intent, every distortion and bassline crafted to hit as hard live as it does on record.
That passion stems from the band’s roots. Bassist Fatty’s jazz background and history with Submotion Orchestra meet Illaman’s upbringing in London’s multicultural soundscape of reggae, garage and grime. Together, they’ve forged something uniquely British — a collision of styles and stories that feel both chaotic and deeply human.
With ‘GUTS’ dropping on October 31, 2025, PENGSHUi deliver more than just an album, but a full-blown mission statement. Bold, blistering, and loud, it’s the record that perfectly captures the chaos and charisma of their live shows. The band are now charging into their biggest chapter yet, with a November UK headline tour set to be memorable. We’ll be catching them in Brighton on November 8, so stay tuned for the carnage.