INSTITUTE is an Austin-based anarcho-influenced postpunk band who formed early in 2013. The group features members of WICCANS, BLOTTER, GLUE, and RECIDE. The band play a slurred, aggressive take on the 80s UK sound that’s more WARSAW than JOY DIVISION and is topped with a sprinkling of Wipers-style propulsiveness.

The Salt EP is their first release for Sacred Bones. It hones the skills the band showed on earlier releases while allowing a bit more experimentalism (especially the closer, “An Absence”) and a bit of deeper, more existential lyrical insight from singer Moses Brown. Not to say that experimentation and self-reflection have left INSTITUTE sounding bloated or pretentious. If anything, quite the opposite. The Salt EP sounds like a band who remains true to their influences and true to themselves. Its raw and economical take no prisoners attitude is totally refreshing, in fact. Brown’s vocals are a particular standout… wailing, possessed, threatening but sardonic. Other bands attempting this style should be taking notes. Thusly did Sacred Bones prove yet again that they are a label not to be trifled with.

The Salt EP is available now from Sacred Bones.