Maruja
Signature Brew, London
Friday 12th September 2025
Photography by Izzy Reeve
Izzy Reeve
I’m a London-based music photographer and occasional writer and I love documenting gigs and people enjoying them. Having just moved back to London from Scotland, where I first started shooting concerts, I’m looking forward to exploring what the scene down south has to offer with CLUNK! From new acts to festivals, I love what clunk champions and I can’t wait to get started.
Maruja debuted their rallying, rage-filled jazz-punk album ‘Pain To Power’ at Signature Brew, London
Filling the rafters of Signature Brew Blackhorse Road (London) for their album launch with Rough Trade, Maruja debuted their rallying, rage-filled jazz-punk album ‘Pain To Power’. Though they were (nearly) two hours late because of London’s tube strike and subsequent traffic, Manchester’s magnetic genre-defying quartet put on a characteristically enthralling live show, bringing lyricism heavy with introspection and poetry for peace.
Opening with the poignant album centrepiece ‘Born To Die’, it wasn’t long before the audience’s rapt attention turned to frenetic mosh. ‘Look Down On Us’ stood out for me. The ten-minute long amalgamation of indulgent instrumentation and sweaty energy was overarched by frontman Harry Wilkinson’s captivating extended passages. Joe Carroll (alto saxophone and vocals), Matt Buonaccorsi (bass) and Jacob Hayes (drums) stoke the fire with their intense, emotive performances. With the frustrations of punk and the free-flowing attitude of jazz, Maruja have instinctively honed their improvised jams as a close-knit unit, continuing to connect with crowds through their entirely unique sound. Closing with the reflective single ‘Saoirse’ and Harry’s empathetic repetition of “It’s our differences that make us beautiful”, Maruja stands steadfast in their convictions in ‘Pain To Power’.
The album soars sonically through fury, love and desperation, tackling their disillusionment for the establishment while emphasising the importance of collective action. ‘Pain To Power’ surges with passion, but it’s their live performances that inject electricity into their words, galvanising their audiences at every show. It’s no doubt Maruja continues to solidify their position as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands, so catching them on tour to see this important album live is a no-brainer.
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By Izzy Reeve
