Birmingham alt post-hardcore band IO return today with their powerful new single, marking the latest chapter in the band’s evolving sound.

Originally formed as an instrumental outfit, IO built their early reputation on expansive, progressive compositions that blended post-rock, post-metal and math rock. Drawing influence from bands such as Mogwai, ISIS and Red Sparowes, the group crafted dynamic, atmospheric tracks built around shifting textures, heavy crescendos and intricate musicianship.

In 2016, however, the band stepped away as family life meant writing, recording and touring had to take a back seat. Despite the hiatus, members Al, Dave, Steve and Stu continued to play and write together, using the time to explore new ideas, styles and song structures.

By 2022, the four friends decided it was time to switch the lights back on and revisit IO. Drawing on the musical ground they had covered during the intervening years, the band returned with a renewed urgency, shaping new material that leans more clearly into post-hardcore while still retaining the progressive and post-metal DNA that defined their earlier releases.

Fast forward to 2026 and the band are now releasing new music and celebrating 20 years of IO

The video was shot in Digbeth, Birmingham, a place that is close to our heart (and our lock up is there!) it included our kids, we wanted to get them involved in our extra curricular activities, but without putting their faces front and centre. They loved running rpund in cat masks causing mayhem. Whilst some of the shots were planned a lot ended up with them just being themselves! The song title also harks back to a favourite from our second album, materiptikon, called this is where the cat lives, and is based on the same chord progression and beat but taking in a different direction based on pur heavier more immediate current sound

You can catch them live at JT Soar in Nottingham for bUTTONpUSHER on the 19th June 🤘🤘🤘