REVIEW: Problem Patterns - Boring Songs for Boring People

In the midst of a tour around Ireland and a London show, PROBLEM PATTERNS’ newest release, Boring Songs for Boring People, has just arrived in our ears. The band from Belfast are a noisy, punky, queer band, very forward with their feminist and political views displayed frequently within their lyrics. This being their second studio album, it's sure to excite and entice, bringing in new and old fans to support their already award winning career. The album presents many issues faced by many in and out of the industry with punchy sounds and even punchier lyrics, and would work just as well for an afternoon soundtrack for angry baking as it would in a car with the roof down.

The opening track Song For Fi is a short, shouty, upfront introduction to the album. Opening up with their classic fuzzy guitar riffs and quickly evolving into a full bombardment of chaos, it's the perfect warmup to get ready for the rest of the album. Next up comes Sad Old Women, which features MATT KORVETTE adding compliments and contrast to the vocals of PROBLEM PATTERNS. Starting off strong with fast paced drums, Sad Old Women doesn’t mess around before bringing in the guitar and vocals. With punchy lyrics and a catchy chorus, it's a song that revolves around the difficulties of being a single woman dealing with the drags of society's perception. Despite the name, this song is relatable for those of all ages as demonstrated with the end of the track slowing, emphasising the lyrics “the sad old woman is the woman in me”.

Classic Rock Has Become My Prison follows up, and is a slower paced track - with the first half written from the point of view of a misogynistic man, a commentary on many of the men within the classic rock scene. The pace of the first three verses emphasise the lyrics with the latter verses being a fast and loud hit back at the former male perspective, demonstrating the views and standpoint of the band in a powerful and effective way. Track four, I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great, picks up with riffs and beats reminiscent of the opening track whilst it explores the pressures of being an artist, with juxtaposing lyrics like “I miss my friends” and “I’m living the dream” demonstrating the difficulties of balancing life whilst maintaining a presence as a band. It’s a theme that a lot of people can relate to, especially those within music, making this song a certified hit to shout along to.

The penultimate track Bone Idle takes on a very different tone to the rest of the album, with deeper riffs and heavier hitting bass making it a standout track. The lyrics are a commentary on the presence of nepotism within the industry and how hard it is to become a prominent and successful artist, compared to those with “dad’s worth a fortune" who've "got connections”. Midway through the song, after they've set the stage and theme of the song, it breaks down into a repetitive finish that picks back up on the louder, more aggressive tone of the rest of the album, making the song cohesive despite the overall audible shift of the track itself. The title track and finale is slower, with grungier riffs giving a nice flow off the back of the latter half of the previous track that closes the album out nicely. With the simpler, more repetitive lyrics, it reads like the final chapter of a book to give the album a linear feel; they’ve said what they’ve wanted to say and now reached the end of this story.

Boring Songs for Boring People is very cohesive, curating a complete experience. Whilst tapering off towards the end, it’s heavy hitting and wonderfully put together. Starting off as an assault to the senses and chilling out towards the end. it perfectly encapsulates the band's views and explores the many issues within society and music - all whilst being enjoyable to sit back and listen to, study to, or yell along with.

Score: 8/10

Boring Songs for Boring People was released on September 12th 2025.

Words: Chloe Horton

Photos: Problem Patterns