Suggested:
There’s something brewing in Southampton that’s louder than the pubs and more honest than any late-night confession—
it’s My Black Poison. Fueled by raw emotion, heavy riffs, and a DIY ethos that feels straight out of a 2000s dive bar, this trio—made up of Sean Cahalin (vocals/guitar), James J Poison (bass), and Henry Wilkins (drums)—isn’t just making music; they’re throwing open the doors to a scene that still believes in the power of noise and vulnerability. I caught up with them just as their latest sets started stirring up local mosh pits, and trust me, this isn’t just another punk revival story.
Punk Spirit with a Twist
Ask the band to describe their sound and you'll get something as direct as it is unpredictable: emo-leaning punk rock laced with unfiltered emotion. “We take a punk ethos but play with a lot of emotion—from gentle songs to hard-hitting aggressive tracks, the passion's always there,” they tell me. While their roots are deep in alternative punk, influences stretch beyond any one genre. This blend gives their music an unpredictable pulse—always heartfelt, sometimes raging, but never artificial.
Their lyrical themes don’t sugarcoat either. As Sean bluntly puts it: “We shout about everything that makes us miserable.” That honesty is the band’s fuel. They write from what they know and feel—whether it's personal lows or shared frustrations, the result is music that doesn't pretend to understand anything it hasn’t lived through.
Built by Inspiration and Bonded by Chaos
Influence is a powerful word, and for My Black Poison, it starts with the greats: Misfits, Smashing Pumpkins, Three Days Grace, and Alkaline Trio, among others. But they’re also shaped by what’s happening right next door—bands from Southampton like Creeper have helped fuel their direction and their belief in what's possible coming from a local scene.
Since forming right before lockdown, the band has weathered more than just musical growing pains. From EPs like Take a Sip and Toxic Traits , to sharing stages with international acts like The Bites and Electric Eel Shock, they've made every show count. “We've also made a lot of memories with bands in our local scene like Dead Mans Pistol & Badmouth,” they reflect. It’s clear the band values their community just as much as their growth.
A Visual Extension of the Noise
Live shows are where My Black Poison thrives. “Whether that’s moshing, singing, or dancing—we feed off the crowd as they feed off of us.” They highlight playing the semi- finals of Teddy Rocks Battle of the Bands and opening for Electric Eel Shock as moments that reminded them why they started in the first place.
But beyond the live energy, they’re putting effort into the visual side too. “Music videos are a challenging process but the results are very rewarding,” they admit. The artwork? Equally deliberate. Collaborating with designers who “get” them helps channel their chaotic, emotional spirit into something you can see as well as hear.
Still Growing, Still Loud
With time, their sound has tightened and their identity sharpened. Yet they refuse to be boxed in. “The stuff we've been writing at the moment definitely has a harder sound,” they reveal, “but who knows—maybe we'll end up writing a jazz album next.” It’s half-joke, half- promise. This is a band committed to staying real, even if that means evolving in unexpected ways.
As for future dreams? Opening for Creeper is high on the wishlist. Collaborations may still be in the planning stages, but the ambition is clear. They’ve got the drive—and more importantly, they’re carving out the time to go after it.
Conclusion: Keep On Moshing
In a world where too many bands chase trends, My Black Poison is building something different—something rooted in shared experience, sweat-soaked shows, and emotional honesty. Their message to fans and fellow artists? “Never be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you believe in your art, it’s likely other people will too.”
Straightforward advice from a band that’s proving it with every track. My Black Poison isn’t just part of a scene—they’re a reason to believe in it again.
