CIVIL SERVICE

Civil Service formed in 2016, born from a conversation at ArcTanGent festival that led to the smashing together of two Manchester-based post-punk bands to form a frenetically charged atmospheric instrumental group.

Their early single Wallenberg hinted at Public Service Broadcasting influences, while their double A-side David Lynch Mob / Guilty Mothers Club pushed toward a heavier, post-metal sound.

Post-Covid, the band released the progressive-leaning EP Life///Death, leading to their first UK tour, festival slots, and shows with The Dear Hunter and And So I Watch You From Afar.

Capitalising on that momentum, debut album ///Light (Oct 2024, Ripcord Records), produced by Dave Sanderson (65daysofstatic), earned strong acclaim (avg. 8.5/10 reviews), a WherePostRockDwells longlist nomination for the Audience Vote album of the year, as well both album and single top 20 positions on 4NDREAS.PostRock album of the year lists..

The album secured spots at 2025’s Celestial Diadem and StrangeForms 10th Anniversary festivals, alongside Nordic Giants, Svalbard, and a reunion with ASIWYFA.

They toured the UK with BLACKSHAPE, appeared on the inaugural Ripcord Records tour, and hosted Manchester’s AKARI festival, spotlighting the UK post-rock underground.

Through late 2025, Civil Service will tour with Overhead, the Albatross, FORT, L.O.E, Kusanagi, and Solars—closing the second Ripcord tour in Manchester with Helve and Vnder A Crumbling Moon.

A follow-up to ///Light and news on AKARI 2025 are expected soon.