Following a busy festival-filled summer, Manchester-based poet and writer, Antony Szmierek has graced us with his first full-length record Service Station at the End of the Universe, released on the 28th February.
Since his 2023 EP 'Seasoning', former teacher Antony Szmierek has only further continued to cement his sound as one that is so beautifully and directly his own. With nods to the likes of The Streets and John Cooper Clarke, Szmierek’s sound feels so fresh and unique - a clever blend of cathartic dancefloor confessions and introspective social commentary.
Co-produced with his long-time collaborators Robin Parker, Max Rad, Louie Fulford-Smith and fellow Mancunian, Yves Jones, the record is nothing short of a road trip through the highs and lows of modern life, perfectly capturing those bittersweet moments of beauty found when chasing connection in this chaotic world.
Featured on the album is the track ‘The Great Pyramid Of Stockport’ which he released back in October 2024. Through his signature spoken-word style, Szmierek pays homage to his hometown landmark and transforms the Stockport structure into a powerful symbol, contrasting it with the greatness of Egypt’s ancient pyramids.
Szmierek’s knack for storytelling shines through on the album’s focus track ‘Take Me There’ where he explains “admissions of love, loneliness and fears of burning the candle at both ends come to light as our protagonists leave their pretences at the door and give in to the music for what feels like the final time. If you can’t take me there, then nobody can.”
It’s suffice to say that Szmierek’s rise has undoubtedly been nothing short of meteoric, and Service Station at the End of the Universe is the perfect culmination of his journey so far. With a headline UK/EU tour throughout March and April in support of the album release, and a SXSW showcase later this month, 2025 is already proving to be an exciting year for Antony Szmierek and we're looking forward to seeing whatever comes next.
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