The Sound of a "Lanky Pillock" Making Waves in the Underground
W: Peter James May
NEW EP ‘’ A BLACK DOG’’ 6TH MARCH 2026
Reuben Eves is carving out a haunting niche in the alternative electronic scene under the moniker Petrichor, trading polished perfection for a gritty, uncompromising fusion of analogy and digital worlds. Rejecting the trend of mimicked sounds, Eves utilizes bassy synths, eerie strings, and cavernous reverb to translate his internal struggles with severe OCD and mental health into a sonic landscape that is as unsettling as it is immersive. His approach is refreshingly "un-academic"; without formal training, he builds tracks from atmosphere and concept first, allowing a sporadic, experimental instinct to guide his hand. This lack of musical theory has become his greatest strength, enabling a rare brand of originality that feels detached from industry tropes and deeply rooted in personal vulnerability.
Drawing from a wildly eclectic palette—ranging from the gothic weight of Nick Cave and Radiohead to the glitchy, modern frontiers of Quadeca and Drain Gang—Petrichor’s music is a masterclass in atmospheric tension. His recent headlining debut at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh marked a turning point, transforming his "lanky pillock" persona into a formidable live presence. The performance served as a precursor to his upcoming debut EP, A Black Dog, which seeks to bridge the gap between traditional instrumentation and cloud-rap sensibilities. It is a project defined by its "dissonant and eclectic" nature, aiming to be an emotionally moving experience for listeners who find beauty in the darker, more sensitive corners of the human psyche.
Looking ahead to the March 6th release of A Black Dog, Eves is determined to shed the inconsistency of his early years and maintain the momentum ignited by his first live show. While his pseudonym started as an anonymous demo title he now jokingly calls "corny," the name has stuck as he moves toward a new, distinct sonic direction for his future work. With a long-term dream of collaborating with the likes of Thom Yorke, Petrichor is no longer content with staying in the shadows. He is actively aiming to carve out a permanent space in the scene through pure experimentation, proving that some of the most compelling art comes not from a textbook, but from the necessity of expression.