Stepmother – Absurdus Manifestus

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · May 12, 2026

Stepmother is a Melbourne, Australian punk and hard rock trio, consisting of Graham Clise on guitar and vocals, Lee Parker on drums, and Robert Muinos on bass. The band’s releases include 2022’s Self Titled debut EP, 2023’s Planet Brutalicon, and their latest sophomore album, 2026’s Absurdus Manifestus. Graham Clise was the guitarist for underground legends, Annihilation Time, and Stepmother’s music has that familiar punk and hard rock drive that is so vital and energetic. Absurdus Manifestus was released on April 10th 2026 on Tee Pee Records and contains thirteen tracks at thirty three minutes long.

“Vacant State” doesn’t waste any time blazing the raw rocking fury and punk aggression that suits the band just fine. Bouncy hardcore rhythms that are scorched with noisy and fiery leads, Stepmother delivers the dirty riffs and catchy melodies in this thirteen song sonic extravaganza. “New World” has all the punk rock fuel of angst, attitude, and hook-driven vocals that one can always admire. Punk rock music never sounded so good in 2026! “Gimme Mine” and “Beast And Man” are raw, vicious, and catchy too. The straight forward attack of the feral and fuzzed-out tracks, “Dead Meat” and “What’s New” keep the punk rock train barreling down the tracks in a speedy and reckless charge.

The next two tracks, “Slice Of Life” and “ End Of The Line” favor a slower and meatier rock tempo, pushing the tracks in the three and four minute time range. The more flowing and classic Rolling Stones sounding songs changes things up just enough to keep the interest stable and strong. Another cool thing about Absurdus Manifestus is that the record sounds fantastic! It has a warm and gritty tone with great clarity of each instrument. Stepmother are tight as nails, with tracks like “Don’t Be Long” and “Sick Thoughts” that have a meticulous drive and slick flow to the rhythms and melodies. “Nothin’” has that boogie rock appeal with the motor city sound injected into the music. The final track is a Ted Nugent song called “Journey To The Center Of The Mind”, and a fitting number for this stunning recording.

I am a sucker for tightly well executed punk rock music with scorching guitar solos and hardcore drumming. I am also a huge fan of hard driven 70’s rock and the molding of both styles is genius. There’s a natural vibe and comfortable element that is produced in these songs that really resonates with me. The music has a surging vitality and feel that I absorb every time that I listen to Absurdus Manifestus. So damn magnificent, Stepmother has the type of sound that I strongly crave at certain moments in my life and I am currently in that phase. I can’t get enough of this record!