Polite Bureaux

Brighton

Polite Bureaux formed in Bradford. Broken beat-maker & bass guitarist Joseph Smith set up the band; and after selling music gear to pay for a night of drinking in Brighton, dyslexic Smith started writing a song in the pub that night, on a gas bill envelope - coining the phase ‘Except Your Skint’, which later became the title of his studio album. Polite Bureaux is a high-energy electronic post-punk band known for sharp commentary on modern life. Polite Bureaux is a blistering shot of raw commentary, cutting through the noise with jagged rhythms, booming basslines, and a lyrical style that’s as incisive as it is unapologetic. With live bass, drums, and a fierce vocal presence, they create a visceral soundscape that resonates deeply with audiences. Hailing from the UK’s DIY scene, Joe is joined live on stage by his sister Maya and their friend Viv - they’ve secured a reputation for high-energy performances that blur the lines between rave and protest.