Josef K

The Profile

Josef K were an Edinburgh post-punk/new wave band formed in 1979 and active until 1981, led by Paul Haig. They recorded a small but highly regarded body of work for labels including Postcard Records; their output is celebrated in compilations such as Entomology and Young and Stupid.

Formation year 1979; members included Paul Haig (vocals, guitar), Ronnie Torrance (drums), Malcolm Ross (guitar, keyboards) and David Weddell (bass); name taken from the protagonist Josef K. in Franz Kafka's The Trial; associated with Postcard Records; primary era 1979–1981.

Josef K are presented as a short-lived but influential Edinburgh post-punk band (active 1979–1981) led by Paul Haig. Reviews praise their sharp guitars, melodic basslines and literate references, and highlight compilations such as Entomology and singles like It's Kinda Funny. Their limited output is framed as a highly influential legacy within the "Sound of Young Scotland."