Track Of The Day: Feral Five – ‘EGO’

Having previously wowed us with their unique, vibrant live show at The Finsbury, and more recently this year at Cro Cro Land, London/Kent based duo Kat and Drew, aka Feral Five, have now shared an innovative new track.

A take down and take over of monster egos everywhere, ‘EGO’ is propelled by throbbing, pulsating beats and glitchy hooks alongside its buzzing chip tune sounds and part German lyrics. A disconcerting, whirring soundscape that builds to an ’80s inspired electro-punk anthem, oozing an immersive, driving energy and seductive allure. 

Listen to ‘EGO’ here:

 

The EGO launch show is on 29th September on the Tamesis Dock. Presented by ArtHertz at the Totally Thames Festival, it features Feral Five live, a live AV ambient set by Richard Norris (The Grid / Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve), and the Tamesis Trilogy I short film premiere – directed by Dennis Da Silva.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Garry Hensey

Track Of The Day: Screaming Toenail – ‘Sever’

Having first been introduced to London’s anti colonial queer punks Screaming Toenail when I was completely blown away by their live show supporting Petrol Girls last year, I was happy to discover that they’d shared a new video with the world yesterday.

Taken from their upcoming new album, ‘Sever’ is propelled by a dark, visceral drive as jangling hooks and the impassioned vocals of Jacob V Joyce envelop the ears with stirring resonance. With shades of the anthemic, emotive energy of The Cure, it’s a poignant slice of post-punk. A compelling and affecting offering that demands multiple listens. Of the track, the band explain:

‘Sever’ is written in response to the never ending saga of getting your hair cut as a gender non conforming person. Or is it our response to the displacement so many of us feel as black and brown people in the diasora? Or maybe building queer community and resisting shame...”

Filmed in Trinidad (by Arnaldo James) and London (by Nichola M J Davis), watch the new video for ‘Sever’ here:

Catch Screaming Toenail live:

19th September – Pop, Brixton (AFROPUNK Battle Of The Bands)
13th DecemberThe Finsbury, London (for Get In Her Ears – we can’t wait!)

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

Premiere: Faultress – ‘Beating Heart’ / ‘Marilyn’

Having just announced her new EP, set for release in November, innovative artist Faultress (an extinct word for a female criminal) explores themes of mental health, power and desire through a female lense. And now we can hear not just one, but two, seductive tasters of the new release.

First up, exploring the role of the human bonding hormone oxytocin, ‘Beating Heart’ flows with crystalline vocals and a dark, gritty energy. As its pulsating, tribal beats whirr with a carnal groove, it builds to a stirring, glitchy anthem oozing a subtle, poignant majesty.

 

Deconstructing the masculine idea of femininity and inspired by the Hollywood star, ‘Marilyn’ showcases the raw power of Faultress’ vocals perfectly. Propelled by a soaring, visceral energy and soulful splendour, it’s a sparkling and impassioned reflection on being female under the ever-present pressure of the male gaze. Of the track, Faultress explains:

“I read that Marilyn Monroe could ‘turn off’ her persona to such a degree that she could walk through LA with no-one recognising her. After coming out of a gaslighting and controlling relationship, I similarly felt that I was done putting on an act just to feel an approximation of love.”

Watch the compelling brand new video for ‘Marilyn’ here:

Produced by Joshua Davenport, 5 Myths, the upcoming new EP from Faultress, is out 8th November. Catch her live at the following dates:

26th October – Union Chapel, London (supporting Eska and London Contemporary Voices)
8th November – The Laylow, Ladbroke Grove (headline)

Mari Lane
@marimindles

EP: Breakup Haircut – ‘What Did You Expect? I Got It Off The Internet!’

You know when you fall for a band without even hearing a bit of music? Breakup Haircut had me at the press release. Formed just three months ago for First Timers fest – a festival where every band plays their debut show, they’re now releasing their first EP.

What Did You Expect? I Got It Off The Internet! is joyously lo-fi pop punk with, in the band’s words, “boppin’ bass” and witty lyrics that’ll put a big smile on your face. With songs like ‘I Wish I Was Cool Enough To Move To Berlin’ and ‘I (Don’t) Wanna Do Things’, it’s funny, relatable and, refreshingly, shows that the band don’t take themselves too seriously.

With this EP, Breakup Haircut sound like they are having the best time making music together, and their enthusiasm and sense of fun is infectious. You won’t be able to resist it.

What Did You Expect? I Got It Off The Internet! is out via Hell Hath No Fury Records on 27th September. Catch them live for yours truly at The Finsbury on 11th October – we can’t wait!

Vic Conway

Photo Credit: @thsheridans