LISTEN: Death Valley Girls – ‘Under the Spell of Joy’

Inspired by the text on a t-shirt that Death Valley Girls‘ vocalist & guitarist Bonnie Bloomgarden was gifted from the heavy psych rock band Joy, ‘Under the Spell of Joy’ is the eponymous new single from the band’s upcoming album. Set for release on 2nd October via Suicide Squeeze, the L.A. rockers have shared the title track with the instructions to sing along to their “space gospel” sounds.

“The world is crazy right now, and it feels like we should be doing more than just trying to perpetuate joy,” Bloomgarden explains. This awareness and positivity inspired the band’s new single and record, both of which are filled with psych-rock riffs and chant-worthy lyrics. “There is a lot to be really angry about…but joy is just as powerful if used correctly!” she continues, and that’s what Death Valley Girls’ have channelled their energy into. With its stomping beats and rallying vocals, their new track is a celebration of the universe and all it has to offer (even though that doesn’t feel like much at the moment.)

Listen to ‘Under the Spell of Joy’ below and follow Death Valley Girls on bandcamp, Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Photo credit: David Fearn

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: New Pagans – ‘Yellow Room’

Following on from the release of their single ‘Yellow Room‘ in August, Belfast’s New Pagans have shared a captivating set of visuals to accompany their racing, urgent track. Directed by bassist Claire Miskimmin, the video reflects the often overwhelming feelings of darkness that women face in patriarchal society.

Inspired by the semi-autobiographical short-story The Yellow Wallpaper, which was written by American feminist author Charlotte Perkins Gilman, New Pagans originally penned the track to highlight the need for a specialised parent-and-baby mental health unit in Northern Ireland. “’Yellow Room’ is the fourth instalment in a series of self-made folk horror themed short films produced to accompany our music,” explains vocalist Lyndsey McDougall. “Set in the stunning local surroundings of Northern Ireland, we tried to evoke a sense of dread and isolation in the expanse of nature. In stifling a woman’s mind we take away her liberty, as in the novel the song is based on. It’s about the facade and the masks we wear, but break the surface and we find our protagonist’s strength. She cuts herself free and is set adrift.”

Watch the video for ‘Yellow Room’ below and follow New Pagans on bandcamp, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Everything And Everybody – ‘Lifequake’

A vibrant pop tune that challenges gender stereotypes, Berlin based duo Everything and Everybody have shared their latest single ‘Lifequake’. Blending jazzy beats with alt-pop melodies, the pair playfully question the expectations that heteronormative society imposes on individuals when it comes to their gender identity.

“The song challenges not only what is seen to be stereotypically female, but also what’s supposed to be stereotypically male,” the duo explain. “The song lists a few clichés. That of a passive woman: romanticising, emotionally stirred up. In need of a man’s confirmation in order to develop her self-esteem. And that of an active man who fights his way through life: lonely, cool, closed-lipped. For him everything is a fight, and he must emerge as the winner in order not to appear weak. Questions are posed. ‘Are you a girl?’, ‘Are you a boy?’. There’s no valuation intended, it’s more an invitation to questioning so-called female and male behavioural patterns, which are consciously or unconsciously, in any case unquestioningly accepted and passed on. The chorus pleads for living the way you are and feel, without being reduced to stereotypical patterns.”

The track is accompanied by a colourful, kaleidoscopic set of visuals that also reflect the tunes buoyant nature. With a sound that’s based on “chemistry, attitude and humour,” Everything And Everybody’s future musical offerings look set to be just as joyful and carefree as this one. Listen to ‘Lifequake’ below and follow the band on bandcamp, Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Lande Hekt – ‘Whiskey’

A humble, emotive guitar tune about self acceptance and coming to terms with your sexuality, Lande Hekt has shared her latest single ‘Whiskey’. Lifted from her debut album Going To Hell, which is set for release in January 2021 via queer-run independent label Get Better Records, the track is Hekt’s most personal offering to date.

“I’m no stranger to queer punk and queer politics,” Hekt explains. “I’ve always taken a special interest for obvious reasons, but this record is important to me because it’s the first time I’m releasing anything as an outwardly gay person.” This decision has given Hekt the confidence to speak candidly about the anxieties and expectations that coming out can bring on her new record, and on single ‘Whiskey’

“This song is essentially about how there were so many things that didn’t feel right in my life,” says Hekt. “It’s about learning how to come to terms with being gay or, more accurately, realising that pretending you’re not gay can’t go on forever.” Between her raw lyricism and her stripped back guitar sounds, Hekt shows that there’s no need to hide who you are from other people, but gently acknowledges the fear or indecisiveness that can underscore these important realisations.

“I internalised a lot of that [homophobia and heteronormative] culture for a long time,” Heky continues. “It wasn’t until I found myself surrounded by queer and trans people and friends, that I realised I could live happily in a way that felt right. I know I’m not alone in feeling like this and it was other people sharing their experiences with me that helped me out.”

Listen to ‘Whiskey’ below and follow Lande Hekt on bandcamp, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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