WATCH: Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’

Having shared stages with the likes of Problem Patterns, Strange New Places and Sister Ghost, and following the gritty energy of 2021’s ‘Night In The Woods’, Belfast punks Gender Chores have recently shared a new single. With songs defending reproductive rights, resisting the patriarchy and documenting the human cost of late-stage capitalism, they’re a true, riot grrrl-inspired DIY force to be reckoned with.

A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to the band’s hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity.

Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Dysphurious’ is a song about Sam’s early experiences of coming out as non-binary – not having a clear answer for people, feeling like you’re constantly explaining yourself, fearing rejection and mockery…The pressure to have all the answers can hold so many of us back from coming out, even to ourselves. You can interrogate yourself to the utmost degree, and those who want to will still write off you becoming who you are as a ‘phase’ or a ‘trend’. This song is about liberating yourself from that demand, and getting comfortable with your answer to the question sometimes being “I don’t know”.”

‘Dysphurious’ was recorded at Start Together Studios, and is accompanied by a brand new video, directed by Elspeth Vischer. Watch here!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2023 (Day 3: 30.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking off the last day of the festival at the In The Dock stage, Divorce liven the spirits with their reverb strewn, Americana-tinged indie-pop. With the luscious honey-sweet-yet-husky vocals of front person Tiger leading the way, the Nottingham band treat us to a beautifully uplifting set; oozing a dreamy romanticism alongside a subtle gritty energy, I can’t get enough of the emotive lilting harmonies and scuzzy hooks. Though I’m very happily married, I wish every Sunday could start with a bit of Divorce.

Recommended by festival director Kate Webster as a must-see at the festival, Liverpool artist Pet Snake fulfils my expectations and more with her stirring alt-folk offerings. The solo project of Evelyn Halls (Clean Cut Kid), it’s an instantly immersive and beautifully heartwarming experience to see live. As Hall starts off by making the bold claim that Deer Shed is “the nicest festival I’ve ever been to“, I may have to agree; sitting in the Lodge Tent, G&T in hand, the all ages audience captivated and swaying along as each emotion-strewn offering flows from the stage. With shades of the catchy allure of Jenny Lewis, and themes ranging from life-changing love (a particularly touching moment when Hall dedicates ‘Jacket’ to her guitarist / husband) to the struggles of returning to the outside world post-pandemic, each song tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways. With her rich vocals and charming charisma alongside the shimmering anthemic melodies, Pet Snake has me utterly spellbound. 

One of the bands I’d been most looking forward to seeing this weekend (and one who we’d been lucky enough to catch a sneak peek of when they joined Sprints yesterday), Leeds based English Teacher take to the main stage with a set so poignant and immersive that I almost don’t notice the rain. With a subtle political drive and poetic lyricism, each song hits with a cutting post-punk power, whilst maintaining the band’s truly unique tongue-in-cheek wit and fierce raw energy. Despite their trademark no-frills approach, the band lose none of what matters and deliver each driving offering with an engaging majesty. 

Glistening in emerald green, Gwenno charms the damp crowd with her magnetising shimmering aura. Alternating between singing in both Cornish and her native Welsh, she delivers soaring pastoral odes to her homeland (and cheese – “man’s greatest invention”) with a rich celestial splendour and uplifting grace.

After warming ourselves with some delicious vegan noodles (and getting my big warm jacket from the tent), it’s time for The Big Moon – having been a fan for years now, I’m not quite sure how I’ve never seen them live before, and I’m glad the moment has finally arrived, though it seems I’m not quite prepared for the power with which the ‘moment’ hits me. With my partner taking photos in the pit, I stand alone and immediately start to lose all track of whether it’s raindrops or tears running down my face, as the searing twinkling emotion of ‘Wide Eyes’ emanates from the stage. Slightly embarrassing, but testament to the truly evocative power this band are able to create. And, with their witty banter and sunny disposition, the teardrops are short-lived (sadly the rain isn’t), and The Big Moon succeed in brightening our spirits with the joyous, lilting allure of each and every offering. As they treat us to an eclectic array of songs new and old (including an acapella rendition of ‘Formidable’ which involves “huddling together for warmth”), the pac-a-mac-ed crowd of fans new and old sing along in unity, and I’m left cheered and inspired not only by The Big Moon’s beautiful musicality, but their infectious warmth and camaraderie. And it’s awesome to see Soph repping another GIHE fave, Brighton’s CLT DRP, on her t-shirt!

The rain continues, but so does the music. Despite the downpours, nineties Scottish band The Delgados close the festival with their blissful indie-pop anthems.

So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! See more words about Day 1 and Day 2 of the festival.

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2023 (Day 2: 29.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking things off nice and early at the In The Dock stage, Sister Wives rouse the senses with their evocative ethereal soundscapes. With their quirky charisma and glistening soaring harmonies, the Cardiff-via-Sheffield band offer a unique fusion of traditional folk-inspired musicality with a gritty, fierce energy, all delivered with a mystical, bewitching allure.

After a refreshing local beer, and with a glimmer of sunshine poking through the clouds, we catch the lilting uplifting energy of Rozi Plain on the main stage, as a soothing twinkling grace emanates throughout the swaying crowd.

With the sun now in full force, we return to the main stage to catch another Welsh band – I’m very excited to finally see Panic Shack, having been a fan of their frenzied tongue-in-cheek post punk for a couple of years now. Fully aware of the age range of the crowd, they kick things off with the perfectly anti-conventional ‘Baby’; there’s a weird sort of irony seeing kids on their parents’ shoulders bopping and singing along to “I don’t wanna hold your baby / Kids are not for everyone”, and I’m instantly in love with the fierce tenacity of this band. Apologising for some naughty words throughout the set (“Hope the kids have ear defenders on”), they blast through each song with an immense ferocious energy – from the synchronised statuesque poses of ‘Mannequin Man’, to the martial arts-inspired dance moves of ‘Jiu Jits You’, Panic Shack deliver each angst-driven, subtly political anthem with a searing riotous power and infectious sneering wit. A total must-see live band, and probably my highlight of the weekend. (A stand out moment for me being hearing a child ask their mum “what’s baccy?” after ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?’ closes the fantastic set.)

After all that excitement, and perhaps the tastiest vegan hot dog I’ve ever had (with extra pickles of course), we head to The Lodge tent for a chilled out interlude. I’ve been meaning to see Hussy for a while, so I’m very glad that she made it here – having had two trains cancelled, but “with perseverance we can get there in the end”. Exuding an effervescent grace as her dreamy offerings showcase her rich emotive vocals, it’s a beautifully stirring set oozing a shimmering musicality reminiscent of the likes of Lucy Dacus.

Continuing the dreamy vibes, it’s a delight to catch This Is The Kit for the first time in long while (I last saw them at the Southbank Centre about eight years ago, when a woman shouted at me for accidentally spilling my drink on her. So, I’m looking forward to a less traumatic set this time…!) With an endearing charm and witty birthday trivia interweaved in between each beautiful song, Kit and co immerse the crowd in their sparkling, uplifting energy as each track flows with a blissful allure.

Then it’s back to the In The Dock stage for total faves Sprints; having caught them live in Belfast at the Women’s Work Showcase last year, I couldn’t wait to catch their electrifying energy live again; and I wasn’t to be disappointed. Warmed by the sight of a front row filled with excitable teenage girls and pals lightly moshing, I’m once again grateful to Deer Shed for offering this experience to young people who wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to see live music of this kind normally; to see a band like Sprints, and a front person like Karla Chubb, inspiring and motivating young people gives me a bit of hope that everything is not quite so bad after all… From more familiar songs like ‘Literary Mind’ and ‘How Does The Story Go?’ to brand new, unreleased songs, the band race through the set with a truly compelling fierce energy as Chubb’s distinctive gritty vocals and empowering stage presence take hold. And, as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also treated to special guest stage invasion from English Teacher, who join Sprints for a magnificent mash-up of Wet Leg’s ‘Chaise Longue’ with Le Tigre’s ‘Deceptacon’. Pretty epic.

We return to The Lodge tent to absorb the glitchy, euphoric soundscapes of Glasgow’s Free Love. As bouquets of flowers are torn apart and showered over the crowd, trippy ethereal vibes emanate from the trio as I’m taken back to a ’90s French Disko and contentedly dance along with the kind of gentle confidence that only really comes from being in a field surrounded by live music and happy (slightly inebriated) fellow festival goers.

We end the night with the uplifting funk-fuelled sounds of all female jazz collective All Day Breakfast Cafe. With a playful energy, the band deliver a fantastic array of songs, showcasing each of their incredible musical talents and Jelly Cleaver’s artful skill of creating instantly catchy, nostalgic-yet-fresh takes on a mix of genres, all rooted in the empowering unity of the disco movement. As the all-ages crowd dance along in blissful unity (some people even winning pain au chocolats for their efforts!) to each colourful offering, the band’s effervescent energy spreads throughout the tent; a perfect way to close a joyous day of festivalling. And we even get a sneak peek of their upcoming new single, ‘Sweet Revenge’, set for release on 16th August – so, keep your ears and eyes peeled!


So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, Day 3! And see our review of Day 1 here.


Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2023 (Day 1: 28.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Having settled into our pre-pitched tent (a revelation saving so much time and energy that I will be doing it at every festival going forwards!), our first taste of live music of the weekend comes from Bristol dancehall artist Grove. With an immense, swirling energy, they treat us to a unique fusion of “deep and dark” trip-hop with funk-fuelled UK Garage beats. From songs lusting after MILFs (“true pillars of society“) – a sentiment which goes down well with the child bearing crowd of Deer Shed – to raging anthems berating power-hungry landlords and the monarchy, Grove offers a perfectly riotous joy to kick off the weekend.

Back at the In The Dock stage (though I feel they could well have headlined the main stage), Dream Wife are as dreamy as always. Blasting into action with a blistering rendition of the title track of their latest album, Social Lubrication, they follow this with some older favourites – “Hey, Deer Shed“, front woman Rakel greets us, before spinning into the joyous allure of ‘Hey Heartbreaker’. Although I’ve seen Dream Wife live at least three times before (the most recent time being just a few weeks ago supporting the legendary Le Tigre), this is the first time I’ve seen them perform to an audience filled with children, and it really is quite special. As predominantly young girls fill the first few rows, bopping up and down either on their own accord, or on the shoulders of their parents, the sense of awe and wonder is palpable; Dream Wife exude such a magnetising power and grace, and for these children to have a band of women/non binary/queer folk to look up to, dance along with and potentially aspire to be is something that’s truly inspiring and wonderful. Not that it should be a novelty or unusual, but – as Rakel reflects (prompted by 7 year old Erin whose tooth has just fallen out, just like it did seeing the band two years ago) – “I wish I’d had a band like this when I was growing up“. Attempting to make their set “PG” (with just a couple of endearing and necessary slip-ups!), Dream Wife hail all the “Bad Witches’ in the room, as they sing of wanting to “Freak you out” with an immense, fun-filled charisma, and deliver the poignant message of ‘Somebody’ with even more stirring magnitude than usual. A true force to be reckoned with, unifying and immersing audiences of all ages and genders with their trademark blissful charm and captivating majesty. And then, a fantastic set is made even more memorable as GIHE fave Straight Girl makes a special guest appearance, swirling across the stage and into the crowd with their unique fierce energy.


So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Days 2 & 3!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

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