Kate Crudgington – Page 18

LISTEN: Witch Weather – ‘Hazy’

Following on from their previous release ‘Don’t Need‘ – a brooding blend of grunge-infused riffs and punk attitude – Pennsylvania-based indie/punk/goth duo Witch Weather have shared their latest single ‘Hazy’. Taken from the band’s upcoming self-titled album which is set for release on 13th October, the track is a fuzzed up, buoyant reflection on seasonal mood changes and transient feelings of hopelessness.

Influenced by bands such as Siouxsie and The Banshees, Against Me!, Fugazi, Screaming Females and Depeche Mode, Witch Weather create “sad queer indie punk for your sad queer enjoyment.” Formed of guitarist & vocalist Kaitlynn Autumn and bassist & vocalist Juliann Frances, the duo work through feelings of confusion, frustration and self-loathing on their upcoming record, all aided by hefty guitar licks and rumbling bass lines. The lyrics on the album are also inspired by Kaitlynn’s experience of being a trans woman, learning to be confident in her identity and following her journey from “confused to closeted, to out and doing her best.”

On ‘Hazy’, the band reflect on feelings of self-hatred and the effects of seasonal depression, all underscored by Kaitlynn’s riffs, considered lyrics and Juliann’s thundering bass lines. “Hazy is a song meant for anyone who’s ever felt lost and directionless and maybe just doesn’t even quite want to be alive,” explains Kaitlynn in more detail. “The thought, ‘what am I doing here, how did I let myself get to this point’, was a pretty common one at the time that this song was written. Whether that thought be in reference to being at a truly awful job, stagnating in transition, or a whole host of other problems that were going on…”

“It was a challenge to write, but definitely something that was really rewarding and let us know that we were going in the right direction creatively. Lyrically it felt really cathartic to write as well, and is mostly in reference to a really tough ‘mental health relapse’ that happened over the winter. While that time is over now, the song still holds true and even as the writer, it keeps finding new ways to be relatable in day to day life.”

Listen to ‘Hazy’ below.

Follow Witch Weather on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & TikTok

Visit Witch Weather’s website here

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

September 13, 2023

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Problem Patterns – ‘Lesbo 3000’ / ‘Poverty Tourist’

GIHE favourites Problem Patterns have returned with a double dose of delightful, disruptive noise on their AA single release ‘Lesbo 3000’ / ‘Poverty Tourist’. Taken from their upcoming debut album, Blouse Club, which is due on 27th October via Alcopop! Records, the Belfast-based Riot Grrrls tackle homophobia and working class appropriation on their anthemic new tracks. We can’t wait to hear both of them live when the band headline for us at the Sebright Arms in Hackney on 17th November (tickets are cheaper in advance and available from DICE).

Not defined by traditional band structures, Problem Patterns routinely switch up instruments and mic duties for their riotous songs, which always makes for a refreshing take on the subject they’re singing about. Following on from previous single ‘Letter of Resignation’, which saw guitarist Beverley Boal step forward on vocals, on ‘Lesbo 3000’ drummer Bethany Crooks takes the lead as she calls out the prejudices around homophobic language and reclaims it for herself and the LGBTQ+ community.

“‘Lesbo 3000’ was written partly out of frustration and also to reclaim and have ownership over my sexuality,” explains Bethany. “The frustration is that lesbianism is consistently invalidated, we’re told that we just haven’t ‘met the right man’ yet or that some random man in a bar has a magic appendage in his trousers that will completely negate your attraction to women. The reality is that homophobic attacks are becoming more and more consistent with right wing social media emboldening bigots, while ‘lesbian’ remains one of the top search topics on all porn websites. (Mostly) men think that lesbians exist for their sexual gratification, but if they see two women holding hands they go absolutely berserk.”

“I also thought it was important to reclaim the slur ‘dyke’,” she continues. “I’ve been called a dyke multiple times by homophobes who want to hurt me, but if I can reclaim that word it completely takes the power out of it. Yes I am a dyke. And that feels really powerful to say.” With the aid of some truly stunning local drag artists in the accompanying video for ‘Lesbo 3000’, Bethany and the grrrls gleefully dismantle these damaging prejudices and riotously reclaim the language that doesn’t belong on the tongues of ignorant bigots.

“We really wanted it to feel joyful and silly even though the song has quite a serious subject matter,” Bethany comments on the visuals, which were directed by long-time collaborator Brendan Seamus. “We decorated the set like a big gay party! We toyed for months with the idea of paying homage to ‘Addicted To Love’ and ‘Man I Feel Like A Woman’, and thought that involving local drag artists would be a perfect tonic to the constant depressing news cycles surrounding LGBTQ+ attacks and discrimination we see nowadays. Carl Hartt, Hester Ectomy, Xxxpresso Martini and FRUITY were the backing band and they all absolutely killed it. We are so grateful that they even wanted to participate in the video, and they really served 80s hair metal/bimbo/sexy punk realness.”

Problem Patterns are driven by a strong DIY ethos and as a working class band, they feel it’s important to call out the appropriation of this culture in the music industry and further afield. Their second AA-side track ‘Poverty Tourist’ does just that. Fuelled by the riotous dual vocals of Alanah Smith and Ciara King, as well as King’s potent bass line, the track is a Beastie Boys-style blast of pure punk catharsis that came about during the band’s final writing session before they recorded their album.

“We’re a working class band and there are experiences that are very unique to us which we have bonded over,” Alanah explains about the track. “It’s incredibly frustrating to see those struggles co-opted by folks who have never had to worry about money. The kind of people who will dig around charity shops to ‘curate’ bits for their Etsy store where they will sell these items at 10x the price. Charity shops exist to serve the community and there are people that depend on them because there are no other options. It’s the rich kids moving into impoverished areas to make themselves sound more interesting, driving up the rent and gentrifying the area.”

“This sort of romanticisation of the poor is very prevalent in the music scene, especially in bands (and industry types) who align a working class background with being perceived as more authentic. People dress up and change their accent for personal gain only, but as Jarvis Cocker once said, ‘If you called your dad he could stop this all’ – and of course, he also said, ‘Everybody hates a tourist.’ It’s cosplay, it’s gross, and it’s always obvious when someone is doing this.”

Fresh from performing live on BBC 6Music, supporting electro-punk icons Le Tigre on their Manchester and Glasgow tour dates and playing a knockout set at Brighton’s Great Escape festival earlier this year, it’s been a joy to witness Problem Patterns’ hard work pay off. Listen to ‘Poverty Tourist’ below and pre-order your copy of their debut album, Blouse Club, here.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Carrie Davenport

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

September 7, 2023

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

FIVE FAVOURITES: Scrounge

Since we booked South London duo Lucy Alexander and Luke Cartledge aka Scrounge as support for our GIHE gig at The Windmill back in 2018, we have been avid fans of their vital, frenzied art-punk sounds. Featured on our ‘Albums of 2022‘ list, their debut mini-album, Sugar Daddy, is full of gritty, relatable anthems that hit a nerve and showcase the passion and determination that underscores all that they do. The duo have always remained loyal to their DIY roots, and their latest single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’ is accompanied by a limited edition flexi-disc and a zine that “documents and celebrates what’s going on south of the river” in a thriving underground music scene.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with vocalist and guitarist Lucy to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired Scrounge over the years. Check out her choices below and scroll down to listen to Scrounge’s single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’.

1. Pavement – ‘Fame Throwa’
As soon as I met Luke at Goldsmiths, I knew that I wanted to be his mate. It might’ve been that he looked “dead indie” but I quickly found he is one of the most thoughtful and caring people in the world. Sometimes we’d swap song recommendations, other days we’d just have a few pints at the Marquis where we once talked about how South East London lacked a scene for guitar music, despite having so many amazing venues. At that moment, along with designer Amanda Tooke, we vowed to make our own collective to ‘Support South London and Support Your Mates’. We named it Fame Throwa after Pavement’s chaotic hit and that song inspired us to work together to run a night, radio show and record label. Although Fame Throwa is now dormant, it was our “in” to DIY activism and it introduced us to some truly outstanding human beings.

2. Italia 90 – ‘New Factory’
When we started Scrounge, we had no idea what we were doing; Luke didn’t know how to play drums and I played the acoustic guitar. We were constantly looking for nights – like Get In Her Ears – that we could perform at and bands we’d compliment on a bill. Italia 90 were recommended to us by our mate Ben so we booked them for a Fame Throwa night. We REALLY wanted to play a show with them and, as no one would book us, we decided to book them. ‘New Factory’ is a staple in their set and we’ve spent many nights shouting along to it in sweaty south London venues. This year, Italia 90 released their debut album, Living Human Treasure, and we were delighted to get a mention in the liner notes. As much as they like us, we can guarantee that we like them more and we’ll be forever grateful for their influence.

3. Piglet – ‘It Isn’t Fair’
Charlie Loane is one of South London’s most prolific performers. Over the years, we’ve watched him perform in loads of different bands but Piglet, Loane’s solo project, is utterly incredible. As an activist and beautiful songwriter, Piglet captures everyday life and the trans experience through his poignant lyrics. ‘It Isn’t Fair’ is not only anthemic but a real life representation of the awful standard of trans rights in the UK. Trans rights are human rights and as allies, we need to do better. This song is a call to action and a reminder that we can and must do more.

4. CHUNKY – ‘GNG’ (Guts N Grets)
When I first started performing at open mic nights as a teenager, I constantly sought new opportunities for young musicians. I quickly joined The Albany Theatre’s youth music group and was lucky enough to be mentored by some of the country’s most influential artists. Chunky, an MC from Manchester, mentored on the project and really believed in my music. He supported my early solo project, Fame Throwa and is equally supportive of Scrounge. Despite our genre differences, we’ve ended up working together on a few different projects and I’m in awe of his DIY attitude and work ethic. At the beginning of this year, Chunky released his long awaited debut album, Somebody’s Child, and ‘GNG’ is a standout single that really shows off the quick lyricism and sharp wit that inspired me as a young songwriter.

5. Kae Tempest – ‘Hold Your Own’
It feels like I’ve seen Kae Tempest perform a million times over the years and each performance is always as impactful as the last; it really doesn’t matter whether they’re performing poems, a play, or their music it’s always the same outcome. ‘Hold Your Own’ was a collection of poems by Tempest which I stumbled upon at university and the much needed catalyst I needed to truly accept myself for who I really am. The titular poem also features on Tempest’s album, The Book of Traps and Lessons, and is an aural reminder to persevere through adversity while remembering your own self worth. It’s a love letter to our shared community that I cherish.

Thanks to Lucy for sharing her Five Favourites with us!

Follow Scrounge on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (X) and Instagram

Listen to Scrounge’s latest single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’ below

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

NEW TRACK: Coolgirl – ‘High Altar’

Following on from her previous single ‘Silverlight‘ – a synth-soaked exploration of the intense, transitory nature of infatuation – Dublin-based artist and producer Lizzie Fitzpatrick aka Coolgirl has shared her latest single ‘High Altar’. Taken from her upcoming EP, Failed Reboot, which is set for release on 8th November via VETA Records (HAVVK, Sive, DYVR, Maria Kelly, St. Bishop), the track is a hypnotic blend of magnetic synths, intriguing samples and atmospheric beats.

GIHE fans will recognise Fitzpatrick as the front person of grunge trio Bitch Falcon, but under her new solo moniker she uses electronics to create vivid, sometimes ambient, sometimes upbeat soundscapes. After releasing a handful of singles over the past few years and performing live alongside the likes of HAVVK, Alyxis and Plus One, Coolgirl is preparing to share her new EP, with ‘High Altar’ offering further insight into what listeners can expect from the upcoming release.

Created in her bedroom studio, on ‘High Altar’ Coolgirl creates a mesmeric blend of analogue synths, modellers and samples – including the sound of knocking on a radiator – to showcase the “emotional aspect of dance music”. By using an upturned bass melody and rolling cutoffs to evoke an “intense sadness”, Fitzpatrick takes listeners on a bittersweet, euphoric journey into her thrilling, experimental world.

Coolgirl’s upcoming EP Failed Reboot will be released on digital platforms and on cassette tape too.