LISTEN: BLAB – ‘Gemini’

A guarded, but playful reflection on the pain of unrequited love filtered through an astrological lens, Southend-based multi-instrumentalist BLAB has shared her latest single ‘Gemini’. Released via Cool Thing Records, BLAB combines catchy guitar riffs with her bittersweet lyrics to work through her mixed emotions.

“’Gemini’ is my sad girl-astrology-emo-garage-anthem,” BLAB aka Frances Murray explains. “It’s about unrequited love but I didn’t want it to feel super sad. I kinda love how it’s super garage-y and ravey, but the lyrics are really heart-breaking, a bit like ‘Mr Brightside’. When I start dating someone, I always find out their star sign and try to suss them out a bit, see what I’m working with personality-wise. I always end up looking past the bad aspects of someone and this song is the realisation “oh, you’re such a Gemini” like, I now see you for who you actually are. I hope people can two-step and cry to this tune at the same time because that’s what I’ll be doing.”

Through her catchy beats and direct lyricism, BLAB cuts through barbed emotional moments on ‘Gemini’, softening unsettling realisations like “she looks like me and I look like her / a trait that I despise.” With her previous singles ‘Eton Mess’, ‘Casual Sex’, ‘RIP’ and ‘Insurance’, BLAB firmly communicated her anti-establishment, anti-ego message. With ‘Gemini’, she reaffirms her narrative of independence and individuality, but showcases a slightly softer side, tinged with a relatable melancholy.

BLAB is currently working on her debut album with Sam Duckworth (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) and Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording in Southend, channelling her riot grrrl attitude into a collection of witty, infectious anthems.

Listen to ‘Gemini’ below.

Follow BLAB on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Queen Cult – ‘A Song About Consent’

Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger‘, and support for explosive recent offering ‘Show & Tell‘, Cheshire band Queen Cult have been fast making a name for themselves. Consisting of front person Maisie Johnson and bassist Leila Jacklin, as well as Brodie Carson on drums and Piers Jarvis on guitar, the band pride themselves on their LGBTQ+ identity and sharing their queer, politically-charged messages with the masses; and, having recently pulled out of Hit The North festival due to allegations against promoter SSD Concerts, their dedication to smashing the patriarchy and standing up for what’s right remains steadfast and unwavering.

With a gritty, seething energy, brand new single ‘A Song About Consent‘ offers an all-too-resonant message about the challenges women and girls have to face every day in the face of the male gaze. With an impassioned, angst-driven power, it’s a swirling statement of intent, raging with a poignant fervour against men’s entitlement over our bodies. As front person Maisie fiercely proclaims that “consensuality is a thing”, she assures us that our voices should be heard; that we are entitled to have control over own bodies, and should feel safe in this knowledge. With a blazing grit, the track pulls no punches as it rages against the culture of victim blaming and society’s expectation that we are responsible for changing ourselves to protect us from harm, rather than holding the perpetrators of abuse to account. Of the meaning behind track, Maisie comments:

“Watching the news about the murder of Sarah Everard by a policeman hit us immensely. Seeing it unfold into what didn’t seem real. We questioned our upbringings, what our mothers told us whilst growing up. Things to remember to keep safe. And realising just how messed up that is. We wrote this song because we were shook by the idea of having to change anything about simply existing as a woman in this world. We do not stand for inequality. We do not stand for abuse. We stand for consent, decency and respect.” 

Another immense slice of pop-infused rock ‘n’ roll from Queen Cult, ‘A Song About Consent’ builds with a stirring tension and soulful raw emotion, alongside sweeping fizzing riffs, to offer a completely necessary and ferociously poignant listen, fuelled by a colossal, and instantly catchy, musicality. So, blast it into your ears, immerse yourself in its riotous catharsis, and stand up and join the fight against the patriarchy now!

Watch the new video for ‘A Song About Consent’ now:


‘A Song About Consent’ is out now. Catch Queen Cult live in Manchester at The Castle Hotel on 18th November – tickets here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Debbie Ellis / A Supreme Shot

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Track Of The Day: PETSEMATARY – ‘Cautious Kind’

A tentative musing on balancing your patience for other people’s emotions alongside your own emotional resilience, PETSEMATARY has shared her latest single ‘Cautious Kind‘. Released via Beth Shalom Records, the track is a hazy, emotive offering that sees the songwriter dissect her own feelings about venturing into a relationship on an uneven emotional level, but trying to remain optimistic in what can often be lonely territory.

“‘Cautious Kind’ is about being in a relationship with someone who is emotionally unavailable because of whatever history, trauma or emotional baggage,” PETSEMATARY aka Gaby-Elise Monaghan explains. “It’s like ripping your chest open and spilling your guts on the floor, only to have someone step all over it. It’s screaming for the validation you need in a relationship from someone who just isn’t entirely emotionally available, but also recognising that not everyone has the capacity for that.”

PETSEMATARY explores these needs through her yearning vocals and hazy, atmospheric guitar sounds on the track. “I feel like I come across as quite an intense person and I expect others to be just as open and honest, but in reality everyone has their own shit that affects how they interact in a relationship,” she continues. “It’s being in love and knowing deep down that this person will never be able to give you what you need emotionally, but still having hope and begging them to open up to you in the same way that you do for them. That kind of experience is really jarring – the song is about being cautious when opening yourself up but ultimately not letting your trauma make you push someone else away. Be cautious but also be kind and take the risk.”

PETSEMATARY will play a free show at Blondies in East London tonight (11th Nov) to celebrate the single’s release.

Listen to ‘Cautious Kind’ below.

Follow PETSEMATARY on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Beach House – ‘Once Twice Melody: Chapter 1’

A cinematic introduction to their new record, dream pop outfit Beach House have shared the first four tracks from their upcoming album, Once Twice Melody. Set for release via Bella Union on 18th February, the record features 18 tracks which the band have chosen to share in four ‘Chapters’ in the lead up to the release, with ‘Chapter 1’ being available to listen to now.

Featuring eponymous track ‘Once Twice Melody’, ‘Chapter 1’ is a lilting, majestic showcase of the band’s new material. Produced entirely by Beach House and using a live string ensemble for the first time, ‘Superstar’, ‘Pink Funeral’ and ‘Through Me’ shimmer with the duo’s trademark lullaby-esque vocals, dramatic riffs and atmospheric beats. Bittersweet lyrics and heady synths combine to make this first instalment a captivating, tranquil listen.

Beach House will be releasing a new ‘Chapter’ of music each month until the full album is released in February 2022. The band will be touring the UK and Europe in Spring, which will include a night at London’s Brixton Academy on 26th May. Tickets for each date are on sale from Friday 19th November (more info here)

Listen to ‘Chapter 1’ of Once Twice Melody below.

Follow Beach House on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: David Belisle

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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