LISTEN: LOUD WOMEN – ‘Reclaim These Streets’

An uncompromising feminist anthem that centers women’s experiences of harassment and fears for their safety in public spheres, LOUD WOMEN have shared their new collaborative charity single ‘Reclaim These Streets’. Sparked by the conversations around the untimely deaths of Blessing Olusegun and Sarah Everard, LOUD WOMEN’s founder Cassie Fox invited a collection of female and non-binary musicians to rage alongside her on this vital musical statement, with all proceeds from the track being donated to UK charity Women’s Aid.

“Two women a week are killed by men. Refuge services are having to turn away one in two survivors of violence – and yet refuge funding has been cut by one quarter since 2010,” Cassie explains. “This is a song of feminist solidarity and hope – all women and gender non-conforming people have a right to walk safely on every street, and be safe in their own home.” Backed by the voices of Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama, Shakespears Sister), Brix Smith Start (The Fall/Brix & The Extricated) and Patsy Stevenson (the face of the Clapham vigil) and with instrumentation provided by members of My Bloody Valentine, Salad and T-Bitch, ‘Reclaim These Streets’ is a powerful and necessary punk offering that demands the right to exist in a world free from gender-based harassment and violence.

The track features over 60 female voices from the independent & alternative UK music scenes, including Estella Adeyeri (Big Joanie), Janey Starling (ex-Dream Nails), Nadia Javed (The Tuts), Ren Aldridge (Petrol Girls), Jo Bevan (Desperate Journalist), Siân Alex (Gold Baby), MIRI, Kat Five (Feral Five), Holly Carter (Berries), Angela Martin (Bugeye), Elis Sarv & Kelly Chard (Noise Noir) and many more.

‘Reclaim These Streets’ simmers with a palpable, justified rage and provides a cathartic burst of relief for female and non-binary listeners who have been living under the shadow of street harassment for most of their lives.

Watch the video for the track below. Download ‘Reclaim These Streets’ via bandcamp.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Full list of ‘Reclaim These Streets’ contributors:
Abby Werth of I, Doris and Argonaut
Amber of Hadda Be
Angela Martin of Bugeye
Bec Jevons of IDestroy
Brix Smith Start
Caroline Gilchrist of Hot Sauce Pony
Cassie Fox
Charley Stone
Debbie Googe
Debbie Smith
Dungareen Jean
Elis Sarv from Noise Noir
Ella Patenall of Naz & Ella
Emily Eagle of The Pukes
Emma Sky of Slut Magic
Erika Severyns
Estella Adeyeri of Big Joanie
Gail Something-Else of Muddy Summers & the Dirty Field Whores
Gemma Cullingford of Sink Ya Teeth
Georgie Willsher of Beverley Kills
Gilan
Harriet Doveton
Helen McCookerybook
Holly Carter of Berries
Jade Ellins
Janey Starling
Jen Macro
Jo Bevan
Joyce Raskin
Julie Riley of I Am HER
Karen of Hagar the Womb
Kat Five of Feral Five
Kel of The Empty Page
Kelly Chard
Kimmi Watson
Kristina Stazaker
Lee Friese-Greene
Lilith Ai
Liz Hayward of Ode to Sleep
Lorna Tiefholz of Rabies Babies
Marijne van der Vlugt
Michelle Marti of Girls Rock Indiana
Minni Moody
MIRI
Molly Energi
Nadia Javed
Ngaire Ruth
Nicki Mirage of Brazen Hussy/KNM
Patsy Stevenson
Paul Maps – Joyzine
Penfriend
Priya
Ren Aldridge of Petrol Girls
Ros Cairney of Deux Furieuses
Roshi Nasehi
Rowanna Chown
Sam McCann of Gender Chores
Shona MacMillan
Siân Alex of Gold Baby
Siobhan Fahey
Stevie B of T-Bitch
Suteki Hegg
The Pukes
Umbilica

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Track Of The Day: Sophomore – ‘Montenegro’

Following last May’s timely single ‘Social-Distancing’, a track which tackled important issues such as the spread of misinformation amidst the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Australian-based alt-rock foursome Sophomore have recently thrown their latest refreshingly punchy single ‘Montenegro’ into the ring. Only the band’s third single, but undoubtedly a release set to solidify their rightful place within Australia’s recently opened and ever-growing gig circuit, ‘Montenegro’ was written in an old olive mill-turned-hostel, nestled deep in the mountains of Montenegro from which this exciting new release takes its name.

Despite the exotic writing location, the track itself is wholly relatable to anyone who has lived through the past year, as it explores the feeling of being lost despite being unable to escape the place that find yourself in. Its repeated, yet captivatingly catchy, lyrics speak about waking with the “best of intentions” only to be stopped in your tracks, despite having “nowhere to go…” It also touches on being far from home – a harsh reality experienced by a countless number of Australians who struggled to get back into the country last year, for which this track could serve as a subtle acknowledgement.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Vanessa oozes a nostalgia for ’90s grunge and simpler times with a new-age Pixies vocal that chimes in alongside a deep and progressive baseline, immediately drawing us into this modest yet thought-provokingly explosive track. Anticipation continues to build as both Vanessa and rhythm guitarist Elly’s moody yet mesmerising harmonies strike out against the resonant attack of the kit, entrancing us with the band’s poignant riff-based resurgence of the post-rock genre.

‘Montenegro’ is accompanied by a video of the band getting lost in the endless corridors of a building that has laid abandoned since the 1920s – the perfect location choice for the song’s inescapable yet blissfully honest narrative. 

Watch the video here:

Find out more about Sophomore on their Facebook page.

Lauren Roberts
@robauren

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Track Of The Day: Krush Puppies – ‘Slay The Dragon’

Having charmed us with their immersive live performances on more than one occasion, Alexa Daly, Jenny Wells, Jess McGill and Heather Britton – aka Krush Puppies – have been establishing themselves on the London scene for a few years now, with support slots for the likes of Squid and Sorry already under their belts. Now, they have shared a unique, medieval-inspired, new single.

Propelled by an eerie, synth-driven drive, ‘Slay The Dragon’ is a poignant reflection about “transcending the monsters we’ve all had to endure“. Showcasing the band’s swooning harmonious vocals, which flow throughout with a mystic allure, the track builds with a gritty, swirling energy and scuzzy hooks to a frenzied cacophony, suddenly coming to a halt with a resonant, impassioned wail. Oozing a whirring, bewitching splendour, it oozes a raw, haunting majesty reminiscent of fellow London post-punkers Goat Girl. Offering equal parts playful wit and angst-driven emotion, ‘Slay The Dragon’ cements Krush Puppies as definite ones to watch.

Recorded during Lockdown No.1, ‘Slay The Dragon’ is out now via Strong Island Recordings.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Tamara – ‘Best Advice’

Inspired by the post-breakup experience, Oxford’s Tamara brings us an honest telling of the net that supported her in her beautifully dainty track, ‘Best Advice’. It isn’t all advice given that we keep close to heart, but the pieces of insight that hit just right, we nestle close to indefinitely. 

Tamara sifts through these offerings as she builds self-knowing in the language of twinkling indie-folk. With a soft guitar warming the roots of ‘Best Advice’, Tamara allows her lyrics to take the forefront as she unravels her revelations piece by piece: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them, the first time.” It is clear that Tamara has formed new insights through this transitional period; lessons have been learned; a shimmering sense of optimism oozes throughout – a comforting reassurance that she will carry this knowledge into every experience she has to come.

Layered in the shadows of Tamara’s raw guitar, bass riffs scurry across the chorus in support of the pleasant mood she has established. It is this bare bones approach that highlights the full gravity of her storytelling. With a knack for therapeutic lyrics and rich, silky tones, Tamara’s ‘Best Advice’ is cathartically entrancing; a single moment of endearing reflection, captured in a long journey.

 

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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