Track Of The Day: M(h)aol – ‘Asking For It’

An ominous, much needed anthem that pulses with relatable fury, Irish inter-sectional feminist post-punk band M(h)aol have shared their latest single ‘Asking For It’. Originally set for release in May, the band have shared the track earlier than planned after feeling a collective anger at the reporting of male violence against women in the current media. All profits from ‘Asking For It’ will be donated to Women’s Aid Ireland, a charity who aim to end domestic violence against women and children.

Currently based between Dublin, London and Bristol, M(h)aol (pronounced “male”) are formed of Róisín Nic Ghearailt, Constance Keane, Jamie Hyland, Zoe Greenway and Sean Nolan. Together, the band aim to shake up the male dominated post-punk scene with their urgent, shadowy sounds, with previous single ‘Laundries’ being the perfect instigator for this pursuit. Now with ‘Asking For It’, M(h)aol aim to dismantle the external and internal narratives that perpetuate the behaviours behind gender-based violence and victim-blaming.

Led by a thudding bass drum that feels like it’s mimicking the panicked heartbeat of a woman being pursued by her attacker, ‘Asking For It’ unravels the toxic thoughts and questions many women are faced with in the aftermath of harassment and sexual assault. Crystalline vocals and direct lyrics are paired with unsettling bass lines and urgent riffs, propelling the track forwards as the variations of the lyrical motif “Was I asking for it?” become louder and more visceral with each repetition.

A vital, lurching anthem that provides a moment for rage and reflection during this overwhelming International Women’s Month, M(h)aol’s ‘Asking For It’ is a damning aural statement that ought to make listeners think twice before they point the finger at victims of gender-based violence, instead of directly at their perpetrators.

Listen to the single below & donate what you can via bandcamp.

 

Follow M(h)aol on Spotify, bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Feral Five – ‘Roll It With Me’

Following the enticing sounds of last year’s ‘Get A Grip’, Kent-based duo and GIHE faves Feral Five have returned with a new beguiling single. Taken from the charity compilation album And In The The End – curated by Simon Tucker to raise money for Help Musicians UK – ‘Roll It With Me’ is out now.

Propelled by tribal, clashing beats and a driving, glitchy energy ‘Roll It With Me’ reflects on the damage that ‘doom-scrolling’ the internet can do, and the importance of uniting in hope at difficult times. Oozing the sweeping power of Kat’s deep, rich vocals, it’s a synth-powered vibrant electro-soundscape that will enchant the ears with its exquisite, empowering majesty and subtle, funk-fuelled energy. Reminiscent of the likes of Róisín Murphy and with nostalgic ’80s-inspired tinges, it’s a hypnotically soothing sonic delight.

 

‘Roll It With Me’ is out now and was written, performed and produced by Feral Five, and mastered by Katie Tavini. It’s featured on And In The End – a compilation album including tracks from artists such as Gazelle Twin and Helen McCookerybook. Order now from Bandcamp. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Pansy – ‘Where There’s Smoke’

Self-described as “late-bloomers forming sounds to garden, cry and dance to,” Chicago-based indie rockers pansy have shared their latest single ‘Where There’s Smoke’. Taken from their upcoming album of the same name, which is set for release on 2nd of April, the band blend laid-back vocals with energetic riffs and frenzied percussion on this fuzzy, melodic guitar tune.

Formed of vocalist & guitarist Mat Hagger, bassist Benjamin Abid, guitarist Danny Sein and drummer Cameron Frank, pansy began working together and creating music in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before relocating to Detroit and Chicago. The band spent three days recording the 6 tracks on their upcoming album, with new single ‘Where There’s Smoke’ being one of the first songs they wrote for it.

Described by Hagger as a “cascading sand avalanche, slowly turning into glass,” the track gently ricochets “somewhere between catharsis and boredom,” which is fuelled by “A thunderous eruption of driving rhythm and chugging guitars” according to drummer Frank. Following on from their previous singles ‘Buried’ and ‘Pity Party’, pansy’s latest offering is designed to break the monotony of everyday life and provide listeners with a lush piece of musical relief.

Listen to “Where There’s Smoke” below.

Follow Pansy on bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Jeremiah Bulkowski

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Spike Pop – ‘So Mysterious’

A shadowy synth-pop tune inspired by the soundtracks to early video games and the search for a magic eye, London-based musician Spike Pop has shared her latest single ‘So Mysterious’. Released via independent Birmingham label Ezi Deth Rekords, the track is a glitchy, infectious blend of beguiling vocals, buzzing synth textures and dancing beats.

Spike Pop began writing, recording and producing her own music predominantly from her bedroom in Berlin in 2014 after an email correspondence with her musical hero, Stephin Merritt. She reached out to The Magnetic Fields songwriter & vocalist for advice about using drum machines, and since then she’s been creating and producing her own electronic music.

Spike Pop began performing her soundscapes live when she relocated to London, captivating crowds with her lo-fi blend of trance, hardcore, classic new wave and synth pop. Her latest offering ‘So Mysterious’ ripples with mystical intrigue, manifesting into a “sonic synth storm” of vocoder fx, dreamy vocals and distinctive dancing beats. It’s an intriguing slice of darkwave-inspired sound that offers listeners the opportunity to escape their reality and enter into Spike Pop’s murky, fascinating world.

Listen to ‘So Mysterious’ below.

 

Follow Spike Pop on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram & Facebook for more updates

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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