Track Of The Day: Grandmas House – ‘Always Happy’

A thumping post-punk anthem that seethes with sardonic wit, Bristol-based trio Grandmas House have shared their latest single ‘Always Happy’. Released via Brace Yourself Records, the track is a raucous juxtaposition of the confident image we project externally to others, when internally we often feel the complete opposite.

Formed of Yasmin Berndt (vocals, guitar), Poppy Dodgson (vocals, drums) and Zoë Zinsmeister (bass), Grandmas House combine gritty guitars, powerhouse percussion and visceral vocals to create their corrosive, commanding sounds. Formed in late 2018, the band were busy cutting their teeth on the UK gig circuit before Covid-19 put an abrupt stop to live music. The trio decided to use their time in lockdown constructively, quickly writing and recording new material, including their new single ‘Always Happy’.

“The song is wrapped in sarcasm based on our experiences of being perceived as a certain person, particularly on stage where we are overconfident, exaggerated versions of ourselves,” the band explain. “[It’s] a song we wrote about the social anxiety we all experience in some way or another, particularly concerning social media which gives the chance to easily convey a polished, perfect life which is often misleading – it’s not daily life, but snippets of the best parts. It was one of those songs that just came together so quickly as we were all completely on the same wavelength concerning the meaning of it.”

Through Berndt’s raspy, sarcastic vocals, Zinsmeister’s smouldering bass lines and Dodgson’s distinctive drum strikes, the trio smash through the false perceptions that happiness or contentment are permanent states of being. This welcome dose of cynicism will be accompanied by another equally infectious track ‘Small Talk’ on the band’s upcoming cassette release on 12th March.

Listen to ‘Always Happy’ below.

 

Follow Grandma’s House on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo credit: Belle Whittington

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Francis of Delirium – ‘Let It All Go’

A frantic, grungy guitar tune that confronts the feeling of being uncomfortable in your own skin, Francis of Delirium have shared their new single ‘Let It All Go’. Taken from the duo’s upcoming EP Wading, which is set for release via Dalliance Recordings, the track is a cathartic burst of energy that sees songwriter Jana Bahrich shake off the self-doubt that starts to creep in when you feel inferior in a large social group.

“’Let It All Go’ chronicles a full commitment to isolation. It imagines me on a night out, drunk and babbling on about how sad I am,” Bahrich candidly explains. “Nobody wants to be around that person. At the heart of this song, away from all the craziness, is a desire to accept change and find acceptance within myself, letting go of holding onto any pain or hurt.” Through her commanding mix of loud-and-quiet vocals and her melodic guitar riffs, Bahrich pushes through these anxieties and purges her feelings of unease with gritty flair.

The track is accompanied by a superb claymation video which Bahrich created herself. It’s cut-and-paste style and fast-paced editing reflect the feelings of angst and apprehension she sings about.

Watch the video for ‘Let It All Go’ below.

Follow Francis Of Delirium on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

Photo Credit: Lynn Theisen

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LISTEN: Naz & Ella – ‘Internalised’

A gentle, sincere lament about the personal affects of internalised homophobia, North London-based duo Naz & Ella have shared their latest single ‘Internalised’. The first track to be taken from their upcoming EP (DE)HUMANISE, the track is a quiet yet candid exploration of the struggles the duo have faced whilst coming to terms with their sexuality and gender identities.

“It was important to us that this song conveyed an emotional journey with a light at the end of the tunnel,” explains Ella. Though the context of ‘Internalised’ is rooted in pain and confusion, the duo treat it tenderly with their blend of dreamy guitars and lush vocal harmonies. Together, they overcome the fears that have manifested after “too many years of hiding in the shade / wrapped in shame” to find peace and pride in their identities. “For the first time in my life / I’m proud to call you mine” the pair sing, providing hope for queer listeners who may still be on their journey to self acceptance.

“Internalised homophobia is a very isolating experience,” Naz explains. “Not only are you hurting yourself, but also those around you whether intentional or not. Whilst we think it’s important to take responsibility for your actions, we wanted to call out how growing up in a cisheteronormative world teaches queer people that there’s something wrong with us. Ultimately, only we can set ourselves free if we’re willing to unlearn that socialisation and push through the pain.” The duo have also explored the experiences they touch on in ‘Internalised’ further in a new podcast which you can listen to here.

Listen to the track below.

Follow Naz & Ella on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Maja Lena – ‘Birch’

Formally of the band Low Chimes, Marianne Parrish – aka Maja Lena – has now announced her debut solo album, set for release this summer.

Taken from the album, new single ‘Birch’ offers a truly captivating alt-folk soundscape. Reflecting on new beginnings and oozing a pastoral elegance, it’s propelled by resplendent vocals and a luscious shimmering musicality, with shades of the likes of Rozi Plain. With a majestic, ethereal grace, sweeping soothing melodies are interwoven with exquisitely put-together layers of twinkling instrumentation, creating a bewitching sonic gem. Of the track, Maja Lena explains:

“‘Birch’ is a song about feeling vulnerable yet elated. About starting a new phase of life and love, yet also knowing that this elation could be snatched away at any given moment. The Birch tree here is a symbol for this feeling, and its branches moving in the wind resemble a feeling of freedom and excitement.”

‘Birch’ is accompanied by a beautifully made video, filmed entirely on Super 8 in the Lake District, with Martha Webb. Watch here:

‘Birch‘ is out now, and The Keeper – the upcoming album from Maja Lena – is set for release 23rd July via Chiverin Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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