Track Of The Day: Kermes – ‘Peeling Off The Rind’

Their first release since 2018’s album We Choose Pretty Names, Leicester queercore outfit Kermes has now shared a brand new double A-side to offer some much needed musical comfort in these trying times.

Propelled by scuzzy, swirling hooks and a shimmering, angst-driven energy, ‘Peeling Off The Rind’ reflects on feelings of unity and togetherness, and their importance in resistance. With front person Emily’s raw, seething vocals driving the track’s poignant, impassioned power, it’s a much needed slice of uplifting catharsis, with musical shades of the likes of ’90s emo-indie like My Vitriol. A totally necessary, inspiring, listen to start 2021, at a time when we must use our collective rage to come together to overcome the confines of capitalist society.

Having been due to play for us at The Finsbury in August last year, Kermes are fast becoming one of our most favourite bands, and we dream of the day when we can finally witness their live set, and dance together in a sweaty safe space, in joyous solidarity.

 

‘Peeling Off The Rind’ is out now, along with equally powerful double A-side track ‘Terms’, released exclusively on bandcamp as a digital release and limited edition cassette via Amateur Pop Incorporated.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Bait Bag – ‘Safe Word’

A riotous drop-kick to one of the worst years in global history, US riot grrrls Bait Bag have shared their latest single ‘Safe Word’. Full of sardonic lyrics and punk-infused riffs, the track is a vigorous farewell to 2020 and more specifically, to the last four years of tyrannous American politics.

Formed in the summer of 2018 by North Haven Island-based pals Fiona Robins, Claire Donnelly and Courtney Naliboff, Bait Bag are inspired by the sounds of Sleater-Kinney, Blondie and Le Tigre. They’ve channeled their collective energies into new single ‘Safe Word’, a track that encourages listeners to dance and swirl around in the ashes of this “dumpster fire” of a year.

“This is the song to blast at midnight with a glass of champagne and all your friends on Zoom,” the band explain. With its crashing percussion, energetic guitars and relatable lyrics – “Hey man, stop the world I wanna get off!” – it’ll be hard not to bop along with the grrrls as they enthuse about the exhaustion that came with the continuous flow of bad news this year.

With songs intended to “empower and excite, or at least give other frustrated people something to flail around to,” Bait Bag’s latest single is a strong opening track for the soundtrack of 2021.

Listen to ‘Safe Word’ below.

 

Follow Bait Bag on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Preview: Chuck SJ – ‘Sink Your Teeth In’

Taken from their upcoming debut album Resist.Recharge.Revolt, set for release in 2021, DIY musician & multi-instrumentalist Chuck SJ has shared a preview of their new single ‘Sink Your Teeth In’. Full of atmospheric guitar riffs, sparse beats and glitchy electronics, the track is an industrial-tinged rumination on the forces that construct, influence and sometimes dismantle our ways of thinking.

Written whilst isolating in a cabin in the woods earlier this year, Chuck taught themselves how to use Logic Pro X and an AKAI MPK mini synth in order to create Resist.Recharge.Revolt. ‘Sink Your Teeth In’ is one of several tracks that show how Chuck’s reliance on solitude and their own musical intuition has given them the space to craft an intriguing exploration of “intimacy, dissociation and the way in which this dystopian digital era manipulates the psyche.”

You can listen to a snippet of ‘Sink Your Teeth In’ below, but make sure you’re following Chuck SJ on Spotify so you can hear the full track when it’s released next week…

 

Follow Chuck SJ on Instagram for more updates.

Artwork: Lisa Rose

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Currls – ‘Winter Time Blues’

Usually known for their scuzzy garage rock offerings, Brighton band Currls have now shared a stirring festive ballad.

With all proceeds of the single going to Mind Charity UK, ‘Winter Time Blues’ flows with beautifully twinkling melodies and sweeping, soulful vocals. Oozing a nostalgic sense of romanticism, shimmering harmonies and a lilting, uplifting energy, it offers a delicate sense of hope and unity to those who might be feeling alone or struggling with their mental health right now. The band explain:

“… We understand that this has been a very difficult year for everyone and has taken a massive toll on many people’s mental health, physical health and well-being. We thought  that in all of this madness the only thing to do at this time of year was to try and spread a little love and encourage others to do so, and remind each other that togetherness can be our greatest strength.”

 

‘Winter Time Blues’ is available to buy exclusively on Bandcamp with all proceeds being donated to Mind UK, we will continue this until 7th January and hope to round up the amount and donate this to Mind.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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