EP: Petty Phase – ‘Petty Phase’

Southend Riot Grrrls Petty Phase have shared their new self-titled EP via Headcheck Records, and it’s eleven minutes of energetic punk sounds designed to get your head thrashing.

On opening track ‘Made To Order’ the band break down the “barbie doll” mold enforced on girls and women in the media. Through ferocious guitar riffs, Alyx’s buzzing bass lines and Jen & Rosie’s defiant dual vocals; the track becomes a cathartic take down of stereotypes, executed with genuine riot grrrl flair. The same can be said for following track ‘The Jesus Touch’ which brims with more of the band’s thrashing riffs and trademark no-nonsense attitude.

The deadly opening riff on penultimate track ‘Y2k’ cranks the volume up another notch, before the band take down double standards in riotous fashion on closing track ‘Different For Girls’. Jen & Rosie’s powerful vocals make for a catchy chorus here, ending the record on just as defiant a note as it started on.

If you’re in to all things riot grrrl – or looking for a modern intro to the vital 90s movement – definitely check out Petty Phase’s new EP.

Follow Petty Phase on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: VEE 303 – ‘Wounded’

‘Wounded’ is the latest release from Berlin based VEE 303 and it is all about moments. Moments of violence, moments of overwhelming emotion, 225 seconds of so many moments.

In her own words ‘Wounded’ is “about the dynamic of control between two people and how it can be a liberating experience to just let someone take over. It can give you some kind of freedom to not worry about the world for a second and indulge yourself in the moment. It is a reflection on how I experience salvation through pain and the contradictory forces of violence and beauty.”

From stripped back trip-hop to rising orchestral sounds, this songs leaves your ears gladly tripping over the intermittent plucking and pounding beats. Yes please VEE 303.

Listen to the new track below, and follow VEE 303 on Instagram for more updates.

Tash Walker
@maudeandtrevor

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WATCH: VOKXEN – ‘Crystal Eyes’

Inspired by the feminist writings of film critic Laura Mulvey on ‘The Male Gaze’, Northern Irish trio VOKXEN have shared visuals to accompany their latest single ‘Crystal Eyes’. Produced by Definitive Film (Netflix, Disney and Google) and with allusions to Jim Henson 80’s cult film The Dark Crystal – ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a captivating visual delight.

Premiered on Hot Press, ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a catchy blend of pop-hooks and strong vocals, underscored by bouncing synth beats. The video for the single tells “a tale of (false) perception, entrapment and breaking free of bonds that hold us back”. VOKXEN have had a busy year playing shows in Dublin and Berlin, and we’re sure we’ll be hearing more from the trio in 2019.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Hockeysmith – ‘Tears At My Age’

We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to identify with the sentiments expressed in the ambient new single from Hockeysmith, titled ‘Tears At My Age’. Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name (set for release Jan 25th via Ex-Local), the track is “one for the girls out there, and their tears for undeserving boys.”

Whilst she may have spent much time lamenting the actions of unworthy loves, Hockeysmith has reclaimed those hours through her shoe-gazey, lo-fi new release. She traveled frequently between Cornwall and Copenhagen whilst writing her new music over the last two years, with the aim of connecting the influences of two very different, yet exciting underground music communities.

The result is previous single ‘Holy War’, and now with ‘Tears At My Age’ she looks set to share a record’s worth of mesmerising, hazy electronics. Listen to the new track below, and follow Hockeysmith on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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