Track Of The Day: Kagoule – ‘Bad Saliva’

Last week I was charmed for the second time seeing Nottingham’s Kagoule live at Islington Assembly Hall – a couple of years ago, I caught them there supporting PINS, and last Thursday supporting Drenge. Both times as equally engaging and enjoyable to watch, though last week I sadly didn’t bump into bassist Lucy in the loos.

Both times I’ve been lucky enough to see the trio live they’ve wowed me with their distinctive infectious sound and sparkling stage presence (and this time, drummer Lawrence earned extra brownie points for sporting a Slint tee), and both times I’ve been left eager to hear more from them. So, I’m in luck, as Kagoule have just announced the release of a brand new album later this year.

Taken from the album, new single ‘Bad Saliva’ is filled with whirring, jangly hooks as racing, calypso-reminiscent beats flow, with shades of GIHE faves Sacred Paws. Oozing a twinkling musicality and glistening scuzz-filled charm, it’s sure to provide some much needed sunshine to your ears on this gloomy Monday. Despite its somewhat unappealing name, ‘Bad Saliva’ is a truly delectable sonic delight.

Of the track, the band explain:

“Bad Saliva is a track about turning off the path you find yourself on; the temptation to make a change and the anxieties of then making it.”

 

Strange Entertainment, the upcoming album from Kagoule, is out later this year on Alcopop! Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LIVE: Petrol Girls – Shacklewell Arms, London 25.04.18

Loud, lethal and life-affirming, Petrol Girls‘ headline show at The Shacklewell Arms on Wednesday night was a  furious, raw, frenzy of noise. The band, who recently signed to Hassle Records, packed out the venue with the help of their friends Pretty Pistol and Screaming Toenail (aka our new favourite band.)

Adorned in a Dream Nails band tee, Petrol Girls’ front-woman Ren was energy incarnate, pushing girls in the crowd to the front with electrifying stage presence. Fans of Dream Nails’ may have noticed the familiar face of their vocalist Janey in the crowd too, stood at the front alongside several other fans, all of whom had their eyes fixed on the stage.

Together, Liepa, Joe, Zock & Ren tore through a set-list that included tracks ‘False Peace’, ‘Treading Water’, ‘Restless’ and ‘Phallocentric’ – all taken from their 2016 debut Talk Of Violence. The songs topics range from militant disregard for oppressive patriarchal values, to a refreshingly loud promotion of female sexual pleasure. On new single ‘Survivor’, the band continue to tackle the issue of sexual violence. Ren prefaced the track with words of solidarity to survivors of this abuse and urged them to remember that just because something bad has happened to you – you are not defined by your trauma.

Between songs, Ren also spoke of her activism – which includes an essay in a collection titled ‘Nasty Women’ – and told her crowd that it’s okay to say “NO” to fascists and oppressors, whether that’s in political or personal spheres. It seems there’s no differentiation between the two for Petrol Girls and closing song ‘Touch Me Again’ proved how vehemently they believe this. The track’s visceral live delivery made it impossible not to chant in unison with Ren as she repeatedly screamed the line “Touch me again, and I will fucking kill you!” She finished the gig on her knees, sweating, smiling and probably exhausted, but the crowd around her and her band mates lit up with rounds of congratulatory applause.

Petrol Girls are a talented band with an uncompromising ability to motivate, entertain and inspire listeners to speak out against all forms of injustice. Their furious blend of aggressive, cathartic, punk songs had more than the desired effect on their crowd at The Shacklewell Arms, and we can’t wait to catch them live again. See you at the front next time.

Follow Petrol Girls on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Nova Twins – ‘Hit Girl’

Nova Twins were already on our ‘Hitlist’ after we reviewed their knockout EP Mood Swings last year, but with the release of new single ‘Hit Girl’ they’ve rocketed right back to the top of it.

Accompanied by a sleek monochrome video, ‘Hit Girl’ seethes with Nova Twins’ trademark lethal attitude and deviously distorted bass lines. “I’m just a girl / I’m feeling hostile” snarls guitarist & vocalist Amy, a line that resonates as deeply as Georgia’s thundering bass lines. The pair want to show the world that women – particularly women of colour – are not going to be overlooked in music anymore.

When speaking to AFROPUNK, the girls explained: “We wanted to kill people’s perception of what a rock act – and women in music – should look like/sound like! Women of colour still get pigeon-holed into genre specifics, like R&B or Hip Hop, and although we are amazing at performing these genres, we also pioneered a lot of other things too.”

With their defiant new single and existing dedication to challenging industry norms, Nova Twins have us riled and ready for more ferocious new music in 2018. Watch the video for ‘Hit Girl’ below and get your tickets for their headline gig at The Victoria on 24th May here (tickets are also available on DICE)

Follow Nova Twins on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: by Sana Abstrakt

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Amaroun – ‘Indecisive’

Following support for recent singles ‘Bed Bugs’ and ‘Made A Fire’ from the likes of Clash, BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins, Jay Brown – aka Amaroun – returns to grace our ears with another simply beautiful offering.

Produced by Kristofer Harris (Ghostpoet/Belle & Sebastian/Bear’s Den), ‘Indecisive’ is about emerging from a period of deep denial. Flowing with Brown’s smooth, soulful vocals and catchy, twinkling hooks, it oozes a sweeping emotive power and a heartfelt lyrical richness. And, as her stirring vocals sing the perfectly relatable “I can agoraphobic, London can be overwhelming. Yes, I am addicted, I’ve learnt to live through all the noise”, it’s impossible not to be completely swept away by this dreamy, captivating sonic delight, marking Amaroun out as a truly unique artist.

Of the track, Amaroun explains:

“It’s set right around that point where you’re making peace with yourself and your decisions… This song is about the future, and that’s where I’m looking now. And I really can’t wait for everyone to hear the songs we’re writing and recording at the moment – summer’s coming and we’re getting our dancing shoes on!”

Catch Amaroun live on tour throughout May and June, including dates supporting Laura Viers. More info here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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