EP: deep tan – ‘diamond horsetail’

Infectiously off-kilter, Hackney-based queer punk trio deep tan have re-emerged with their sophomore extended play, diamond horsetail; five minimalistic DIY tracks of uncompromising post post-punk. Following the shimmering psychedelic pop of 2019 singles ‘Air’ and ‘Shimmer’, and the haunting discordant hooks of their subversive debut EP – 2021’s creeping speedwells – diamond horsetail propels deep tan’s otherworldly sound into the exosphere through dissonant guitar riffs, eccentric bass-lines, syncopated rhythm, and intimate vocals. Embracing the seductive allure of their swirling sound, guitarist/vocalist Wafah Dufour, bassist Celeste Guinness and drummer Lucy Rushton will hypnotise listeners into questioning their identity.

Hitting hard with opener ‘beginners’ krav maga’, deep tan explore angular arrangement on a track that is as aggressive as its own namesake; contact combat! Juxtaposed over an irresistible twangy groove, Wafah’s soft, dexterous, and often critical vocals remind us that learning self-defence will unfortunately not help most women feel safe walking alone at night (male violence is an epidemic) – “I stand outside / I bide my time / Wait for the mood to pass / Night-time checklist / Keys in a fist / In the dark can’t relax.”

Inserting itself into your brain, ‘device devotion’ follows as an ode to deep tan’s browser history; the trio share their fascination with (and critique of) internet subcultures – from lobster erotica to vore-porn subreddits – hooking you in with delicate vocal notes and erratic instrumentation. The presence of the world wide web also influences ‘gender expansion pack’, a mostly instrumental track utilising WikiHow hypnosis through subliminal messaging. Underlying spoken word is low-pitched to a subliminal frequency allowing deep tan to challenge cis-het men – “the demographic that buys most of our vinyl” – into exploring their gender.

Caught with his hands down his pants, Rudy Giuliani’s public image melts under deep tan’s sardonic black humour during the “diss track you never asked for” ‘rudy ya ya ya’ – “We’re seeking law advice / ‘Cause he’s a legal eagle supersized / A considerable adversary / Rudy ya ya ya / Giuli ya ya ya!” – before the cathartic title track disturbs with abrasive outbursts of ancient and justified rage.

Maintaining their intensity, deep tan crescendo into a cataclysm of obliterating melody and anthemic vitriol; channelling the chaos of The KLF, the defiant attitude of The Slits, and the gloomy new wave of Joy Division. And yet diamond horsetail isn’t constricted by influence. Every detail has been carefully considered in the creation of deep tan’s strangely addictive sound, further developing their identity through ceaseless DIY punk energy.

diamond horsetail is out now via Practise Music.

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

Photo Credit: Alex Matraxia

kenwynneLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Electric Pets – ‘That Way’

‘That Way’, the second single from Electric Pets’ debut EP is a bold, empowering battle-cry for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in. Opening with the raw power of Emma Buckley’s unwavering vocal, the lyrics defiantly tell us who Buckley is and dismiss what others tell her she should be.   

But the song’s intimate, confessional tone soon steps up, buoyed by scuzzy, swaggering guitars, to become a proper garage-infused rock ‘n’ roll banger. Buckley sings: “Maybe I should bite my tongue and try to play the game?” But we know she won’t. This is a front-person – and a band – that doesn’t play by the rules. Of the track, Buckley explains:

“You could say ‘That Way’ is my autobiographical ‘f**k you’ to the music industry. I spent so long being too much of something to someone and not enough of the same thing for someone else. I needed to remind myself who I was.” 

And it really is the perfect redemption song. With its sassy, grown-up pop polish and uncompromising lyrics, ‘That Way’ is a great introduction to a band that are brave and completely badass. More please!

https://open.spotify.com/track/6F5FcWiqbtNzxcPPSpu9mt?si=04458fb72cf94c1a

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

‘That Way’ is taken from Electric Pets’ Rhinoceros EP, which is out soon on Reckless Yes records. 

killingfantasy6583Leave a comment

Video Premiere: Currls – ‘Honey’

Having previously wowed us with their colourful charisma live at The Victoria last year, Brighton’s Currls have been receiving acclaim from the likes of Huw Stephens and BBC Introducing’s Melita Dennett, and most recently were featured on the Glastonbury 2022 Emerging Talent long-list. Now, having announced that their debut album will be set for release this November, the band have shared an uplifting new single.

A colourful ode to female friendship and owning your own unique individuality, ‘Honey‘ is propelled by an empowering energy as lilting, catchy hooks flow alongside frenzied beats and unifying, singalong refrains. And, as the soaring, soulful vocals of front person Holly take the lead, an enlivening dose of twinkling, scuzz-filled garage-rock is created; an energising and compelling anthem of self-love that’ll motivate and inspire on first listen.

‘Honey’ is accompanied by a vibrant, DIY video showcasing femmes coming together to celebrate each other and themselves. The perfect, sparkling energy-boost you need on during this lethargic heat wave.

Watch the video, for the first time, here:

Hello, My Name Is, the upcoming debut album from Currls, is set for release on 11th November.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Stud Count – ‘Give Me Time’

Pairing their signature light, catchy vocals with a heavier sound beneath, Philadelphia band Stud Count’s latest single ‘Give Me Time‘ examines – in their words – the “emptiness of surface level friendships”. The frustrations of such a situation are reflected in the music from the very first bars: the drums and guitars blend into a high-energy roar that echoes the sheer depth of emotion inevitable when you’re confronted by a noticeable lack of depth in your relationships.

The simplicity of the lyrics captures those moments of realisation incredibly well. It quite bluntly calls out the superficiality of the connection early on with the lines “There’s not a lot goin’ on here / Baby, that’s the truth”, in a way that it’s often not easy to call out when “right now you feel fine”. There is weight to the vocals that, despite Norelle Green’s naturally bright and upbeat tone, feels almost resigned to the disappointment of the situation. The lyrics are weighted by the sense of reluctant acceptance you need to reach before you can vocalise the dissatisfaction of a shallow, unfulfilling friendship. This complements the rage in the music itself wonderfully. The aggressive thud of the drums and the scream of the guitars throughout the track reflect everything that comes before and beneath that acceptance – the pain, the disappointment and the loss. The music is fuelled by a driving post-punk energy, reflecting all those feelings you have to process to get to the moment of acceptance.

The track ramps up and reaches its peak with an immense, howling guitar solo; it feels like the frustration has finally reached breaking point and bursts out in a scream of riotous strings, before winding back into the final verse.

The bouncy vocals make this song catchy and upbeat in a way that doesn’t detract at all from the rich, gritty power of the instruments beneath. It blends the raw energy from different stages of a long emotional process in a way that encapsulates the whole in a few short but expertly crafted minutes.

‘Give Me Time’ is out now. The eponymous debut album from Stud Count is set for release on 22nd July via Smartpunk Records.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

Kirstie SummersLeave a comment