Keeping the spirit of ’90s Riot Grrrl alive and well in the 21st century, ARXX are an exciting, energetic, garage punk duo from Brighton. Although only playing together since March 2017, when singer/guitarist Hannah Pidduck joined forces with drummer Clara Townsend, they have a big sound that packs a definitive punch with heart and soul. Debut EP Daughters Of Daughters showcases an eclectic range of sounds with subject matter ranging from toxic relationships, to cats, feminism, and addiction.
Throughout the EP there is a raw, unapologetic honesty. Opening track ‘Moments At A Time’ kicks off to the pummelling sound of thrashing guitar and drums, channelling female aggression, just because it can and should – “I’ll break your bones before I break the rules, I don’t really need you, I just don’t want to be alone”, whilst ‘Intervention’ explores misogyny – “this world is still a man’s world, and it still ain’t enough for a woman or a girl.”
Moments where we hear the full range of emotion and power in Hannah’s vocals occur when the music slows down, as on ‘Stuck on You’ and ‘The Cat Song’ – two searing, heartbreakingly catchy love songs (the cat’s miaow!). Finally, closing tracks ‘Tired of you’ and ‘Masters of Device’ deal with toxic relationships, fusing together energy and anger in an emotional powerhouse that you can thrash out to whatever way you want, in the kitchen or out of it!
Thirty minutes of listening, and a lifetime to love this band.
Daughters Of Daughters, the debut EP from ARXX, is out now. Catch them live (they really are one of the most exciting bands to see!) at the following dates:
8th March – The Prince Albert, Brighton
15th March – The Victoria, London
Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker
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