NEW TRACK: Problem Patterns – ‘Who Do We Not Save?’

The first piece of new music since their visceral 2022 anthem ‘Y.A.W‘ (Yes All Women), Belfast-based DIY punks Problem Patterns have shared their latest single ‘Who Do We Not Save?’. Released via Alcopop! Records who the band have recently signed to, the track takes aim at the incompetent Tory government and their continued attempts to privatise the NHS, and it’s bursting with the group’s trademark empathy, rage and wit.

Giving their listeners a space to release their pent up frustrations, fears and disappointments is a core value of Problem Patterns’ music, and with ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ the band have provided another cathartic aural antidote that offsets the anxiety of the uncertain times we’re currently living through. “You and I are collateral damage” vocalist Alanah Smith states in the chant-worthy chorus, over Bethany Crooks’ commanding beats, the rumbling basslines of Ciara King and the corrosive riffs of guitarist Beverley Boal, who also sings dual vocals on the track.

“Our healthcare system has been falling apart for years due to cuts, and the pandemic only sped up the process,” the band comment about the context of their new single. “We constantly see campaigns telling people to ask for help, especially in regards to mental health, but the reality is that the services we need are under too much pressure. The line ‘We’re one or two paychecks away’ refers to the fact that many of us will be in a lot of trouble if privatisation becomes reality here. The title itself is lifted verbatim from Dominic Cumming’s photo of the white board used to plan the UK government’s early response to COVID. We thought it would be fitting to use it for the single’s cover art, too.”

‘Who Do We Not Save?’ is also accompanied by a video, directed by Smith and shot on location at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast. “I wanted the video to capture the chaotic energy of the song,” comments Smith. “I pictured the storyline as soon as we’d finished the song. In the first half, you have stressed out healthcare workers trying to save a life without the tools to be able to do so. Meanwhile, there’s a shady business deal to sell off what little is left of public healthcare, big menacing grins and all. I wanted to approach this with a bit of comedy, because if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.”

“I made the medical supplies and instruments (except the toy drums) with things like cardboard and yarn, as I wanted everything to look extremely cheap and ultimately useless. The death scene in the ambulance was inspired by the film ‘Dave Made A Maze’, where they used things like confetti and glitter in place of standard fake blood.”

Recently name-checked as Riot Grrrl legend Kathleen Hanna’s new favourite group (and as GIHE favourites since the release of their 2020 single ‘Big Shouty‘), we can’t wait for Problem Patterns to release their highly anticipated debut album on Alcopop! Records later this year.

Watch the video for ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Problem Patterns UK Live Dates 2023
15.03.23 – The Black Box, Belfast (Pink Pound)
17.03.23 – The Garage, London (w/ Fight Like Apes)
07.04.23 – Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast (Friday Fest w/ Axis Of, Mob Wife)
30.04.23 – Bollox, Manchester (Sound Of The Other City Festival)
15.07.23 – Ost Hafen, Berlin (My People Fest w/ FAIM, Dying For It)
22.07.23 – EBGBs, Liverpool (Crapfest w/ Crapsons, Piss Kitti)
19.08.23 – Glasgow (Core Festival)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: October 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar anthems, electronic sounds & alternative tunes for your listening pleasure this month. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

 

CLT DRP – ‘Aftermath’
The latest single from Brighton trio CLT DRP, ‘Aftermath’ is a compelling exploration of the way we process generational trauma following sexual assault, and the internalised guilt and grief that blurs our reactions in its aftermath. It’s a heavy but important listen, that sees vocalist Annie pushing through uncomfortable truths, finding new ways to relate to and process this generational trauma. It’s a powerful listen, and one that will resonate with many GIHE followers. The band have released the single on a 7” vinyl, with the B-side featuring a cover of the track by friends of the band The Big Moon. Order your copy here. (Kate Crudgington)

Miss Grit – ‘Like You’
Released to coincide with the news that they’ve signed to Mute Records, ‘Like You’ is the latest single from Korean-American, non-binary musician Margaret Sohn aka Miss Grit. The track is a magnetic musing, inspired by the film Ex Machina, exploring the conflicting nature of our inner voices. Miss Grit will be playing shows across Europe in October, and they will be playing in London at Amazing Grace on 1st November. (KC)

O Hell – ‘I Watch The Women’
The follow up to their previous releases ‘Down’ and ‘Untangle’, this new track from Brighton-based Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell is underscored by a quiet agitation, exploring the personal confines of imposed femininity. I’ve been repeatedly listening to it for the last month, consistently impressed by Sheehan’s steady vocal and their twitchy, mesmeric sounds. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Solitaire’
We’re super excited to hear that Norwich based vocalist and producer Maria Uzor (also half of faves Sink Ya Teeth) will be releasing her upcoming new EP in December. And now, ahead of the EP release, she has shared this captivating new single ‘Solitaire’. Flowing with a luscious, swirling groove and gnarly beats, it builds with a shimmering, pulsating majesty to a gritty slice of euphoric electro-pop. Oozing her distinctive, spellbinding sweeping vocals, it’s a gloriously uplifting synth-soaked soundscape. (Mari Lane)

AGAAMA – ‘Blackbox Oracle’
The latest single from Birmingham-based artist, composer, vocalist & producer AGAAMA, ‘Blackbox Oracle’ is an intoxicating blend of enigmatic vocals, heady electronic beats and jazz-inspired instrumentation. Taken from her recent EP Wandering Worlds, the track explores our complex relationship with Artificial Intelligence, questioning whether we can live in harmony with the machines we have created. (KC)

Helen Ganya – ‘young girls never die’
Taken from her upcoming album polish the machine, which is set for release on 18th November via Bella Union, this single from Brighton-based artist Helen Ganya is super catchy. Inspired by her reaction to a graph that showed how a male celebrity continued to age, but his girlfriends stayed the same age, Ganya has taken this unsettling concept and dismantled it over glitchy beats, crystalline vocals and altruistic electronics. (KC)

Maury Blu, Peaches – ‘Vashti Part One’
Maury Blu sort of says it all on her Instagram profile: “Recording artist, Prophetess of God & Bad Bitch in General,” LOVE IT! Then throw some Peaches into the mix…absolute gold. (Tash Walker)

Big Joanie – ‘Confident Man’
I’ve said this before, but is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a Big Joanie track? The black feminist punk trio have shared this buzzy new offering ahead of the release of their second album, Back Home, on 4th November, which vocalist & guitarist Steph says is inspired by an essay in Jia Tolentino’s book Trick Mirror, which is about “scam culture and how everyone’s obsessed with con men and their stories.” Steph, Chardine & Estella kindly joined us for a chat about their new music on our most recent Soho Radio show, which you can listen back to here. (KC)

Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani – ‘Waiting’
Whilst you may have come to know her under the moniker of Despicable Zee, Oxford artist Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani has now decided to use her own name for her innovative solo creations. Taken from her upcoming new EP, latest single ‘Waiting‘ showcases Tehrani’s ability to create sweeping, ethereal soundscapes with a shimmering raw emotion. As unique swirling layers of instrumentation are interwoven with crystalline vocals, it’s a beautifully stirring percussion-driven ballad. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Brown Skin Beauty’
October is Black History Month in the UK, with the theme this year of ‘sharing journeys’. This amazing song, a favourite of mine for so long now, is all about her experience of being Black and queer, and it is now the soundtrack to a podcast I’ve been working on with the wonderful Marc Thompson. He created an Instagram photo archive called Black and Gay, Back in the Day, which we’ve turned into a podcast of intergenerational conversations between younger and older Black Queer people all about the photos from the archive. Check out more wherever you get your podcasts, and the Instagram account Black and Gay, Back in the Day to see the amazing photos the series centres around. (TW)

Perera Elsewhere – ‘Who I Am’
Perera Elsewhere’s latest single, taken from her recent album Home, released via Friends of Friends. Of the song she says, “We are many people inside one person…our ancestors, present and future and a whole bunch of brainwashing, marketing, conformity, institutionalised religion and an almost branded rebellion against those things.” Perera continues: “The internet is a catalyst and a centrifuge. Thus the ongoing question of ‘Who I Am’ remains: a journey to get to the core of yourself even if your self is a construction in itself. This journey straddles individuality, identity and the simulation of spirituality and authenticity, all ideas/things that the post-materialist societies are obsessed with…” and what a beat on this track too. (TW)

Connie Constance – ‘Mood Hoover’
I cannot get enough of Connie Constance’s voice on her latest single! ‘Mood Hoover’ is such an on point way to describe someone too. (TW)

Coco – ‘Rough Water’
Formed in 2019, Coco is a collaborative project consisting of Maia Friedman (The Dirty Projectors), Dan Molad (Lucius), and Oliver Hill (Pavo Pavo). The first single since the release of their self titled debut album last year, ‘Rough Water’ fizzes with whirring hooks and an anthemic energy as luscious harmonies flow. An instantly catchy offering, propelled by a colourful groove reminiscent of uptempo ‘70s psych-pop hits. (ML)

Teri Gender Bender – ‘The Get Up’
I saw Mexican-born artist Teri Gender Bender live at Moth Club when they were fronting Le Butcherettes a few years ago, and I was dazzled by their natural stage presence. I’m new to their solo work, but it brims with Teri’s eccentricity and warmth, whilst remaining a little obscure – the dream combination. ‘The Get Up’ is taken from Teri’s upcoming EP, SATURN SEX, which is set for release on 21st October via Clouds Hill. (KC)

Ghost Car – ‘Selfish, Spoiled’
The latest single from London-based international band Ghost Car, ‘Selfish, Spoiled’ is a reflection on how hard the music industry can be for people from working class backgrounds. Propelled by a fuzzy allure, it oozes all the quirky charisma and swirling, synth-driven sounds we’ve come to know and love from the band. Juxtaposing the distinctive honey-sweet with a gritty, haunting aura, it’s a glorious slice of whimsical post-punk. Truly Trash, the debut album from Ghost Car, is out 28th October via One Little Independent Records (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Easy Peeler’
Ahead of the release of their second album next month, GIHE fave Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something has shared an earth-shattering new single. Propelled by a frantic energy, ‘Easy Peeler’ blasts into the ears with a soaring, raw power. Oozing a frenzied, psychedelic fury as it rages against the horrors of this patriarchal society, it’s a sparkling slice of majestic glam-rock. Miffed, the upcoming album from Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, is out on 25th November via Trapped Animal Records. And make sure you catch them live playing for us at The Victoria on 14th October with support from KIN and Trouble Wanted – tickets here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Body’
Full of candid vocals, cathartic lyrics and boisterous riffs, I love this track from GIHE faves Grandmas House. Speaking about the track, the Bristol trio explain ‘Body’ is “an anthem for anyone that’s ever felt uncomfortable in their own skin,” which I’m sure will resonate with many of our followers & listeners. (KC)

Brutus – ‘Victoria’
A cathartic reflection on teenage angst, growing up, and the solidarity that comes from facing up to these inevitable parts of life together, I love this single from Belgian heavy trio Brutus. Lifted from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, I’ve been listening to it on repeat in anticipation of their headline show at The Garage in November. (KC)

A VOID – ‘Newspapers’
Two parts French, one part English, London-based A Void have recently released their new album, Dissociation. Taken from the album, latest single ‘Newspapers’ builds with the gritty scuzz of jangly guitars alongside rich, soulful vocals, as thrashing beats race with a fierce energy reminiscent of early Garbage. (ML)

Bikini Kill – ‘Double Dare Ya’
The Get In Her Ears website turns FIVE this month! I thought I’d celebrate by adding a Bikini Kill classic to our October playlist, because they’re a band who inspired us to create the Get In Her Ears radio show back in 2015, and then to grow the platform into a full website and live night too. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to work with two of my best friends Mari and Tash, and to share the work of so many talented musicians on this website. Thanks to everyone who has engaged with our corner of the internet so far. We’re always open to expanding our writing team, so if you’d like to get involved – even if you have no previous writing experience – please drop us a line. Contact details here. (KC)

New Pagans – ‘Better People’
Far removed from the righteous fury of the songs that formed their debut album, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All, but still brimming with a strong social conscience, ‘Better People’ is Belfast-based band New Pagans’ ode to pushing through collective doubt, and veering towards hope instead of despair. (KC)

The Hyena Kill – ‘Cauterised’
I caught The Hyena Kill supporting Holy Fawn at 229 recently, and their set reminded me why you should always turn up early to see the other acts that are on the bill. Their heavy, bruising sounds thundered through the venue, commanded by drummer Lorna Blundell’s knockout percussion. Definitely catch them next time they’re in town. (KC)

Softcult – ‘One Of a Million’
I’m so glad that Canadian twin sibling duo Softcult are back with this lush, swirling new anthem. Urging listeners to recognise that “we are all more the same than different”, ‘One Of a Million’ is another atmospheric, bittersweet offering from the pair that’s perfect listening for the darker Autumn nights ahead. (KC)

th’sheridans – ‘Luka’
The latest single from indie-pop duo th’sheridans, ‘Luka’ is a cover of Suzanne Vega’s 1987 poignant country-pop classic. Whilst maintaining all the heartfelt twinkling emotion of the original as it tackles the song’s affecting theme of child abuse, it also oozes a unique fuzzy musicality and a beautiful lillting grace. (ML)

Roller Derby – ‘Only You’
Having first fallen in love with Hamburg-based indie trio Roller Derby when they supported Lunar Vacation live at Moth Club earlier this year, I was super happy to hear they had a new single out last month. Oozing a blissful allure, ‘Only You‘ flows with lilting hooks and the honey-sweet vocals of Philine Meyer as it builds with a shimmering, uplifting grace and Twin Peaks-esque eerie undertones to a truly euphoric soundscape propelled by a vibrant ’60s surf-pop energy. ‘Only You’ is out now via Practise Music. (ML)

Knife Girl – ‘Never Let Go’
A hazy, euphoric tune that meanders through early memories of a new love, this is the latest single from Finland’s Knife Girl. The track is lifted from her new album Uniform, which is described as “a mature summation of her sonic endeavours thus far.” Written when she was struggling with gender dysphoria whilst living in Japan, it’s a genre-spanding celebration, and acceptance of her new identity. (KC)

Jessica Winter – ‘Choreograph’
Jessica Winter’s gloomy girl banger ‘Sad Music’ got me through lockdown in 2020, so I’m thrilled to see she’s back with this majestic new alt-pop tune. I fully endorse dancing in the rain to it like she does in the accompanying video too, which you can watch here. (KC)

Husk – ‘Crush’
A catchy, danceable ‘tranthem’ of self-love, ‘Crush‘ is the latest single from Manchester queer artist Husk. A call to go against society’s expectations and love yourself, it’s propelled by vibrant beats and a colourful, ’80s-reminiscent groove; a glistening offering oozing all the uplifting vibes and shimmering energy needed to dance together in unity. (ML)

The Go! Team – ‘Divebomb’
Eighteen years after their debut LP, total faves The Go! Team have now announced a brand new album. Taken from the album, ‘Divebomb’ is an ode to Pro Choice activism, offering a perfect blast of colourful energy. Fizzing with frenzied layers of instrumentation and a racing drive, it’s an utterly joyous dose of sweeping euphoria. Get Up Sequences Part 2, the new album from The Go! Team, is set for release on 3rd February 2023 via Memphis Industries. (ML)

TSHA, Clementine Douglas – ‘Dancing In The Shadows’
This is song is SO GOOD, I can’t not move when I hear it! I hope it has the same impact on you too. (TW)

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ALBUM: The Linda Lindas – ‘Growing Up’

Performing at the Los Angeles Public Library last year, Mila de la Garza, drummer for LA-based Asian/Latinx punks The Linda Lindas, explained that their most aggressive song on the setlist, ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’, was written after a negative classroom experience. “A boy in my class came up to me and said that his dad told him to stay away from Chinese people. After I told him that I was Chinese, he backed away from me.” Changing the polarity in a 1-2-3-4 count, The Linda Lindas slam all racist, sexist jerkfaces hard with crushing riot grrrl rhythm and positive affirmation. “We rebuild what you destroy!”

It was a defining moment for the band that caught the attention of the legendary Epitaph Records. Known for working with punk heavyweights like Bad Religion (featuring guitarist and Epitaph co-founder Brett Gurewitz), Refused and The Offspring, Epitaph seemed like a no brainer to release The Linda Lindas’ debut LP, Growing Up; a collection of effortlessly cool and catchy feel-good punk.

Taking their name from the Japanese film Linda Linda Linda – a coming-of-age comedy featuring a group of teenagers who quickly form a band to cover songs by The Blue Hearts – Mila (current age 11), alongside guitarists Lucia de la Garza (14), Bela Salazar (17), and bassist Eloise Wong (13) formed the punk quartet after joining Kristin Kontrol for a one-off performance at Girlschool (later Gxrlschool) in 2018. As The Linda Lindas, they opened for riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill just a year later at the Hollywood Palladium – later covering their song ‘Rebel Girl’ in Amy Poehler’s 2021 feminist flick MOXiE! for Netflix – before self-releasing their self-titled EP in 2020. So far, so DIY, so punk!

Growing Up – produced, engineered and mixed by Mila and Lucia’s father, Carlos de la Garza (ex- Suburban Rhythm, Reel Big Fish drummer) – is not a cliché album title. “We’ll sing to people and show / What it means to be young and growing up,” sings Lucia on the title track, a celebration of friendship and the determination to “make every moment last.” For the ferocious ‘Oh!’, the band tap into the pop sensibilities of The Go-Go’s with an infectious bassline, dynamic rhythm, snarling lead vocals from Bela, and self-reflective lyrics written by Eloise: “Why do I say something / Say anything at all (Oh!) / It seems that when I try / I always take the fall (Oh!) / But when I don’t speak up / There’s nothing but regret (Oh!) / I can’t stop thinking of / What could’ve happened next!”

Wise beyond her age insight from Mila features on the bubblegum flavoured ‘Talking To Myself’ (“We’re all talking to ourselves / About things we cannot help…”) whilst Eloise spits lyrical angst on riot grrrl rager ‘Fine’. (“It’s not fine!”) ‘Nino’ follows as a spiritual successor to ‘Monica’, a track from the band’s self-titled extended play, written about Bela’s cat! Similar to the unconventional lyrics of Shonen Knife, Bela sings “I have a cat / His name’s Nino / He’s a savage cat / Killer of mice and rats” over savage pop-punk riffs before Eloise returns with the heartbreakingly heavy, Jawbreaker-esque ‘Why’. “I just drown out everything / Cause I cannot feel this way.”

Taking inspiration from Latin culture and bossa nova beats, Spanish-language ‘Cuántas Veces’ is for the misfits; a deeply personal song from Bela. “Cuántas veces tengo que decir / Ya estoy harta de sentirme asi.” Whilst ‘Remember’ – an outpouring of frustration – leaves Lucia optimistic that “maybe tomorrow will be bigger, brighter, bolder.” Sharing vocal duties for the deceptively whimsical ‘Magic’, the de la Garza sisters trade verses over shimmering guitar hooks before the band closes their electrifying debut with a cathartic studio recording of their aforementioned anti-hate anthem, ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’.

All killer, no filler, each member of The Linda Lindas has brought their own unique style of songwriting to Growing Up, through self-reflection and social awareness. They are a band growing up both musically and personally – developing their identity and DIY ethos together, one punk song at a time – yet already confidently stage-diving into punk rock history.

Follow The Linda Lindas on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Zac Farro

Ken Wynne
@Ken_Wynne

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VIDEO PREMIERE: Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’

**Content Warning: mention of misogyny & violence towards women**

A powerful, necessary anthem for women and girls who have spoken out against violent misogyny only to be told they’re “just a bitch who can’t take a joke,” Belfast punks Problem Patterns have shared a video for their poignant new single ‘Y.A.W’, which we’re premiering exclusively on Get In Her Ears.

Recorded at Start Together Studios with the support of the ‘Scratch’ development programme at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, the track is a visceral rumination on the universal rage and despair that permeates our consciousness in the wake of public violence towards women, in particular, the misogynist killings of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy.

Their first official single since their 2020 release ‘Big Shouty‘, Problem Patterns’ ‘Y.A.W’ seethes with a righteous fury, underscored by Ciara’s King’s buzzing basslines, Beverley Boal’s striking guitar riffs, Bethany Crooks’ thudding beats and Alanah Smith’s crystalline vocals. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – on ‘Y.A.W’ Alanah steps forward on vocal duties, demanding “Who do we call for help / When the help seems like a threat to me?” as her bandmates unleash a cathartic cacophony of relentless, rage-fulled sound around her.

“We’re trying to help people get through certain situations, or speak to situations that people are having at this moment. It’s hard to hold things back,” guitarist Beverley explains about the purpose of Problem Patterns’ music and the context of ‘Y.A.W’. This desire to antagonise, expose and shift the narratives around women’s safety is something the band have believed in from day one, and something which their collective hero, Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna, encouraged them to keep shouting about. “She’s been part of relighting the fire,” continues Ciara, “and the trust and confidence we have in ourselves as a band.”

Officially released tomorrow (16th March), 100% of the profits from the Bandcamp sales of ‘Y.A.W’ will be split between Cara-Friend and Women’s Aid Northern Ireland. The track is accompanied by a striking performance video, shot and directed by Brendan Seamus with art direction from Billy Woods. It captures the raw, frenzied energy of a Problem Patterns’ gig, something GIHE followers will relate to after their debut London performance with GIHE at The Shacklewell Arms back in December 2021.

Together, Problem Patterns use their collective talents to create riotous feminist punk anthems that provide comfort and catharsis in equal measure, with this latest single being a powerhouse example of both. Watch the video for ‘Y.A.W’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Problem Patterns Upcoming Tour Dates 2022
06.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Cork, Cyprus Avenue)
07.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Galway, The Loft)
08.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Belfast, Deer’s Head)
09.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Limerick, Kasbah)
10.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Dublin, The Grand Social)
12.06.2022 – Supporting Bikini Kill (O2 Academy, Glasgow)

Photo Credit: Carrie Davenport

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington1 Comment