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)

ALBUM: THICK – ‘Happy Now’

Raging against the patriarchy by writing about their experiences of being women in what used to feel like a doomed music scene, Brooklyn-based pop punks THICK have forged their own path on their latest album, Happy Now. Filled with thrashy instrumentals and anthemic crowd-pleasers, the band – formed in 2014 and comprised of Nikki Sisti (guitar/vocals), Kate Black (bass/vocals) and Shari Page (drums/vocals) – embrace and further their potential throughout their most recent effort.

Upbeat guitars and energetic vocals characterise this concise yet assertive album, which tackles lighter topics compared to their previous record, 5 Years Behind (2020). The first single from the release, ‘Loser’, is a standout. The trio’s vocals are the defining feature of the song, particularly the fade between the solo yelling verses and the group harmonies in the chorus. Their trademark agro-punk overlaid with emotional honesty is blatant here. The single reclaims the term loser: “In music, it’s so easy to feel like a loser and a f*ck up”, comments drummer and vocalist Page. “We want people to know that it’s okay to mess up and that everyone’s a loser sometimes. It’s really the best way to live”. Page’s sentiment is embodied by the track’s lyrical wit: “I love when people tell me I should quit.”

Hints of the band’s early influences have always lent themselves to their releases. The vibrant introduction to ‘Her Chapstick’ wouldn’t feel out of place on a blink-182 record, while several other tracks feel riot grrrl-infused, especially the Le Tigre-esque ‘I Wish 2016 Never Happened’ and the Sleater-Kinney inspired ‘Your Garden’. The latter is a fast-paced song and the crux of the album, compounding the best of the swirling vocal rounds and roaring guitars that the remaining body of the tracks are dominated by.

‘Happiness’ is the perfect opener. The track is rapid in pace, complete with punk rant choruses and melodic collective verses. ‘Tell Myself’ expresses the group’s musical muscle in a slightly more stripped back way. End track, ‘Something Went Wrong’ is another highlight. Its well-paced bass riff is a moment of shine, which shows THICK are as strong instrumentally as they are lyrically. This finale is buoyant, leaving listeners on an upbeat note.

Ultimately, THICK’s sophomore effort is packed with moments of promise. It expresses viable growth from their debut, feeling less like a laundry list of things they’re exasperated at and more like a cohesive story, all without abandoning the perfect blend of guitar solos and layered vocals the group are celebrated for.

Follow THICK on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Photo Credit: Jessica Gurewitz

Sarah Bennett
@sarah_benn3tt (Twitter)
@zasbennett (Instagram)

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Ailbhe Reddy 27.07.22

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists, and Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too. They discussed some of the artists nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize (Nova Twins, Wet Leg and Self Esteem) and laughed their way through Kate’s traumatic Ethel Cain-based nightmare.

Irish songwriter Ailbhe Reddy joined them to talk about her latest single ‘A Mess’, her debut album Personal History and her recent appearances at The Great Escape, Latitude and Visions festival. They also spoke about the Avril Lavigne tribute night Ailbhe hosted in Dublin to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Let Go. Listen out for her excellent rendition of the ‘rap’ part in ‘Nobody’s Fool’. #ImNotTheMilkAndCheeriosInYourSpoon

Listen back below:

 

Tracklist
Phoebe Bridgers – Motion Sickness
Yves Tumor – Gospel For a New Century
Miya Folick – Nothing to See
Big Joanie – Happier Still
Ethel Cain – Family Tree (Intro)
Nova Twins – Cleopatra
Brutus – Dust
Real Big Sky – Another Day
The Mars Volta – Blacklight Shine
Lynks – Hey Joe (Relax)
Ailbhe Reddy – A Mess
**Interview with Ailbhe Reddy**
SOAK – Guts
M(h)aol – Bored Of Men
Bad Sidekick – Daily Lottery
Hanya – Amateur Professional
Minerva – Dead
Bonnie Banane – CDA
Muna Ileiwat – Pity Party
Hannah Schneider – It’s The Season
Maria Uzor ft. Emily Winng – Winner
Currls – Honey
Self Esteem – I Do This All The Time
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Spitting off the edge of the world
ARXX – Deep
Fraulein – And I Go (La La La)
Lady Gaga – Stupid Love

ALBUM: Petrol Girls – ‘Baby’

Released today (24th June) via Hassle Records, feminist punks Petrol Girls truly embrace irreverence on their new album, Baby. While time often mellows the sound and vision of many bands, here it has only re-fuelled the band’s politics with an ever-growing potency. The vital themes of pure political rage, speaking out against sexual violence and immigration that underscored Petrol Girls’ 2016 debut, Talk of Violence, are powerfully replicated on Baby.

Whilst the band maintain their feminist punk roots – especially on rallying pro-choice lead single ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’ – Petrol Girls transcend their musical origins throughout their new record. The album opens with 28 seconds of noise produced from a mash of sounds on the album, acting as a vibrant nod towards shoegaze. Guitarist Joe York was influenced by everything from electronic music and hip-hop, to New Wave bands like Talking Heads during the writing process for the album and the playful intro to ‘One Or The Other’ encapsulates this, with ‘Preachers’ further setting the raw experimental tone for the record.

Vocalist Ren Aldridge continues to deliver her breath-takingly vehement lyrics throughout Baby. Her clear intonation and powerful projection become consistently more impressive with each track, and when the subject matter does get more severe, her cathartic cries and screams provide a much needed emotional release. Activist and DIY punk Janey Starling also delivers superb guest vocals on ‘Fight For Our Lives’ and ‘Violent by Design’, both of which act as visceral moments of furious relief for listeners who have been marching on the streets for equality in the wake of public violence against women in recent years.

While the issues handled on Baby vary in weight, they all ultimately follow themes of femicide, police brutality and toxic “nice guys” (‘Sick & Tired’). The record is a genuine effort to dismantle these pervasive tropes and elements of society, fueled by righteous rage and impressive resilience. Petrol Girls should be proud of their new collection of fast-paced, vital anti-establishment anthems.

Order Petrol Girls’ new album Baby here

Follow Petrol Girls on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Hanna Fasching

Sarah Bennett
@sarah_benn3tt (Twitter)
@zasbennett (Instagram)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut