New Track: pink suits – ‘Are You Gay Yet?’

One of the first songs written for their much anticipated upcoming album Dystopian Hellscape, pink suits have released their fourth and final single release ‘Are You Gay Yet?’. Described as “a seething celebration of queerness”, it captures the duo’s distinct, definitive essence perfectly. An anthem dedicated to reclaiming your identity and sense of self, the track takes their trademark angst and channels it into a fierce salute to individuality.

The track begins with clattering, fast paced drumming that teases the riotous energy integral to pink suits’ signature sound. Fuzzy guitars begin slowly and simply, giving the vocals plenty of space to belt out the track’s central question: “Are you gay yet?” It hangs in the relative quiet of those opening lines, forcing you to confront the discomfort inherent in such an invasive and personal question, and consider the mindset of someone who thinks that’s an appropriate thing to say out loud.

Guitar, drums and vocals pick up for furious, fast paced verses that delve deeper. They depict moments that any visibly queer person will recognise, when people go out of their way to make a point of letting you know that they have noticed, in a way that evidently isn’t designed to be kind. A way that might be delivered gently, but still feels like a slap in the face.

The track alternates between the intrusive questions and the visceral emotional reaction to being asked them. The abrupt shifts between the two perspectives create a sense of whiplash that evokes the dizzy sense of disorientation that often hits when someone has caught you off-guard with such a pernicious approach to asking about your life.

‘Are You Gay Yet?’ is quintessentially pink suits. It aches with rage at the micro-aggressions that queer people are routinely expected to tolerate, yet is simultaneously infused with an infectious joy born of rejecting that expectation. With this song, pink suits are clapping back with all the frustration they are made to feel in that moment and revelling in the satisfaction of taking the power back.

Dystopian Hellscape, the upcoming second album from pink suits, is set for release on 1st April. Catch pink suits on tour over the next couple of months, including 29th March at Manchester Punk Festival and 13th April at Cro Cro Land. Dates and tickets here.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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LISTEN: Daughter – ‘Arise, Daughters Of Marsha’

The debut release from transgender black metal project Daughter, ‘Arise, Daughters of Marsha’ is a battle cry summoning the global community to stand up for trans rights. The track begins with a scream that acts as Daughter’s mission statement, not just with this single but the full upcoming EP. Vocalist and songwriter “Deadname” aims to channel the trauma of the trans experience in contemporary society through the brutal, aching sound of black metal.

The lyrics are delivered in a guttural scream that feels like it has been ripped violently from her throat. Shrieking guitars and rapid drums echo the feeling in the vocals, without compromising on the absorbing quality of the beat or the melodic riffs. An almost military-sounding rhythm adds a looming sense of dread to the track, compounded by the ominous wailing stings.

In this song, Deadname allows herself to cast aside the composure with which she, as a trans woman, is expected to carry herself with at all times in public; to act as a representative of her community against the vitriol of transphobic commentators. Instead, this track is raw and honest and seethes with the pain and rage that come as an extremely understandable reaction to the treatment of trans people right now, as news stories of transphobic attacks are increasingly, tragically frequent.

Savage riffs and blasting beats ramp up to a churning storm of music, until it ends by sampling some massively poignant lines from Sylvia Rivera’s ‘Y’all Better Quiet Down‘ speech from 1973, in which she exposes the hypocrisy of trans-exclusionary queer people. She reminds the world how much abuse trans women have historically faced when standing up for queer liberation only to be shunned by other members of their own community. “You all treat me this way? What the fuck’s wrong with you all?” The fact that these words are still so powerfully relevant more than fifty years later, with “charities” claiming to support the queer community but explicitly and unashamedly excluding trans people, gives this track a sucker-punch finish that leaves you unable to ignore the importance of the conversation Daughter generates with this poignant and necessary debut.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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GIHE: Ones To Watch 2024

It’s fair to say that 2023 has been a tough one, but if there’s one positive to take away, it’s the immense amount of incredible new music that’s been released, and the hope of even more wonderful offerings from new bands in 2024.

Following our Tracks Of 2023, Albums and EPS of 2023 and Highlights of 2023 features, we’re now sharing our Ones To Watch for 2024 – naming a handful of bands and artists who have impressed us and that we predict will be reaching ears far and wide next year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow to keep track of their achievements over the next twelve months.

Dogviolet
The latest project of London DIY scene queens Naz and Ella, Dogviolet are already fast becoming a staple on any decent female/queer focused line-up in the capital. I had the honour of hosting the band’s first ever gig last summer, and since then they’ve been winning over crowds with their captivating grunge-fuelled post-punk. Returning to play for us this November at a sold out Sebright Arms to support Problem Patterns, it was wonderful to see how they’ve really honed their sound and built in confidence on stage; with their now established line-up of Brodie joining them on bass and Lauren on drums, they exude a subtle spellbinding power and gritty immersive energy, marking them out as truly unique. It’s easy to see why bands like Heartworms, The Wedding Present and folk legend Grace Petrie have been keen to share stages with them lately, and they have some exciting announcements in the pipeline for 2024. I can’t wait. Find out more about Dogviolet here.
(Mari Lane – GIHE Co-Founder)

 

ALT BLK ERA
Watching genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA supporting STRAIGHT GIRL at our GIHE gig at The Shacklewell Arms earlier this year proved to me that the future is bright for alternative music. Taking cues from an eclectic range of artists – Ashnikko, Hacktivist, The Prodigy and Billie Eilish and Nova Twins to name a few – together, teenage siblings Nyrobi and Chaya  blur the boundaries of pop punk, nu-metal, rap and electronic music to form their riotous sounds. By combining jagged electronics, heavy riffs and racing beats with raging lyrics, the pair have created an alternative statement of self autonomy on their debut EP, Freak Show, which perfectly showcases their antagonistic, youthful spirit. They’ll be playing at The Hootananny in Brixton on 6th March, before heading to Download Festival next year. 2024 looks set to be a big year for them, so catch them while you can. Check out our recent interview with ALT BLK ERA here. Find out more about ALT BLK ERA here. (Kate Crudgington – GIHE Co-Founder)

 

Sheherazaad
One of my favourite new discoveries of 2023, Brooklyn based artist Sheherazaad left me completely spellbound with her debut single ‘Mashoor’ (so much so that it was one of my tracks of the year…) Reflecting on her South Asian sonic lineage, it draws on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit, immersing you in its exquisite rippling allure on first listen. Produced by Arooj Aftab and released via renowned label Erased Tapes, this first offering from Sheherazaad showcases all there is to love about the innovative artist; a creator of intricate beauty, not afraid to share her values about what matters most. And, having already received acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and The New York Times, I’m quite certain listeners the world over will be falling in love with her unique soundscapes throughout 2024. Find out more about Sheherazaad here.(ML)

House Of Women
2023 was a big year for Hackney-based alt-rock trio House Of Women. The band performed alongside Coach Party and Bedroom High Club at London’s Omeara at the end of the year, and they played knockout sets at All Points East and 2000 Trees festivals in the summer too. Perhaps most impressively though, they self-released their debut EP, People Printing, in November, cementing their status as a band with a compelling sound and truly exciting potential. 2024 looks set to be another big year for Elsa Malazogu (guitar), Poppy Miller (guitar) and Kyla Lanai (vocals, piano) and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next. Check out our recent interview with House Of Women here. Find out more about House Of Women here. (KC)

CHERYM
Since first falling in love with 2021 single ‘Listening To My Head’, I’ve been following Derry band Cherym, addicted to their empowering, nostalgia-tinged punk-pop. And, having been lucky enough to catch them live both here in London and across the pond in Belfast, I’ve become convinced that their perfect blend of uplifting honey-sweet allure and gritty riotous energy is headed for big things… Another band signed to the best of labels, Alcopop! Records, they’ve had an exciting 2023 sharing stages with the likes of The Beths and GIHE faves ARXX, spendin the summer playing festivals such as Truck and Rebellion, and even ventured to Austin for SXSW. Now, with their debut full length album on the way in February, followed by a European tour (including dates supporting Enter Shikari), I have a feeling that my convictions will be proved right; 2024 is going to be a big year for the Northern Irish trio. Find out more about Cherym here. (ML)

Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra
Watching Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra’s vocalist Sarah Deegan perform traditional Celtic song ‘Amhrán na hÉascainne’ (The Song Of The Eel’) at the band’s debut London headline gig for GIHE at The Shacklewell Arms was a cell-altering experience that Mari and I will never forget. Her effortlessly urgent vocals were totally captivating, and alongside her band mates (including the ultra cool Julie from HAVVK), she treated us to a set full of deeply poetic, melancholy shoegaze sounds. I’m grateful to Irish artist Constance Keane aka Fears for introducing me to the Dublin band a few years ago. If you get the chance to see Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra live, please take it. Find out more about Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra here. (KC)

Vyva Melinkolya
Angel Diaz aka Vyva Melinkolya is responsible for some of my favourite music from the past year. She worked alongside Midwife on their collaborative EP, Orbweaving, a moving rumination on healing from, and enduring pain, plus, she released her second album, Unbecoming, which features contributions from Midwife and the inimitable Ethel Cain. Her hazy, heavy shoegaze is perfectly complemented by her magnetic, far-off vocals. Listening to her music is a dreamy, disorientating experience. I’m hoping to catch her live at some point in 2024. Find out more about Vyva Melinkolya here.


Despite our apprehensions about 2024, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it! Massive thanks to all who’ve supported GIHE throughout 2023, it really means the world. And huge thanks to all the amazing bands and artists who’ve soundtracked it, and who will continue to soundtrack 2024!

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WATCH: Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’

Derby’s Yay Maria is back with ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ – a sunny bubblegum bop that fizzes with energy. While the song packs a proper electro pop punch, the lyrics are at odds with this lightness. Exploring themes of addiction and trauma, they are unafraid to discuss darker and more challenging issues. And, at a time when the trans and non-binary communities are subject to such hostility in the UK, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to these realities.  

While it doesn’t shy away from darkness, you’d be mistaken if you thought ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ was a sad song. Joyous and defiant, this is an anthem to empower and excite people. It’s accompanied by a fully animated music video, which brings together beautiful psychedelic colours, unexpected mythical guests, and a healthy dollop of northern deadpan humour! The effect is irresistible.

Along with the rest of her upcoming EP, Maria says that ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is something of a love letter to the Queer community. She says: “I made this EP for Queer people in the sense that I feel there is a lot of negative coverage of the trans & queer community currently. So I wanted something that was just for us. Something that is audibly enjoyable whilst talking about real stuff.” 

The result is a real gift to anyone who might need it. It’s a song that’s going to mean the world to people. And this is a musician that’s going to mean the world to people too. In Yay Maria, we have a figurehead; a cheerleader who encourages the community and its allies to keep fighting and have fun. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Biqxj3OOnPk%3Fsi%3D7NBgYTPkTp5mtTRV

‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is taken from Yay Maria’s upcoming EP, Superbia, which will be released on 20th October via I’m Not From London records. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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