LISTEN: Indian Queens – ‘Shoot For Sexy’

An intoxicating blend of hazy guitars, alluring vocals, and brooding beats; Indian Queens‘ latest single ‘Shoot For Sexy’ is a sublime new offering. Lifted from their debut album God Is A Woman, set for release via Cool Thing Records on 3rd April, the London trio consistently impress us with their beguiling sounds.

Formed of sisters Jennifer (guitar/ lead vocals) and Katherine (bass/vocals) O’Neill, and lifelong friend Matthew Dudan-Bick (drums), Indian Queens were born and raised in Hackney Wick. Influenced by the restless city that surrounds them, the trio’s soundscapes reflect both the darkness and the light on a personal, and a universal scale.

Single ‘Shoot For Sexy’ is an anti-party anthem, despite its suggestive lyrics and smoldering bass lines, it’s a track best appreciated under low light with limited, or intimate company. It fits the mood of the band’s upcoming album perfectly, as Jennifer explains: “God Is A Woman is a late night record, an album to put on during a dark drive, to play at the end of the party when it all slows down”.

We’re more than happy to slow down to the captivating sounds of this talented trio. Listen to ‘Shoot For Sexy’ below, and follow Indian Queens on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Kana Waiwaiku

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Dream Nails – ‘Payback’

A rallying cry against the lack of justice for survivors of sexual violence; GIHE favourites Dream Nails have shared their powerful new single ‘Payback’. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut album, set for release 3rd April via Alcopop! Records, the track is accompanied by a poignant video showcasing the work of UK feminist activist group, Sisters Uncut.

With it’s mantra-like lyrics – “Hey mister, get your hands off my sister” – and abrasive guitar riffs, Dream Nails have created an aural call to arms that vehemently protests the rights of domestic violence survivors. The track is heavy in terms of volume and context, but as is the case for so many of Dream Nails tracks, it’s also tear-jerking because of the depressing reality behind their catchy lyricism.

Vocalist Janey Starling provides further insight: “In the UK, only 1.5% of rape cases lead to a charge or summons. ‘Payback’ is a song about how the UK criminal justice system fails survivors – and we’re angry about it. This is a country where two women are murdered every week by a partner or ex-partner. So many women have lived through sexual and physical abuse, and carry the scars and memories of that – but will never see justice for it.”

Drummer Lucy Katz adds that the single is “fuelled by fury borne from our experiences and the stories we hear from our peers, from the news, and in our day jobs. We are sick and tired of being failed and gaslit again and again by a state and a system that does not care about the continued abuse of women.”

Whilst there is a necessary and underlying rage throughout ‘Payback’, Guitarist Anya Pearson reminds us that it provides time and space to blow off some steam: “This is a tune to mosh to, throw yourself around with your sisters and non binary babes in the pit and scream the chorus: “One day we’ll make you pay””

Dream Nails are a vital force in both musical and activist societies, and their refusal to accept sub-standard treatment for their fans and their allies is why we keep returning to their music time, and time again. Watch the video for ‘Payback’ below, and follow Dream Nails on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Dream Nails UK Tour Dates 2020
10 April Cardiff, Wales Goes Pop!
11 April Leicester, The Shed
22 April St Albans, The Horn
23 April London, Oslo – Album Release Show
24 April Bristol, Louisiana
25 April Reading, Are You Listening? Festival
26 April Southampton, Heartbreakers
29 April Leeds, Oporto
30 April Manchester, Castle
02 May Edinburgh, Stag & Dagger Festival
03 May Newcastle, Hit The North
09-11 July Cheltenham, 2000Trees Festival
31 Jul – 01 Aug Oxfordshire, Truck Festival

Photo Credit: Marieke Macklon

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Mangö – Demons

A cathartic burst of twisted psych sound; London-based Mangö have shared their latest single ‘Demons’. Released via We Can Do It Records, the track is a dark, fuzzy take down of the inner voices that fuel our stress and anxiety.

Front woman Chloe Spence explains the track’s premise further: “Demons is a power battle song intended to portray the inner workings of one’s mind, and the mental fight we have daily to remain in a positive mindset in today’s fast paced realm of society. The demons are intended to represent negative thoughts, anxieties and emotions that people who struggle with mental health feel daily. We want to portray the demons as an infestation in one’s head, the more attention you give them, the more they thrive and take over.”

‘Demons’ came together when the band were messing around in rehearsals, when guitarist Tom experimented with his whammy pedal whilst comically playing bebop jazz lines and giggling to himself. The band have affectionately dubbed this sound as “a metallic fuzzy bebop tune”, and we think that’s an apt description for this catchy, cathartic slice of psych rock.

Listen ‘Demons’ below, and follow the band on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PREMIERE: Hari Debi – ‘Sick’

An angst-fueled attempt to process feelings of self-loathing and entitlement, London trio Hari Debi have shared their new single ‘Sick’ today!

Formed of Maddy (vocals), Mark (guitar), and Luis (drums), Hari Debi began making music together in 2018. The band are influenced by the eclectic sounds of Nick Cave, Alanis Morissette, and Queens Of The Stoneage, and aim to create heavy music that flows in a similar vein

New single ‘Sick’ is the result of their time spent together, and it’s four minutes of moody vocals, dense guitar riffs and crashing percussion. The lyrics flesh out the frustration that comes with feeling like you’re not being valued, whilst the noises behind them provide a cathartic backdrop to cut loose to.

The band produced the track themselves, and are set to release more new music in the near future. Listen to ‘Sick’ below, and follow Hari Debi on Spotify so you can keep track of all their new releases.

Photo Credit: Tariq Khawaja

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment