Track Of The Day: VERO – ’22:12′

A tender, melancholic offering that laments the feeling of being taken for granted, Stockholm-based trio VERO reveal their softer side on their latest single ‘22.12’. Taken from the band’s upcoming debut album Unsoothing Interior, which is set for release on 6th May via PNK SLM, the track is an urgent, hazy musing that the band have dubbed as their “official cry song.”

Formed of teenage friends Julia Boman & Amanda Eddestål and Clara Gyökeres who they befriended whilst DJ’ing on the Stockholm nightclub circuit, VERO create music inspired by an eclectic range of influences. Their main purpose, aside from creating anthems with shades of 90s alternative icons Sonic Youth, is to challenge the idea of what a modern guitar band is supposed to be. That challenge started with previous singles ‘Beg!’, ‘Cupid’ and a cover of Shame’s ‘Concrete’, but now the trio reveal a different kind of emotional rawness on their new release ’22:12′.

“From the whining, lonely guitar in the intro, to the painful lyrics about leaving the party early and feeling defeated…in a way, the song is an ode to someone else’s happiness, of which you have no part in, and that hurts,” VERO explain about the track. Through yearning vocals, distorted riffs and confessional lyrics, the band tackle feelings of inadequacy and loneliness with grit and grace, providing an aural tonic for those whose bones are also aching with an unrequited love.

Listen to ’22:12′ below.

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

Pre-order VERO’s debut album Unsoothing Interior here

Photo Credit: Dan Kendall

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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

Track Of The Day: Sassyhiya – ‘I Had A Thought’

Formally of the beloved cult guitar band Barry, who seemingly made everyone who saw them fall in love with them, Kathy Wright and Helen Skinner are now striking out on their own as Sassyhiya and have shared an uplifting new video. Taken from their debut EP, ‘I had a thought’ is just irresistible; a supercool slice of wonky post-punk that will, excuse the pun, get in your ears and refuse to leave.

The duo, who are real life as well as musical partners, have an undeniable chemistry and confidence. Recorded at home over lockdown, the song’s plodding, melodic bass, jerky guitars and twee, sing-song vocals collide brilliantly to make a modern, post-punk classic.

The song is a must-listen for fans of The Raincoats, Shop Assistants, Delta 5 and Shopping. A bold, brilliant and fully realised debut, the band have given us a very sassy ‘hiya!’ indeed. Here’s to many more! 

Gum Demos, the new EP from Sassyhiya is out now. And you can catch Sassyhiya at their first ever gig, playing for us with Fightmilk and Bitch Hunt at The Shacklewell Arms on 25th March. Tickets here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

LIVE (Photos): LIINES @ The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge, 10.03.2022

On Thursday, one of our most favourite bands LIINES took to the stage at Hebden Bridge’s infamous Trades Club to treat the crowd of fans to almost an hour of all their brooding, frenetic material to date. A sublime night of the best live music. We can’t wait to see them when they’re back down south soon!

Our photographer Jon Mo was there to capture some of the action…

Photo Credit: Jon Mo / @jonmophotography