Track Of The Day: Queen Cult – ‘Show & Tell’

Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger‘, Cheshire band Queen Cult have now shared a raging new single. Consisting of front person Maisie Johnson and bassist Leila Jacklin, as well as Brodie Carson on drums and Piers Jarvis on guitar, the band pride themselves on their LGBTQ+ identity and sharing their queer, politically-charged messages with the masses through their riotous pop-rock anthems.

Propelled by the soaring, impassioned power of Johnson’s soulful vocals, ‘Show & Tell‘ builds with a gritty, swirling energy and raw riffs to an empowered call to arms; imploring us not to turn a blind eye to the injustices rife at the hands of our government. With shades of the fierce spirit of Bang Bang Romeo, it races with a relentless, searing force, resulting in a compelling plea to come together against the forces seeking to oppress us.

Of the track, the band explain:

“’Show & Tell’ was written in such unprecedented times during the pandemic, when we were feeling the most physically and mentally tested by the world – not only from our own point of view, but everyone around us too. The song details our struggles and our perspective on the government’s response to the pandemic. Living in a small town, we watched nothing get done by the floppy haired twit. As Mary Antoinette once fed brioche to the poor…we sat hopelessly watching the news and thought, “why don’t we just eat some cake?”

‘Show & Tell’ is out now. Catch Queen Cult live at London’s Queer Off on 29th October, tickets here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Debbie Ellis / A Supreme Shot

Track Of The Day: Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra – ‘Empty Envelope’

A disarming reflection on the emotional resurrection that occurs in the wake of a bad decision, Dublin-based trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra have shared their latest single ‘Empty Envelope’. Released via Anon Records, the track is a brooding, shoegazey lament inspired by a dream that vocalist & guitarist Sarah Deegan had about receiving an empty letter in the post.

Formed of Deegan, Alice Grollero (bassist) and Danni Nolan (drummer), Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra met via Dublin’s underground & DIY music scenes and began writing music together inspired by the sounds of Mitski, Angel Olsen, Kathleen Hanna and Sinead O’ Connor. The band deliver their observations on life with a raw sincerity, which previous single ‘I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did and I Don’t Now’ achieved through its shimmering guitars & Deegan’s cutting lyrics. With their new single ‘Empty Envelope’, the band have crafted another slow-burning, moving ode to emotional resilience.

“‘Empty Envelope’ examines the process of burning everything down to rebuild from the ashes,” Deegan explains. “It’s about the cyclical nature of bad decisions.” Recorded by Sean Montgomery Dietz, mixed by Sean Montgomery Dietz and Shane Tobler and mastered by Blanka, ‘Empty Envelope’ smoulders with poetic unrest, guiding listeners through the relief and frustration that comes with moving forward after making a mistake.

Listen to ‘Empty Envelope’ below.

 

Follow Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra on bandcampSpotifyTwitterInstagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Greg Purcell

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

LISTEN: M(h)aol – ‘Gender Studies’

A rumbling cacophony of post-punk noise designed to dismantle the misconception that gender is binary, Irish feminist post-punk band M(h)aol have shared their latest single ‘Gender Studies’. The title track from their debut EP, which is set for release via TULLE on 29th October (digitally) and 15th January (physically), the song is a brief but powerful statement on the empowering feelings that come with challenging gender norms.

Currently based between Dublin, London and Bristol, M(h)aol (pronounced “male”) are formed of Róisín Nic Ghearailt, Constance Keane, Jamie Hyland, Zoe Greenway and Sean Nolan. Together, the band aim to rattle the male dominated post-punk scene with their urgent, gritty sounds, with previous singles ‘Laundries’ and ‘Asking For It’ being the perfect instigators for this pursuit. Now with ‘Gender Studies’, M(h)aol have further cemented their statement against toxic patriarchal standards, rejecting damaging gender stereotypes.

Accompanied by a monochrome video that contrasts traditional images of femininity with cutting lyrics about an individual’s frustrations & realisations about gender constraints, ‘Gender Studies’ seethes with a righteous fury whilst also offering a raw catharsis, recognising the freedom that comes with choosing to see past patriarchal boundaries.

Watch the video for ‘Gender Studies’ below.

M(h)aol UK Tour Dates
1st November – Rough Trade, Bristol
2nd November – The Hug And Pint, Glasgow
3rd November – The Talleyrand, Manchester
4th November – The Shacklewell Arms, London

Follow M(h)aol on SpotifybandcampFacebookTwitter & Instagram

Photo Credit: Susan Appleby

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Maria Uzor 22.09.21

Tash, Mari & Kate were back on Soho Radio‘s airwaves playing a few golden oldies – including an iconic 90s banger from Sweet Female Attitude – and loads of new music tunes from some of their favourite women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists.

Mutant electro artist Maria Uzor also joined them to talk about her latest EP, Innocence and Worldliness, vegan donuts and the importance of taking your time to process and create your own art.

Listen back below:

Tracklist
The Sugarcubes – Hit
Elsa Hewitt – Inhaler
Julia-Sophie – And You Know It
Evil House Party – Keep Going On
Bestfriend – Hannah In The City
Halsey – i am not a woman, i’m a god
Tei Shi – Basically (acoustic)
of all living things – If I Go
Barrie – Dig
Okay Kaya – If I Can Help Somebody
Aisha Badru – The Way Back Home
Self Esteem – How Can I Help You
LIINES – Keep On Going
Krakow Loves Adana – Follow The Voice
Maria Uzor – Now Is The Core
**Interview with Maria Uzor**
Kilamanzego – Black Weirdo
Lilith Ai – Bare Radical
Liyv – Let Me Know
Pretty Happy – Sea Sea Sea
Fraulein – Belly
Sleigh Bells – Justine Go Genesis
Grandmas House – Girl
Planningtorock – Girl You’ve Got My Heart
Hand Habits – No Difference
Sweet Female Attitude – Flowers