WATCH: Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’

Having shared stages with the likes of Problem Patterns, Strange New Places and Sister Ghost, and following the gritty energy of 2021’s ‘Night In The Woods’, Belfast punks Gender Chores have recently shared a new single. With songs defending reproductive rights, resisting the patriarchy and documenting the human cost of late-stage capitalism, they’re a true, riot grrrl-inspired DIY force to be reckoned with.

A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to the band’s hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity.

Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Dysphurious’ is a song about Sam’s early experiences of coming out as non-binary – not having a clear answer for people, feeling like you’re constantly explaining yourself, fearing rejection and mockery…The pressure to have all the answers can hold so many of us back from coming out, even to ourselves. You can interrogate yourself to the utmost degree, and those who want to will still write off you becoming who you are as a ‘phase’ or a ‘trend’. This song is about liberating yourself from that demand, and getting comfortable with your answer to the question sometimes being “I don’t know”.”

‘Dysphurious’ was recorded at Start Together Studios, and is accompanied by a brand new video, directed by Elspeth Vischer. Watch here!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

WATCH: Hinako Omori – ‘cyanotype memories’

A mood-lifting soundscape that offers listeners a moment of respite in an uncertain world, London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori has shared her latest single ‘cyanotype memories’. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, the track is an ode to surrendering yourself to the unknown and finding peace within that process.

Following on from her recent single ‘foundation’, on ‘cyanotype memories’ Omori continues to trust her instincts and channel them into a more contemporary, song-based structure. Whilst her new efforts retain the wonderful soothing and enigmatic qualities of the tracks that formed her debut album, …a journey (which featured on Get In Her Ears’ Albums Of 2022 list) they expand and showcase her songwriting talents further. Guided by her wonderfully clear, gentle vocals, on ‘cyanotype memories’ Omori is “a careful observer among the chaos”, exploring the altering states of emotion and the often turbulent pace of life through her hypnotic synths and evocative beats.

“Synths really do respond to how you’re feeling,” Omori offers. “There have been times where I’ve felt stressed and my synth would go out of tune. I took it to a repair place once, thinking that something was wrong with it, but it was fine; I think it was to do with my energy levels. So when I sit down and write something, whatever comes out is relevant to how I feel in that moment because the synthesiser is responding to it. The music really becomes a map of my emotions.” Commenting on ‘cyanotype memories’, she explains: “[it’s] about reconnecting and returning to our inner stillness, and surrendering to the unknown. We ultimately don’t have control over how anything external might pan out, but when we trust our inner compass things seem to be revealed to us in the most beautiful and unexpected way.”

Paying attention to the physiological effects of music is something that’s deeply important to Omori. She blends her wonderfully heightened awareness of this alongside beautiful aesthetics, with cyanotope printing being a strong inspiration for this track and the accompanying photography and artwork for her new album. “I was fascinated by the idea of cyanotype printing,” she continues, “the act of placing an object on paper, and exposing it to UV light – the longer the object is focused under the light, a stronger or more detailed image can form on the paper. I thought there was a similarity in focusing and redirecting our thoughts to create new neural pathways in our brains, with the repetition of these thoughts creating stronger paths.”

This idea is explored further in the beautifully shot accompanying video for the track. Directed by Thomas Harrington Rawle & Cathal Mckeon and featuring contemporary dancer Chihiro Kawasaki, the monochrome visuals are a stunning blend of shadows and silhouettes, with Kawasaki improvising her movements in the lights which were programmed live by Richard Brade.

Watch the video for ‘cyanotype memories’ below.

Hinako Omori will be playing a headline show at London’s ICA on December 2nd
Tickets are available here

Follow Hinako Omori on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo credit: Luca Bailey

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2023 (Day 3: 30.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking off the last day of the festival at the In The Dock stage, Divorce liven the spirits with their reverb strewn, Americana-tinged indie-pop. With the luscious honey-sweet-yet-husky vocals of front person Tiger leading the way, the Nottingham band treat us to a beautifully uplifting set; oozing a dreamy romanticism alongside a subtle gritty energy, I can’t get enough of the emotive lilting harmonies and scuzzy hooks. Though I’m very happily married, I wish every Sunday could start with a bit of Divorce.

Recommended by festival director Kate Webster as a must-see at the festival, Liverpool artist Pet Snake fulfils my expectations and more with her stirring alt-folk offerings. The solo project of Evelyn Halls (Clean Cut Kid), it’s an instantly immersive and beautifully heartwarming experience to see live. As Hall starts off by making the bold claim that Deer Shed is “the nicest festival I’ve ever been to“, I may have to agree; sitting in the Lodge Tent, G&T in hand, the all ages audience captivated and swaying along as each emotion-strewn offering flows from the stage. With shades of the catchy allure of Jenny Lewis, and themes ranging from life-changing love (a particularly touching moment when Hall dedicates ‘Jacket’ to her guitarist / husband) to the struggles of returning to the outside world post-pandemic, each song tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways. With her rich vocals and charming charisma alongside the shimmering anthemic melodies, Pet Snake has me utterly spellbound. 

One of the bands I’d been most looking forward to seeing this weekend (and one who we’d been lucky enough to catch a sneak peek of when they joined Sprints yesterday), Leeds based English Teacher take to the main stage with a set so poignant and immersive that I almost don’t notice the rain. With a subtle political drive and poetic lyricism, each song hits with a cutting post-punk power, whilst maintaining the band’s truly unique tongue-in-cheek wit and fierce raw energy. Despite their trademark no-frills approach, the band lose none of what matters and deliver each driving offering with an engaging majesty. 

Glistening in emerald green, Gwenno charms the damp crowd with her magnetising shimmering aura. Alternating between singing in both Cornish and her native Welsh, she delivers soaring pastoral odes to her homeland (and cheese – “man’s greatest invention”) with a rich celestial splendour and uplifting grace.

After warming ourselves with some delicious vegan noodles (and getting my big warm jacket from the tent), it’s time for The Big Moon – having been a fan for years now, I’m not quite sure how I’ve never seen them live before, and I’m glad the moment has finally arrived, though it seems I’m not quite prepared for the power with which the ‘moment’ hits me. With my partner taking photos in the pit, I stand alone and immediately start to lose all track of whether it’s raindrops or tears running down my face, as the searing twinkling emotion of ‘Wide Eyes’ emanates from the stage. Slightly embarrassing, but testament to the truly evocative power this band are able to create. And, with their witty banter and sunny disposition, the teardrops are short-lived (sadly the rain isn’t), and The Big Moon succeed in brightening our spirits with the joyous, lilting allure of each and every offering. As they treat us to an eclectic array of songs new and old (including an acapella rendition of ‘Formidable’ which involves “huddling together for warmth”), the pac-a-mac-ed crowd of fans new and old sing along in unity, and I’m left cheered and inspired not only by The Big Moon’s beautiful musicality, but their infectious warmth and camaraderie. And it’s awesome to see Soph repping another GIHE fave, Brighton’s CLT DRP, on her t-shirt!

The rain continues, but so does the music. Despite the downpours, nineties Scottish band The Delgados close the festival with their blissful indie-pop anthems.

So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! See more words about Day 1 and Day 2 of the festival.

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

mariangelicalane1 Comment

LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2023 (Day 2: 29.07.2023)

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking things off nice and early at the In The Dock stage, Sister Wives rouse the senses with their evocative ethereal soundscapes. With their quirky charisma and glistening soaring harmonies, the Cardiff-via-Sheffield band offer a unique fusion of traditional folk-inspired musicality with a gritty, fierce energy, all delivered with a mystical, bewitching allure.

After a refreshing local beer, and with a glimmer of sunshine poking through the clouds, we catch the lilting uplifting energy of Rozi Plain on the main stage, as a soothing twinkling grace emanates throughout the swaying crowd.

With the sun now in full force, we return to the main stage to catch another Welsh band – I’m very excited to finally see Panic Shack, having been a fan of their frenzied tongue-in-cheek post punk for a couple of years now. Fully aware of the age range of the crowd, they kick things off with the perfectly anti-conventional ‘Baby’; there’s a weird sort of irony seeing kids on their parents’ shoulders bopping and singing along to “I don’t wanna hold your baby / Kids are not for everyone”, and I’m instantly in love with the fierce tenacity of this band. Apologising for some naughty words throughout the set (“Hope the kids have ear defenders on”), they blast through each song with an immense ferocious energy – from the synchronised statuesque poses of ‘Mannequin Man’, to the martial arts-inspired dance moves of ‘Jiu Jits You’, Panic Shack deliver each angst-driven, subtly political anthem with a searing riotous power and infectious sneering wit. A total must-see live band, and probably my highlight of the weekend. (A stand out moment for me being hearing a child ask their mum “what’s baccy?” after ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?’ closes the fantastic set.)

After all that excitement, and perhaps the tastiest vegan hot dog I’ve ever had (with extra pickles of course), we head to The Lodge tent for a chilled out interlude. I’ve been meaning to see Hussy for a while, so I’m very glad that she made it here – having had two trains cancelled, but “with perseverance we can get there in the end”. Exuding an effervescent grace as her dreamy offerings showcase her rich emotive vocals, it’s a beautifully stirring set oozing a shimmering musicality reminiscent of the likes of Lucy Dacus.

Continuing the dreamy vibes, it’s a delight to catch This Is The Kit for the first time in long while (I last saw them at the Southbank Centre about eight years ago, when a woman shouted at me for accidentally spilling my drink on her. So, I’m looking forward to a less traumatic set this time…!) With an endearing charm and witty birthday trivia interweaved in between each beautiful song, Kit and co immerse the crowd in their sparkling, uplifting energy as each track flows with a blissful allure.

Then it’s back to the In The Dock stage for total faves Sprints; having caught them live in Belfast at the Women’s Work Showcase last year, I couldn’t wait to catch their electrifying energy live again; and I wasn’t to be disappointed. Warmed by the sight of a front row filled with excitable teenage girls and pals lightly moshing, I’m once again grateful to Deer Shed for offering this experience to young people who wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to see live music of this kind normally; to see a band like Sprints, and a front person like Karla Chubb, inspiring and motivating young people gives me a bit of hope that everything is not quite so bad after all… From more familiar songs like ‘Literary Mind’ and ‘How Does The Story Go?’ to brand new, unreleased songs, the band race through the set with a truly compelling fierce energy as Chubb’s distinctive gritty vocals and empowering stage presence take hold. And, as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also treated to special guest stage invasion from English Teacher, who join Sprints for a magnificent mash-up of Wet Leg’s ‘Chaise Longue’ with Le Tigre’s ‘Deceptacon’. Pretty epic.

We return to The Lodge tent to absorb the glitchy, euphoric soundscapes of Glasgow’s Free Love. As bouquets of flowers are torn apart and showered over the crowd, trippy ethereal vibes emanate from the trio as I’m taken back to a ’90s French Disko and contentedly dance along with the kind of gentle confidence that only really comes from being in a field surrounded by live music and happy (slightly inebriated) fellow festival goers.

We end the night with the uplifting funk-fuelled sounds of all female jazz collective All Day Breakfast Cafe. With a playful energy, the band deliver a fantastic array of songs, showcasing each of their incredible musical talents and Jelly Cleaver’s artful skill of creating instantly catchy, nostalgic-yet-fresh takes on a mix of genres, all rooted in the empowering unity of the disco movement. As the all-ages crowd dance along in blissful unity (some people even winning pain au chocolats for their efforts!) to each colourful offering, the band’s effervescent energy spreads throughout the tent; a perfect way to close a joyous day of festivalling. And we even get a sneak peek of their upcoming new single, ‘Sweet Revenge’, set for release on 16th August – so, keep your ears and eyes peeled!


So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, Day 3! And see our review of Day 1 here.


Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart

mariangelicalane1 Comment