Track Of The Day: Problem Patterns – ‘Big Shouty’

Raging against inequality and the patriarchy, Belfast punks Problem Patterns have shared their latest single, ‘Big Shouty’. It’s a loud, no holds barred anthem that grapples with the frustrations of being told your “place” as a woman, in both the music industry and society in general.

Realising that four voices are louder than one, Problem Patterns opt out of the traditional band “front person” format, encouraging each member to step up and share their views. Together, Alanah Smith, Bethany Crooks, Beverley Boal & Ciara King use their collective talents to create riotous, energetic, feminist punk sounds and ‘Big Shouty’ is a shining example of this. It’s a brief, bold listen; speeding by in just under two minutes.

Based on the band’s own personal experiences, each verse tackles some of the sexist bullshit that Problem Patterns have come up against during their time together. Ciara’s verse recalls a recent incident where the band where listed as “best bands with lady bits”, Alanah speaks about the joys of “mansplaining” and Bev shares her feelings of rage towards those who abuse their powers and deny basic human rights. Drummer Bethany underscores all this righteous anger with her thumping beats.

Check out the video for ‘Big Shouty’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

WATCH: VOKXEN – ‘Crystal Eyes’

Inspired by the feminist writings of film critic Laura Mulvey on ‘The Male Gaze’, Northern Irish trio VOKXEN have shared visuals to accompany their latest single ‘Crystal Eyes’. Produced by Definitive Film (Netflix, Disney and Google) and with allusions to Jim Henson 80’s cult film The Dark Crystal – ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a captivating visual delight.

Premiered on Hot Press, ‘Crystal Eyes’ is a catchy blend of pop-hooks and strong vocals, underscored by bouncing synth beats. The video for the single tells “a tale of (false) perception, entrapment and breaking free of bonds that hold us back”. VOKXEN have had a busy year playing shows in Dublin and Berlin, and we’re sure we’ll be hearing more from the trio in 2019.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut