NEW TRACK: Piss Kitti – ‘Leather Forever’

Combining a healthy dose of cynicism and optimism in the same existential breath, Liverpool garage punks PISS KITTI have shared their bittersweet new single ‘Leather Forever’. Released via Venn Records (Gallows, Witch Fever, Bob Vylan, Meryl Streek) and accompanied by second track ‘I’m Jammed’, the AA single celebrates the feeling of breaking through a negative thought cycle and trying to find joy amidst the darkness and chaos of life.

Formed of Esme Brown (vocals), Clara Cicely (bass/backing vocals), Harry Jones (guitar) and Daniel Melia (drums), PISS KITTI strive to defy the monotony of everyday existence with their garage punk anthems. Born from Esme & Clara’s initial desire for better inclusivity and representation for queer people within the UK music scene and beyond, the band vent their frustrations through their music, sharing a similar ethos with Dream Wife and Amyl and the Sniffers, who they have supported on past tours. With ‘Leather Forever’ PISS KITTI push through their frustrations once more. “I don’t wanna die, I wanna live forever / if it all goes wrong, just bury me in leather” sings Esme in the track’s chant-worthy chorus, offering listeners a mantra for testing moments.

“‘Leather Forever’ is about the feeling of being in a dark place worrying about other people and feeling lost within yourself,” the band comment about their new single. “[It’s about] not wanting to be here anymore, but then a switch flicks and you realise everything is okay, noticing beauty in all the things that you never stopped and took the time to appreciate. That feeling when it’s been dark and rainy for a whole week, then you wake up one morning and the sun is beaming through your window and you can feel the heat and you get comfort from it.”

“‘I’m Jammed’ is about the times you get yourself stuck in a situation with someone you care about so much, but they aren’t being open and honest with you,” they continue. “You want them to open up to you but they keep doing things that let you down. You can’t stop forgiving them for their actions because you believe eventually they’ll see their mistakes and everything will be okay.”

PISS KITTI will be hitting the road throughout March and April, on a mix of UK headline dates, support slots with Grandma’s House and Bruise Control, and an appearance at Manchester Punk Festival.

Watch the video for ‘Leather Forever’ & see the band’s full live listings below.

PISS KITTI UK Live Dates 2023
20.02.23 – Manchester – The Peer Hat &
04.03.23 – Liverpool – Kazimier Stockroom
09.03.23 – Leeds – Oporto *
11.03.23 – Sheffield – Sidney & Matilda *
30.03.23 – Manchester – The Deaf Institute
08.04.23 – Manchester Punk Fest 2023
02.05.23 – Leicester – Duffys Bar ^
03.05.23 – Nottingham – Percy Picklebackers ^
04.05.23 – Liverpool – Quarry ^
05.05.23 – Sheffield – Sydney & Matilda ^
06.05.23 – Newport – The Cab ^

* w/ Grandma’s House
^ w/ Bruise Control
& w/ Ming City Rockers

Follow PISS KITTI on bandcampSpotifyTwitter & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

PLAYLIST: January 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, guitar anthems and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Amaroun – ‘Just Be Good To Me’ (SOS Band Cover)
This is the latest release from London-based artist Amaroun, a firm favourite of ours here at GIHE! We are all loving this cover of ‘Just Be Good To Me’, originally by SOS Band.
(Tash Walker)

Ritual Forms – ‘Down’
A brooding, atmospheric soundscape that explores the way our moods fluctuate during uncertain times, I’m obsessed with this track from London-based trio Ritual Forms. Lifted from their upcoming debut album, Nighttime Economy, which is set for release on 2nd March, it’s a captivating blend of hypnotic loops, steady beats and intoxicating vocals.
(Kate Crudgington)

CIRCE – ‘Undone’
A sonic manifestation of power, I love this new tune from dark-pop artist Circe. I’ve been listening to her 2020 EP She’s Made Of Saints again recently, and I’m always so impressed by her ability to create such immersive, cinematic soundscapes that melt away the edges of reality. ‘Undone’ is no exception. I can’t wait to see her perform it live at The Shacklewell Arms on Monday 30th Jan. (KC)

Frankie Rose – ‘Anything’
Set to release her fifth studio album this Spring, New York based artist Frankie Rose has now shared her latest single ‘Anything’. Propelled by a whirring ‘80s-inspired drive with shades of the likes The Cure (you should also check out Rose’s Cure cover album Seventeen Seconds), a glistening soundscape flows with a stirring anthemic majesty, creating a blissful slice of electro-pop. Love As Projection, the upcoming new album from Frankie Rose, is set for release on 10th March via Night School Records. (Mari Lane)

ARXX – ‘Ride Or Die’
I challenge you to listen to this new one from absolute faves ARXX without hitting repeat at least 10 times… It’s just such a totally infectious anthem. All propelled by thrashing, impeccable time-keeping from Clara, ‘Ride Or Die’ showcases the gritty, emotion strewn vocals of Hanni, alongside sweeping catchy pop hooks and an empowering euphoria of unified voices singing along with the chorus. An utterly uplifting celebration of queer love and unwavering friendship, it’s the perfect sing-along anthem live. Being able to share a room full of adoring fans, all joining in joyously with “I would” at The Social a few months back was a blissfully memorable experience that I hope to re-live very soon. ‘Ride Or Die’ is out now via Submarine Cat Records, ahead of the release of ARXX’s upcoming album of the same name, which is set for release on 31st March. Pre-order here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Desire’
GIHE fave Grandmas House are back with this gritty new single! Taken from the upcoming new EP, Who Am I, which is set for release on 3rd March via Brace Yourself Records, the track is inspired by the disorientating power of romantic infatuation, full of charged riffs and commanding beats. (KC)

Piss Kitti – ‘I’m Jammed’
This belter from Liverpool-based punks Piss Kitti was released at the end of 2022, but it’s a taste of what’s to come from the band later this year. Having previously supported Black Lips, Dream Wife and Amyl & The Sniffers, it looks like 2023 is set to be another big year for the band. I’m looking forward to hearing more tunes like this in the near future. (KC)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Rockstar’
From the opening riff of ‘Rockstar’ to the track’s final lyric, I love this alternative anthem from Nu Metal sister duo ALT BLK ERA. It dropped into my inbox at the end of last year and it’s been ricocheting around my skull ever since. (KC)

Tokky Horror – ‘Hammer 2 The Face’
Rave-punk trio Tokky Horror will be unleashing this frenzied, excellently named anthem on their crowds at grassroots music venues across the UK for Independent Venue Week from the 1st of February! This track is described as “A sub 2-minute blast of urgency, taking aim at the casual sexual harassment that plagues femme’s in gig spaces.” I can’t wait to hear it live at The Black Heart in Camden. Full details & ticket links for the band’s upcoming IVW shows can be found here. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Cowboy’
The new single from GIHE faves and Ones to Watch for this year, Alien Chicks’ ‘Cowboy’ offers an insight into the trio’s ability to create relentless funk-fuelled punk-rock with a truly unique edge. Building from a sultry rumination on anxieties to a frenzied blast of whirring, riotous emotion, it’s another wonderfully chaotic cacophony from the South London trio. Watch the new video for ‘Cowboy’ here. (ML)

About Bunny – ‘Teeth’
Taken from their recent EP Mixtape Vol.1, this single from London-based rock band About Bunny bites chunks out of its listeners. They’ll be playing at The Hope & Anchor in Islington on 16th February, so head down to see them live if you like what you hear. (KC)

Berries – ‘Spiral’
Following the release of their debut album, How We Function, last year, long term faves Berries have been going from strength to strength lately. Recent single ‘Spiral’ showcases all there is to love about the London trio; an instantly infectious slice of garage-rock, it hits you with its raw, scuzzy power and Holly’s distinctive sumptuous vocals and spiky guitar hooks. Driven by a frenetic energy, it perfectly captures the utterly compelling allure of the band’s live shows – witness this for yourself on their March headline tour – details here. (ML)

The Early Mornings – ‘Early-Modern Rain’
Having just released their second EP Ultra-Modern Rain, London trio The Early Mornings have been becoming known across the London scene for their energetic live sets, and wowed crowds at Left Of The Dial festival last year. Latest single ‘Early-Modern Rain’ fizzes with a jangly energy with shades of left-field legends The Raincoats, as angular hooks flow with a scuzzy allure. A perfectly playful slice of post-punk that will leave you eager to listen to the album in its entirety. (ML)

Softcult – ‘Dress’
Canadian twin siblings Softcult are back with this hazy new offering which tackles the issue of consent. Blending buoyant melodies with their candid lyrics – “It’s a dress, not a yes / Not a fucking invitation” – the band refuse to remain silent in the face of pervasive everyday sexism. The track is taken from their upcoming EP, see you in the dark, which is set for release on 24th March. (KC)

Death Valley Girls – ‘Sunday’
The latest single from LA psych-rockers Death Valley Girls, ‘Sunday’ oozes an enchanting other-worldly splendour. Building with a fizzing energy, it harks back to the psychedelic sounds of the ’70s California scene, whilst showcasing the band’s ability to create something that is utterly unique, reflecting on the process of addressing your pain and being honest with yourself. A beautifully immersive trip into the cosmic world of Death Valley Girls. Islands In The Sky, the upcoming new album from Death Valley Girls, is set for release on 24th February via Suicide Squeeze Records. (ML)

Mandy, Indiana – ‘Injury Detail’
Thumping beats and heavy, unpredictable rhythms permeate this track from experimental electronic outfit Mandy, Indiana. Influenced by the dystopian worlds of Blade Runner 2049 and video games like Bisoshock, vocalist Valentine Caulfield explains: “‘Injury Detail’ was inspired by the idea of being trapped in a liminal space, with the guitars creating a seemingly limitless and undefined landscape. The vocals act as a guide to possible salvation, or perhaps something of a more sinister intent.” (KC)

Lizzy Young – ‘Cigarettes Are Good For Pain’
Someone I’m very excited to hear more from over the next 12 months is Lizzy Young. This track is a love letter to everyone who identifies as a woman, a confrontational art-pop, electro and trap record! (TW)

Rumpistol x Kill J – ‘Walk On Home 2.0’
I was so excited to see Kill J pop up on track, and it’s one I’m going to let speak for itself. ‘Walk On Home 2.0’ is a sensationally layered soundscape. (TW)

Livia Rita – ‘FUGA FUTURA’
This sensational track is taken from Livia Rita’s album of the same name, and I can’t stop listening to it and leaning into the journey it takes me on. They will be releasing a music video for this track soon, where all the different creatures from their previous passages come together as a collective to create a portal into their queer mythologies. It is a mystical journey, a collection of possible future identities, inspired by our desires, dreams and fears for the future. It is a place of healing and fantasy, where nature rebels and magic abounds all in an attempt to unite otherworldly revolutionaries – to a swampy slow pop anthem. Are you ready? I am! (TW)

Nameless Twin – ‘Dead Roses’
I love everything about this haunting new single from industrial-electronic duo Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman aka NAMELESS TWIN. They’ve only released a handful of tracks so far, but all of them have been the perfect blend of dark, dreamy sounds. (KC)

Feral Five – ‘Truth Is The New Gold’
Ahead of the release of their new album next month, electro-punk duo Feral Five have shared the title track as a scintillating taste of what’s to come. Propelled by a fierce energy, ‘Truth Is The New Gold’ explores truth and trust between both people and information. Offering a glitchy soundscape fizzing with an ethereal whirr, Kat’s sweeping, rich vocals flow as a sparkling cinematic splendour immerses the listener. Truth Is The New Gold, the upcoming new album from Feral Five, is out on 10th February via Reckless Yes. (ML)

girl with dream – ‘HRT’ (Heart Replacement Theory)
I can’t get enough of this song by girl with dream, the newest project from trans singer-songwriter Chris Lawson alongside Rhy Climenhage. This track is all about the sacred power found in embracing yourself and participating in an act of healing, guided by self love and harnessing agency. Just beautiful. (TW)

Razor Braids – ‘Nashville, Again’
Brooklyn-based Razor Braids are a queer, all-female/non-binary rock band who combine the vulnerable self-awareness of indie rock with dynamic instrumentation, anchored in a 90s ethos – just like us here at GIHE! This track is a fresh look at an old fave of theirs, the first song they ever released as a band! (TW)

Frankie Morrow – ‘Sunflowers’
Having released their debut EP, Blue Parrot Backpackers Hotel in October, Scottish band Frankie Morrow finally formed their current fully-fledged outfit last year after initially playing together and separately in various musical projects across Scotland since their teens. Personally, I can’t get enough of their glistening, folk-strewn sounds and heartfelt lyricism, and love the lilting grace of this track ‘Sunflowers’. (ML)

‘LINN – Okay, Sister’
Copenhagen DIY avant-pop artist LINN has released this tune with all its soothing tones and acoustic pluckings, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics. It’s taken from her upcoming EP, Femte Dimension, which is out now. Don’t forget to check out the video which was filmed by her 4 year old – amazing! (TW)

Prima Hera – ‘Sidecar’
This is the debut release from Prima Hera, the solo project of musician Stef Williamson. A track all about self-doubt, told through the perception of an imagined other, it’s just beautiful. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Prima Hera in 2023. (TW)

Poolblood – ‘voyager’
This woozy guitar tune from Toronto-based musician poolblood is a tender reflection on the conflicting feelings that come with moving on at the end of a relationship. It’s taken from her recent album, mole, which explores the highs & lows of romantic and platonic love. The songs on the record were influenced by the dynamic between Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix’s characters in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, which is one of my favourite films! (KC)

Dog Park – ‘Sunny Decadence’
A bright, lo-fi indie pop tune, ‘Sunny Decadence’ is the debut single from Paris-based band Dog Park. Full of soft vocals and hazy guitar sounds, it’s a proper antidote to the January blues. (KC)

H.L Grail – ‘O.T.D’
Whilst you may be familiar with her from London icons Goat Girl, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Holly Mullineaux – aka H.L. Grail – has now announced the release of her debut EP. Taken from the EP, new single ‘OTD’ immerses the ears in a shimmering, celestial splendour as Mullineaux’s delicate vocals ripple beautifully with a whimsical allure. An exquisitely stirring lullaby. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming 19th (!) album in March, math-rock alumni Deerhoof have now shared an enticing taster with their brand new single. Sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese (as is the whole album), ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’ offers a frenzied, colourful cacophony as quirky honey-sweet vocals twinkle throughout the fuzzy soundscape. I’m super excited about the return of Deerhoof and can’t wait to hear Miracle Level, the new album, released on 31st March via Joyful Noise. (ML)

Track Of The Day: Piss Kitti – ‘Turn You Over’ (Keep On Comin’ On)

A playful, strung out guitar tune about the mixed feelings we have after a difficult breakup, Liverpool punks Piss Kitti have shared their latest single ‘Turn You Over’ (Keep On Comin’ On). Lifted from their upcoming four tack EP For The Lovers, which is set for release on 19th March, the track navigates the uneasy emotions that dictate our actions after a relationship has ended.

Formed of vocalist Esme, guitarist Dominic, bassist Clara and drummer Danny, Piss Kitti write songs that spark conversations about sex, queerness and gender. Fusing relatable lyrics, catchy melodies and elements of garage and punk rock together, the band aim to simultaneously “turn you on, make you dance and make you think.” Their upcoming EP is an exploration of “romantic turmoil” and new single ‘Turn You Over’ (Keep On Comin’ On) is the first taste of this bittersweet slice of uncertainty.

“‘Turn You Over’ is about going through a breakup and knowing in your heart that it’s all wrong,” vocalist Esme explains. “You try to accept it and move on but you can’t, and instead find yourself fantasising, wishing and waiting for your love to return, replaying memories just to make yourself sick.” Through Dominic’s grungy riffs, Esme’s lush lilting vocals and Danny’s crashing percussion, Piss Kitti go through the motions on this new offering with a buoyant, warped optimism.

Listen to ‘Turn You Over’ (Keep On Comin’ On) below.

 

Follow Piss Kitti on bandcamp, Spotify, TwitterInstagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LIVE: The Coathangers @ Arts Club Loft, Liverpool, 30.04.19

Why aren’t The Coathangers better known? It’s a question that occurs whilst writing this review. Perhaps, with their self-titled debut coming along in 2006, they emerged at a time when bands were pretty uniformly all-male and ironically pro-choice band names were unheard of. Whatever the case, it’s led them here, to a smallish loft venue in Liverpool on a Tuesday, calling in support from two of the city’s emerging punk acts.

Piss Kitti take to the stage by degrees, with guitarist Dominic, bassist Quinn and drummer Daniel already onstage and set up before lead singer Esme followss. The group are joyously unrefined and uncoordinated, whilst the set is shallow fried DIY punk – all power chords and burps down the mic, shrieks and thuds. But there’s social commentary too: “We always get told off for doing this one because it’s about the lad bands round here that are absolute melts”, Esme announces before the band crash into ‘Bore’.  It’s ironic, and perhaps deliberate, that it has the best chorus of the set.

After Salt the Snail tell us “We’ve got absolutely nothing to say”, we wait for what seems an age for The Coathangers to appear. When they do, they creep on in darkness – so dark, in fact, that the gold lamé hooded dresses worn by all three of them are quite startling when the lights come up. It’s an eerie opening too, with jungle sounds and the bassless lilt of ‘Lithium’ and its tale of medication, sung sweetly by singer/guitarist Julia.

In some ways, it belies the rest of the show, most of which flits between Julia’s vocals and the gritty Wanda Jackson pipes belonging to drummer Stephanie. The set is largely taken from new album The Devil You Know, with several album track highlights that reflect the band’s duality: ‘5 Farms’, a straight up garage slammer that meanders into swing; ‘Stranger Danger’, equal parts creepy and bluesy; ‘Hey Buddy’, a maraca-backed cool AF 70s rocker.

But The Coathangers are more in-sync than in-opposition: bassist Meredith takes lead vocals on ‘Memories’, and towards the end of the set, the band have all swapped roles, with each taking a turn on lead vocals and drums. At one point, the band finish a song and collapse into laughter. It’s an insight into Coathanger World, and helps explain the trio’s willingness to go on making music, for over ten years and across six albums. “We’ve been on tour for five months!”, offers Stephanie, by way of explanation.

There’s a smattering of older tracks for the diehards in the room – the titular track from previous LP Nosebleed Weekend, its lead single and the band’s signature tune ‘Make It Right’, and ‘Shut Up’ from 2014’s Suck My Shirt – before the band close with fan favourite ‘Squeeki Tiki’, featuring Julia playing the song’s hook on a dog’s squeaky chew toy, before they strut off, those dresses flashing gold. There’s no encore, after a set with very little bantering with the crowd and no endless tune-ups. Just 45 minutes of pop-rock, garage and Runaways-style punk performed with a minimum of fuss. It’s worth its wait.

John McGovern
@etinsuburbiaego