LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Alien Chicks & Girls Rock London (03.04.23)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists! Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too. The pair enthused about the eclectic mix of tracks on the playlist, including Okay Kaya, HotWax, Amy Fitz Doyley, Problem Patterns, Girlhood, ARXX, Calva Louise and more.

Tash caught up with Jessie, the co-director of Hackney-based charity Girls Rock London to talk about the work that the non-profit organisation do with with local women, girls and non-binary youths. You can find out more about Girls Rock London, donate to them and listen to the first GRL album by clicking here.

Kate and Tash were also joined in the studio by Martha and Stefan from experimental/post punk trio Alien Chicks. The Brixton-based band – who we listed as Ones To Watch earlier this year – spoke about the inspiration behind their recent single ‘Cowboy’ and the making of the accompanying video, shot by Lou Smith and filmed in Soho. Alien Chicks will be playing their biggest headline show to date at The Lexington in London on 19th April. Click here to buy your tickets and for a list of their remaining UK tour dates supporting The Wood Burning Savages.

Listen back to the radio show below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio at 12pm on Monday 1st May!

Tracklist
boygenius – $20
Vera ft. Okay Kaya – Falling
Hannah Jadagu – What You Did
HotWax – Treasure
Amy Fitz Doyley – Eye Of The Needle
Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – NMP
Shania – Pretty Mad
Emily Mercer – Restless
Gayle Smith x Jen Athan – Taxi Driver
**Girls Rock London Interview**
Full Pelt – Better Off
Alien Chicks – Cowboy
**Alien Chicks interview**
Man/Woman/Chainsaw – Back/Burden
Ailbhe Reddy – Shitshow
Anika & Ni Vash – No Fly Zone
English Teacher – Song About Love
cruush – Stick In The Mud
Sksie – PTSP
Girlhood – Love, Surround Me in Everything I Do
Problem Patterns – Who Do We Not Save
Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – Huge
Calva Louise – Feast Is Over
ARXX – God Knows
CHUCK SJ – Throw Me A Bone
The Knife – Without You My Life Would Be Boring

EP: Grandmas House – ‘Who Am I’

Formed of Yasmin Berndt (vocals, guitar), Poppy Dodgson (vocals, drums) and Zoë Zinsmeister (bass), Grandmas House combine gritty guitars, thudding percussion and a joyful dose of sarcasm to create their catchy punk inspired anthems. The Bristol-based trio released their self-titled debut EP in October 2021, which covered everything from dismantling the patriarchy, celebrating queer love, to a penchant for local pasties. Now, Grandmas House are back with their second EP, Who Am I, another collection of songs that tackle body image, identity and disassociation and negatively stereotyped zodiac signs.

Born from the desire to overcome the discomfort that facing your own reflection can cause, opener ‘Body’ is a riotous cacophony that sets the scathing, cathartic tone of the record. Full of candid vocals and boisterous riffs, the anthem aims to dismantle the strained relationships we have with our own bodies. When the band simultaneously chant “haven’t seen myself for a second of the day / it feels like everyone is growing / and I just stay the same”, they capture the uneasiness of existing in an insecure skin, whilst putting their own corrosive spin on this feeling to alleviate the pressure.

What follows is a a bi-lingual blast of angst on ‘How Does It Feel?’. Pairing Berndt’s passionate French vocal with Dodgson’s visceral English one, the track is “a call and response between two people about the feelings of confusion you go through when breaking up.” It bleeds into the smouldering ‘Desire’. Inspired by the disorientating power of romantic infatuation, Berndt’s raucous voice rises and falls alongside Dodgson’s backing vocals and blistering beats across the track, whilst Zinsmeister’s rumbling basslines enhance the all-consuming yearning that’s explored in the lyrics.

Closing their record with the title track – described as “an anthem by Gemini’s, for all the other Gemini’s out there” – Grandmas House gleefully defy the negative stereotyping surrounding their zodiac sign with charged riffs and commanding beats. Clocking in at just under 8 minutes in total, Who Am I is a blast of raw, frenzied post-punk energy that showcases the trio’s talent for writing defiant, witty guitar tunes that warrant repeated listens.

Grandmas House play live tonight (23rd March) at The Victoria in Dalston. Tickets here.

Follow Grandmas House on TikTok, bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Rosie Carne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

PLAYLIST: March 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative anthems, alt-pop tunes and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. We skipped February’s edition of the Playlist, so March is packed with loads of new music! Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and then press play at the end of this post.

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

Fraulein – ‘Pet’
Is it even a GIHE Playlist if we don’t include a Fraulein track? Since Mari first introduced Joni & Karsten to the GIHE team in 2020, we’ve been fans of everything the grunge duo have released, including this new track ‘Pet’. It was a pleasure to have them in the studio chatting about it on our February Soho Radio show, which you can listen back to here.
(Kate Crudgington)

Hot Wax – ‘Treasure’
Full of buzzing basslines, commanding beats and raucous guitar sounds, this track from Hastings trio HotWax flicks between melodic verses and riff-heavy breakdowns, providing listeners with a welcome rush of blood to the head. The band are gearing up for their own mini UK tour this month, before joining The Pearl Harts as main support in May. (KC)

Brix Smith – ‘Fast Net’
The awesome latest single from rock legend Brix Smith, ‘Fast Net’ is propelled by a fierce energy and gritty punk-fuelled spirit. Racing with pummelling hooks alongside Smith’s soaring honey-sweet vocals and immersive charisma, it offers a raging reflection on facing up to your vulnerabilities. ‘Fast Net’ is taken from Smith’s debut solo album, Valley Of The Dolls, out now. (Mari Lane)

Hannah Jadagu – ‘What You Did’
I love this hazy guitar tune from Texas-based musician Hannah Jadagu, who only recently appeared on my radar. Taken from her upcoming debut album Aperture, which is set for release on 19th May via Sub Pop, Jadagu’s bittersweet vocals and reverb-laden riffs are totally infectious. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Lunch Machine – ‘Pipedream Graveyard’
On ‘Pipedream Graveyard’, Belfast-based alt rockers Lunch Machine blend the angst of 90s grunge and melodic pop sensibilities to push past feelings of apathy. Marking their first piece of new music in five years, the track is a grunge-infused take on the futility of planning for the future whilst the planet is slowly collapsing around us. (KC)

Earthlung – ‘Joy¿’
Full of sardonic spoken-word style vocals, cutting lyrics and distorted riffs, this single from Brighton-based band Earthlung is a search for meaning and relief amidst the mind-numbing everyday tasks we undertake in order to keep living our best lives. (KC)

English Teacher – ‘Song About Love’
Out now via Speedy Wunderground, ‘Song About Love’ is the latest single from Leeds band English Teacher. As the sultry smooth vocals of front woman Lily Fontaine flow alongside chiming hooks and steady beats, it offers a wonderfully infectious exploration into the romance that can be found in the mundane; a whirring ode to “doing the chores, instead of doing someone else.” Watch the fantastic, Sims-inspired, video for ‘Song About Love’ here. (ML)

cruush – ‘Stick In The Mud’
“I guess you can say our music has the sweet elements of having a crush on someone, but the screeching of an industrial car crusher…” explains cruush’s vocalist Amber Warren. Say no more, Amber, I love it! This track is taken from the Manchester-based shoegaze band’s upcoming EP Wishful Thinker, which is set for release on 14th April via Heist Or Hit. (KC)

Red Sun Alert – ‘Huge’
Taken from their recent EP Assume Power, this track from Cork-based post-hardcore band Red Sun Alert is an angst-ridden banger. Their new record is full of raging riffs, relentless beats and anthemic vocals, so definitely check it out if you like the sound of this. (KC)

Problem Patterns – ‘Who Do We Not Save?’
The first piece of new music since their visceral 2022 anthem ‘Y.A.W‘ (Yes All Women), I’m a big fan of Belfast-based DIY punks Problem Patterns’ latest single. Released via Alcopop! Records who the band have recently signed to, ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ takes aim at the incompetent Tory government and their continued attempts to privatise the NHS. Giving their listeners a space to release their pent up frustrations, fears and disappointments is a core value of Problem Patterns’ music, and with this track the band have provided another cathartic aural antidote to offset the anxiety of the uncertain times we’re currently living through. (KC)

SPIDER – ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Written in response to the backlash she received and the whitewashing she witnessed on popular online platforms, SPIDER chooses to thrive in the face of adversity on her new track, ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Taking aim at her critics via abrasive riffs and candid lyrics, the London-based, Irish musician & producer has channelled her vitriolic energy into another empowering anthem and accompanying video, which acts as a defiant cry for better black representation in alternative music scenes. (KC)

Momma – ‘Bang Bang’
New York City four-piece Momma are back – with a bang – on their latest single. This track was co-written by band members Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten when they both caught Covid-19 last year. Making the most of their time in isolation, the pair got drunk together and ended up writing a fun song about great sex, with ‘Bang Bang’ being the result. All of Momma’s songs are mega catchy and this one is no exception. (KC)

Lilies In My Brain – ‘Blue Sky’
Inspired by everyone from Alkaline Trio, to Angel Olsen and Wet Leg, South London-based four-piece Lilies In My Brain create shimmering indie-pop anthems. This track is taken from their album, 21 = 2a + 7, which the band released back in 2021. They’re currently working on their second album, which they’re planning to release later this year. (KC)

Perlee – ‘Lampshade’
Inspired by everything from the nature of unconditional love to the banality of capitalist society, Berlin-based Irish band Perlee are preparing to release their debut album, Speaking from Other Rooms on 21st April. This track is lifted from the record, and its full of glistening guitars and dreamy vocals. (KC)

Lunar Vacation – ‘Only You’
Following the release of their debut album in 2021, ‘Only You’ is the latest single from Atlanta-based Lunar Vacation. Rippling with beautifully lilting melodies, it shimmers with a stirring emotion and sparkling, cinematic grace, offering an irresistibly effervescent slice of indie-pop with shades of the likes of Alvvays and Best Coast. (ML)

Lusa Morena – ‘Where’s The Spark (If Not In You)’
Having wowed us with the fierce charisma of their live show at The Shacklewell Arms last year, London-based five piece Lusa Morena have recently released a twinkling new single. Reflecting on society’s frequent dismissal of – and stigma around – feelings of depression or mental health struggles, ‘Where’s The Spark’ is a beautifully moving ballad, oozing sweeping, glossy riffs alongside front woman Bárbara’s rich, luscious vocals. (ML)

Aisha Badru – ‘Lazy River’
Flowing with a lilting energy, ‘Lazy River’ reflects on the journey of emotional healing and the time that this can take. Rippling with the shimmering grace of Badru’s vocals and a twinkling folk-strewn musicality, it oozes an exquisite stirring splendour. Learning To Love Again, the upcoming new EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release in June. (ML)

JFDR – ‘Spectator’
I notice something different each time I listen to this beautiful track by Icelandic experimental songwriter JFDR. Her tender voice and concise, gentle lyrics compliment the glimmering synths perfectly. ‘Spectator’ is lifted from her upcoming album Museum, which is set for release on 28th April via Houndstooth Records. Speaking about the track, JFDR explains “‘Spectator’ is an anthem for the codependent, a lullaby for the ones slightly codependent and for those who have never felt it; a mirror into the raw thought process of someone deep in the trenches of it.” (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘NMP’
I never tire of listening to Midwife’s melancholy sounds, and this new collaborative effort with Vyva Melinkolya is no exception. ‘NMP’ is taken from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

LANA DEL RABIES – ‘Prayers of Consequence’
The opening track to her recent album STREGA BEATA – which loosely translates as “Blessed Witch” – I love this gloomy, evocative track from Lana Del Rabies. A creator of corrosive, brooding experimental sounds, the Phoenix-based producer and multimedia artist’s new record is a cathartic medium for her innermost thoughts on the human condition, grief and navigating tragedy. You can listen to the album and read about some of the music that inspired her to write it in our Five Favourites feature here. (KC)

MANDY, INDIANA – ‘Pinking Shears’
A brittle, abrasive blend of beats, noise and bittersweet French vocals, this track from Manchester-based four-piece MANDY, INDIANA seethes with a palpable frustration. The track is taken from their upcoming debut album, i’ve seen a way, which is set for release on 19th May via Fire Talk Records. (KC)

DEBBY FRIDAY – ‘Hot Love’
Taken from her upcoming debut album, GOOD LUCK, which is set for release via Sub Pop on 24th March, ‘Hot Love’ is another industrial-tinged, explosive electronic banger from DEBBY FRIDAY. The Nigerian-born, Toronto-based artist continues to provide the soundtrack for messy nights on the dancefloor, and the impact that the intoxicating and toxic people we meet in the hedonistic process. (KC)

ARXX – ‘God Knows’
The latest single from absolute faves, Brighton’s ARXX, ‘God Knows’ offers a perfectly heartfelt and instantly catchy anthem. Embracing their love of all things pop, it veers away from the more gritty sound of previous offerings whilst maintaining the duo’s distinctive emotion-strewn power. Of the track, they explain: “We really pushed ourselves to step into Dua Lipa’s shoes. We were able to live our Cher dreams and dive into the world of auto tune and swoopy synths.” ARXX’s upcoming debut album, Ride or Die, is out on 31st March – pre-order here. Catch ARXX live on tour over the next couple of months (I can’t wait to catch them at Rough Trade East on my birthday!) (ML)

Gabi Garbutt and Du Blonde – ‘Panic’
A perfect collaboration between Gabi Garbutt and acclaimed artist Du Blonde, ‘Panic’ is propelled by a swirling post-punk energy alongside sugar-sweet pop melodies as the two vocals fuse together with a shimmering charm, creating a truly blissful, instantly infectious, indie-pop anthem. Watch the wonderful DIY video for ‘Panic’ here. (ML)

Tiiva – ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ (Wheatus Cover)
Taking a classic 00s anthem and putting their own euphoric spin on it, London-based producer Tiiva’s cover of Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is a celebration of queer love. Full of quirky synths and dreamy vocals, the track reflects Tiiva’s own feelings about coming-of-age as a queer person. “I wanted to cover something that I could sing about and be like, ‘yeah that’s me, that’s how I feel’,” Tiiva explains. “The lyrics feel hyper real, my first crush on a girl, feeling invisible in my queerness and wanting to be accepted, to be cool. I feel like this song is such an anthem but also so fun, celebrating how to just be yourself and enjoy it, that’s what the song means to me, and I wanted to share that.” (KC)

Panic Pocket – ‘Mad Half Hour’
The first taste of their upcoming album of the same name, Panic Pocket’s latest single ‘Mad Half Hour’ offers a joyous ode to Spice Girls legend Geri Haliwell, oozing all the playful tongue-in-cheek energy that we’ve come to know and love from the London duo. An instantly catchy slice of fizzing punk-pop, it will have you singing along on first listen; so, don your thigh high boots, scream ‘Girl Power!’ and relish in the nostalgic bliss of this witty anthem. (ML)

Jen Cloher – ‘Mana Takatāpui’
This poignant single from Australian artist Jen Cloher, ‘Mana Takatāpui’ offers a blissful celebration of the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Māori LGBTQ+ community. Showcasing Jen’s trademark luscious soothing vocals alongside a shimmering musicality, it builds with an uplifting energy to a truly joyous unifying anthem. I Am The River, The River Is Me, the upcoming new album from Jen Cloher, is out now via Milk! Records / Marathon Artists (ML)

Girl Ray – ‘Everybody’s Saying That’
Reflecting on themes of new love and self-doubt, ‘Everybody’s Saying That‘ is the latest single from London trio Girl Ray. Swirling with a disco-inspired energy, oozing the band’s colourful charisma and uplifting charm, I just love its funk-fuelled hooks and sparkling danceable allure – a perfect uplifting anthem, that will elevate your spirits, leaving you ready to hit the dancefloor/roller-disco/bedroom with a revived sense of optimism. (ML)

EP: wormboys – ‘smalltime’

Infused with the intense vulnerability they are fast becoming known for, smalltime is the latest EP from wormboys. The Leeds-based four-piece have a distinct sound that mixes an eccentric mashup of genres into a unique experimental style. The EP is made up of three tracks – ‘something pretty’, ‘worm’ and ‘tree’.

‘something pretty’ kicks off with a solid rhythm; the throbbing bass riff and steady drum beat settle in before the screaming guitar leaps in over the top. Higher pitched vocals ring clear above the growling combination of drums and strings, whilst the vocals wail over the grungy, fuzzy music – a howling tribute to queer hedonism. The lyrics and instruments blend in a way that swirls and flows, evoking smoke and glowsticks and swaying movements that aren’t quite balanced, but aren’t quite ready to topple over either. The track draws you into the intoxicating moment it depicts, then spits you out at the other end wishing for it back.

The next track, ‘worm’, is softer; low strings twinkle gently over a subtler beat. The little tune is almost mournful as deeper vocals carry the lyrics, soft and low, drifting like mist. A second vocal – higher, this time – highlights the melody in a distant, ghostly cry whilst in the background there are crackles that almost sound as if there might be something wrong with your speaker. They ramp up as the song gathers energy into a raw, powerful wail of guitar. Upon a repeat listen, those early crackles are wonderfully foreboding. The combination of the soft vocals and the guitars sound like a trapped scream, as it needles into your head with its fierce sense of neurosis and paranoia. This is a great track for showing off the band’s experimental side, using homemade pedals to create a unique distortion on the strings – it is distinctly wormboys, blasting the honest emotion already at the core of their sound.

Finally, we reach ‘tree’, which chugs to a throbbing start that echoes the distorted crackle of the last track, then drifts into a fuller, rounder tune. It has brighter chords and a simple but catchy riff played over strings that dance around each other. Although it couldn’t be called cheerful, the opening bars are misleadingly bouncy. When the vocals kick in, they are pained, ripping through the false pep and thrusting the feeling into the song – if it didn’t fit so perfectly with the rest of the track, you might imagine the vocal line is unprepared. It sounds spontaneous, spilling out all the pain without plan or direction. The music drops away to let the outburst shine, leaving a sense of isolation in the verses until the instruments leap back in for chorus with a harder punch.

As a whole, smalltime combines three exciting tracks to create a fantastic platform to launch wormboys into the next stage of their career. The EP shows off a huge range of skill in just three short tracks, showing off both a mastery of popular styles as well as an undeniable talent for creating altogether new sounds. 

Kirstie Summers
@actuallykurt