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ALBUM: Queen Zee – ‘Queen Zee’

Making weirdness in to wonderful, inclusive, explosive new tunes; GIHEs favourites Queen Zee have shared their debut self-titled album and it’s every bit as glorious as we’d hoped. Released via their own label Sasstone Records, the group have created ten tracks that gleefully cut down any of the forces that attempt to stand in the way of equality.

The tongue-in-cheek ‘Loner’ opens the record, and it’s an in-your-face anthem taking the piss out of being a solitary, socially inept loser. Zee’s vocals dominate the track as swirling guitar and non-stop percussion keep the riot going. It’s followed by the equally punchy ‘Lucy Fur’ and ‘Sissy Fists’, which are belting fusions of grunge & punk. The latter smashes apart any associations of weakness and is a proper hardcore two minutes of pure adrenaline.

‘Idle Crown’ is a riotously executed piece of Marilyn Manson-esque pop sleaze. The narrative centers around two LGBTQ+ characters trapped in a toxic heteronormative relationship, who are unable to live as their true selves. It’s hard to resist screaming along to the chorus of ‘Porno’ and ‘Victim Age’, both of which will have you kicking and screeching around a dance floor.

The album’s standout track is undoubtedly ‘Boy’. It’s an anthem for trans-gender rockers and their allies who refuse to be ignored, or oppressed by transphobic or homophobic attitudes. “You can try and bury my head in the sand, but that won’t make the body at the surface a man’s” sings Zee, as manic guitar and heart-pounding drums smash out for just shy of five minutes. ‘Hunger Pains’ follows with Zee’s ravenous screeching and more trademark corkscrew guitar riffs, whereas the brief interlude ‘Anxiety’ is a mellow yet candid admission to not feeling well.

Whether you admit to it or not, we can all relate to closing track ‘I Hate Your New Boyfriend’. It’s a hilariously vicious take-down of a misogynistic partner who drains your friend and by default drains you too. Turn it up extra loud anytime you know said antagonist is in the vicinity. With their punk attitude and ability to write abrasive and infectious tracks, there’s no danger of Queen Zee being melted in to a “masculine mould” – and we’re rejoicing in support of this “whipping girl born into a big man’s world”. What a debut, invest immediately.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo Photography

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

February 12, 2019

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

PLAYLIST: February 2019

It’s a brand new month and that means we’ve got a brand new playlist of new music to share with you. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Queen Zee – ‘Loner’
GIHEs faves Queen Zee released their debut self-titled album last week, and this single was lifted from the record just before it dropped. It’s an in-your-face anthem that takes the piss out of being a solitary, socially inept loser. Zee’s vocals dominate this track which is filled with swirling guitar noise and non-stop percussion. Mari & I will be watching Queen Zee live at The Lexington on Valetine’s Day this year, and we can’t wait to grab a copy of this glorious record, and we’d encourage you to do the same! (Kate Crudgington)

Scrounge – ‘Crimson’
Total faves Scrounge have just released their ferocious new single ‘Crimson’. Ever since they completely blew us away with their epic energy-fuelled set at our gig at The Windmill last summer, we’ve been struggling to put into words just how impressive we find their refreshingly original sound. Propelled by Luke’s intense pummelling beats and Lucy’s trademark gritty snarl, ‘Crimson’ creates a frenzied swirl of sound that’ll wrap itself around you with a racing sense of urgency. With shades of the soaring majesty of Sonic Youth, whilst retaining the duo’s utterly unique and colossal genre-blending sound, I just can’t get enough of ‘Crimson’s wonderfully discordant whirring cacophony. (Mari Lane)

Le Butcherettes – ‘Give Up’
Taken from their new album bi/MENTAL released last week, this knockout single from Le Butcherettes laments the many struggles surrounding grief. Front woman Teri’s passionate vocal delivery and the infectious rolling rhythms on this track make it a real blood-pumping affair you can’t sit still to. (KC)

Sacred Paws – ‘Brush Your Hair’
Having won the 2017 Scottish Album Of The Year Award for their debut Strike A Match, Glasgow-based duo Sacred Paws have become firm favourites over the last couple of years. Now, with their vibrant, jangly melodies flowing seamlessly alongside lush harmonies and thrilling, racing beats, new single ‘Brush Your Hair’ has secured their place in our hearts once again. And, with the band’s trademark utterly infectious uptempo energy and colourful charisma, ‘Brush Your Hair’ is set to brighten your February on first listen. (ML)

Arlo Parks – ‘Super Sad Generation’
Arlo Parks has shared her beautiful follow up to single ‘Cola’ with the aptly named ‘Super Sad Generation’. It’s a heartfelt tune that speaks about going through the motions, trying to make emotional sense of what’s in front of you. (KC)

Mags On Earth – ‘Tulip Stone’
Influenced by her constantly changing surroundings and by the pressures associated with youth and living in the moment; Mags On Earth has shared her beautifully dreamy single ‘Tulip Stone’. The song was recorded with producer Jose Manuel Cubides in London, and deals with “wondering what else life could be looking like right now, and the pressure of spending your youth in a certain way and how time keeps passing”. (KC)

Amahla – ‘Dorothy’s Verses’
Exploring what truth is through the story of her grandmother, Amahla’s ‘Dorothy’s Verses’ flows with rich, impassioned vocals alongside luscious sweeping hooks, creating a truly dreamy – and deeply stirring – offering. Having played legendary venues such as The Jazz Cafe and The Roundhouse, and garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Extra and 6Music’s Tom Robinson, I really can’t wait to hear more from this innovative artist. (ML)

NAVA – ‘Ritual’
Milan-via-Iran based project NAVA’s new single is a blend of Persian-dance inspired beats, industrial elements and hypnotic vocals. I like this band’s obscure image and sound, so I’ll be keeping tabs on them for the rest of 2019. (KC)

Miss Jacqui – ‘These Walls’
I was only recently introduced to songwriter and poet Miss Jacqui when Amahla featured this track on her guest playlist for us; and it was love at first listen. With poignant, heartfelt lyrical storytelling set to glitchy beats and a twinkling soundscape, ‘These Walls’ is an essential listen. Having performed at the 2012 Paralympics ceremony, she’s only officially started releasing tracks last year, and I’m so glad she has. An exceptional voice that we need in our ears now more than ever. (ML)

Heather Woods Broderick – ‘Where I Lay‘
‘Where I Lay’ is the utterly cinematic new single from Oregon’s Heather Woods Broderick. With its sparkling beauty and the subtle soaring power of Woods Broderick’s vocals, it’s impossible not to become utterly captivated. Of the track, she explains explains: “’Where I Lay’ is really a poem about the impermanence of all things. So many of our questions will remain unanswered but if we slow down and appreciate things as they are it can provide a simplicity and an ease that inspires wonder amidst the chaos.” ‘Where I Lay’ is taken from Heather Woods Broderick’s new album Invitation, out on 19th April via Western Vinyl. (ML)

Hubert’s Friend – ‘Shipping Forecast’
Filled with gritty, blues-driven riffs, meandering desert-rock groove and the soaring soulful vocals of front woman Elly Lock, I just can’t get enough of this new single from London’s Hubert’s Friend. With regular appearances on the London gig scene, Hubert’s friend have now got through to the quarter finals of Isle of Wight Festival Emerging Talent competition, so it definitely seems they’re headed for big things this year. (ML)

February 11, 2019

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

PLAYLIST: November 2018

The dark winter nights are creeping in, but our brand new November playlist is filled with bright, vibrant new sounds from a range of unusual and inspiring new artists. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Temples Of Youth – ‘Darker Places’
Temples Of Youth have long been a favourite of ours here at Get In Her Ears, so we were thrilled to have them as guests on our Hoxton radio show last week (listen back here). ‘Darker Places’ is the title track of their latest EP, and I love Paul’s sweeping guitar sounds and Jo’s melancholy, but powerful vocals. We can’t wait to have them play for us at Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st alongside Alyss, Elsa Hewitt & Varley (tickets are available on DICE. RSVP here). (Kate Crudgington)

Montauk Hotel – ‘Stains’
I poached these Dublin indie girls from Tash after she played ‘Stains’ on our Hoxton Radio show last week. I love their gentle, melodic, shimmering sound. They’re definitely ones to watch… (KC)

Scrounge – ‘Etch’
Both edgy and itchy, the appropriately named ‘Etch’ is a short, but very sweet blast of perfect scuzz-filled post-punk. A track that will indeed remain etched on your ears, demanding multiple listens, it’s propelled by Luke’s thrashing beats as Lucy’s colossal vocals rage alongside whirring hooks with a gritty sense of urgency. Oozing the duo’s epic, swirling wall of sound, with ‘Etch’ Scrounge have blown me away once again, marking themselves out as definite ones to watch. (Mari Lane)

Vulpynes – ‘2 Cents’
A song about freeing yourself from expectations, Vulpynes’ ‘2 Cents’ is propelled by the gritty, impassioned vocals of guitarist Maeve, raging with a seething energy and sublime raw power as punk-fuelled riffs are blasted out alongside intense pummelling beats. Reminiscent of the riotous force of the likes of L7 or The Distillers, it’s another storming, empowering offering from the Dublin duo, showcasing all there is to love about them. (ML)

Chorusgirl – ‘Demon Baby’
Following 2015’s wonderful self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl have now announced their long-awaited new album Shimmer And Spin, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Taken from the album, ‘Demon Baby’ is the first song of the band’s to be released that’s written and sung by Faith Taylor (also of faves Suggested Friends). A slight change in tone from the usually guitar-driven jangly indie of Chorusgirl, ‘Demon Baby’ combines those welcome fuzz-filled hooks with a backdrop of a glitchy, electronic soundscape, filled with sparkling effects and luscious cascading harmonies. Shimmer And Spin is out 16th November via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Worst Place – ‘Square Eyes’
Oozing all the totally dreamy vibes we’ve come to expect from the East London band and GIHE faves Worst Place, ‘Square Eyes’ is an ode to Netflix lovers (me!) everywhere. Flowing with the scuzzy whirr of guitars alongside bassist Amy’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, it’s a simply perfect slice of sparkling, woozy indie-pop. ‘Square Eyes’ is out now on limited edition green glitter cassette, along with its double A Side ‘Soak’. (ML)

Bryde – ‘On the Subject of Breathing’
Following a nomination for the Welsh Music Prize for her debut album Like An Island, London-based Welsh songwriter Bryde has share this new single ahead of her UK tour. It’s strummy, it’s seething, it’s sullen. (Tash Walker)

The Orielles – ‘Bobbi’s Second World’
The story of a cat named Bobbi, this new track from faves The Orielles flows with an onslaught of scuzzy, funk-fuelled hooks and groove-laden, disco-reminiscent vibes. With the noticeable addition of keys courtesy of new member Alex, ‘Bobbi’s Second World’ initially sounds a lot less ‘indie’ than previous releases – focusing on creating a poppy danceability -, but it is certainly no less innovative. It remains distinctly The Orielles; an instantly infectious anthem filled with a buoyant energy and oozing a colourful spirit. ‘Bobbi’s Second World’, along with accompanying track ‘Makes You Forget (Itgehane)’, is out now via Heavenly Recordings. (ML)

Planningtorock – ‘Much Too Touch’
I have loved Planningtorock for many a year now, having seen them for the first time in 2011. Oh how the years fly by and the music just gets better and better. ‘Much Too Touch’ is the second track Planningtorock has shared in the run up to their very recently released album Powerhouse and the only track from the album to feature a co-producer, who is long time friend and collaborator Olof Dreijer of The Knife. Powerhouse was released last week on the 9th November via DFA records and is EXCELLENT. Go listen. (TW)

Queen Zee – ‘Hunger Pains’
Will there ever be a day when Liverpool rockers Queen Zee release something we don’t immediately love? (errr, no). ‘Hunger Pains’ is the band’s latest knockout single, and it’s accompanied by the news that they’ll be releasing their debut album in February 2019. We. Can’t. Wait. (KC)

Nasty Little Lonely – ‘Excuses Excuses’
Bristol’s Nasty Little Lonely are taking a step back from band life for the foreseeable future, but they’ve released the powerful ‘Excuses Excuses’ in to the world just before they do. Of the track, vocalist & bassist Charlie explains: “The song is about how fucked the planet is and how we all know we need to do something about it, but things need to get serious right now or it’ll be too late”. We’re definitely aware of the climate change epidemic, and we’re glad we have the riotous sounds of NLL to motivate us in to action. (KC)

Zilla With Her Eyes Shut – ‘Cut Me Boy’
‘Cut Me Boy’ is the latest single from Zilla, who now goes by the name Zilla With Her Eyes Shut. This track was created using samples of unconventional objects such as a Stanley knife, liquid iron, rocks, elastic bands and an eye mask. The results are a thick mixture of unusual beats and warped vocals. I love it. (TW)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Invisible Threads’
I saw Elsa Hewitt at The Great Escape Festival in May and her ambient, altruistic electronics have been floating around my head ever since. This is her latest stand-alone single, and it’s full of intricate loops and hushed vocals. She’ll be playing for us alongside Alyss at our next Notting Hill Arts Club on December 1st, so grab a ticket on DICE now and come along to appreciate her talent in all its live glory (RSVP here). (KC)

CHINAH – ‘Real Thing?’
Oh-so-many sultry beats which carry the promise of more to come. ‘Real Thing?’ comes from Copenhagen’s CHINAH, and their debut LP Anyone is out now. You can read more about them in our GIHEs interview with them here. (TW)

November 14, 2018November 14, 2018

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LIVE (Photos): The Great Escape Festival 2018

The Great Escape kicked off UK festival season in sun-soaked style last weekend, and it’s taken us a few days to gather our thoughts on the prolific 3-day event, renowned for championing new music. Spread across multiple venues in Brighton, we managed to catch some of the brightest talents in between sunbathing on the beach and consuming our body weight in fish & chips.

Irish beauts Pillow Queens kicked off proceedings with their packed set at The Prince Albert on Thursday afternoon, setting a high standard for the rest of the weekend, before Scottish alt-rockers The Ninth Wave blew us away at Horatios at the end of the Pier. They had three shows by the sea, so they definitely made waves.

Soccer Mommy

Gracing the brand new Beach House stage were Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy, and both performed to big crowds with their catchy slacker-pop anthems. We saw out Thursday in spectacular style at The Hope and Ruin with our favourites Queen Zee. Their packed set included a cover of Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’ and their usual crowd-pleasers ‘Boy’ and ‘Sass Or Die’.

Queen Zee

We partied a little too hard post Queen Zee, so Friday was pretty hazy until our favourite rock-pop duo REWS blew our hangovers away with their set at the Beach House. We caught this duo in 2016 at The Speigltent and since then they’ve signed to Marshall Records, released their debut album Pyro, and have started sharing their singles in America. These girls are exceptionally talented and always entertaining to see live.

REWS

We had high hopes of catching Bodega, but the queue outside The Haunt was longer than the equator, so we took off in search of venues supporting The Alternative Escape. We caught some of psych-rockers Strange Cages before calling it a night.

Saturday started off with Canada’s Partner, who were a complete joy to watch live at The Walrus. We caught some final rays of sunshine and had our last portion of chips before heading over to Sticky Mikes Frog Bar to catch Copenhagen’s Nelson Can, who were ultra-cool all clad in white. We spotted Brighton’s ARRX on the barrier watching them too. Electronic one-woman-wonder Elsa Hewitt was the last act we caught in Komedia before the festival was over. She hypnotised us with her well-crafted electronic sounds.

Our photographer Jon Mo was arguably the most productive man in Britain over The Great Escape weekend and he managed to catch all the bands we didn’t (aside from Dream Wife, who unsurprisingly packed out The Beach stage to capacity.) Check out his incredible shots below. Brighton, we’ll see you again in 2019!