Track Of The Day: Pretty Happy – ‘Sea Sea Sea’

A cacophony of raw vocals, thumping beats and swirling guitar riffs, Cork art-punk trio Pretty Happy have shared their latest single ‘Sea Sea Sea’. Through raucous, contrasting rhythms and their blend of chaotic, melodic voices, the band take a dive into the murky waters of gender stereotyping, dismantling misconceptions about queer identity against a cathartic backdrop of post-punk noise.

Formed of Abbey Blake (guitar), Arann Blake (vocals, bass) and Andy Killian (drums), Pretty Happy have been busy cutting their teeth on the DIY Irish music and arts scene over the last few years. Abbey is a founder of Angry Mom Collective, a movement set up to challenge the gender imbalance in Irish arts, whilst Arann and Andy are keenly involved in the local drama and film scenes. Together, the trio combine their talents to create their distinctive sounds and ‘Sea Sea Sea’ is another eccentric taste of what’s to come from the band’s upcoming EP due for release later this year.

Delivering lines like “Your daughter wants to ride a motorcycle / You can’t handle it / She’s your only son,” in their direct, Cork intonation, the band attempt to subvert gender norms and erode the ignorance surrounding queer stereotypes, with the accompanying video reflecting this struggle. Directed by Abbey – who was nominated for Pinewood Studio’s ‘Lift Off First Time Film Makers Festival’ award for her work – the visuals show the protagonist digging into the sand before running full pelt into the sea to wash away the limiting and damaging tropes the band sing of.

Watch the video for ‘Sea Sea Sea’ below.

Follow Pretty Happy on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: Naz & Ella – ‘Internalised’

A gentle, sincere lament about the personal affects of internalised homophobia, North London-based duo Naz & Ella have shared their latest single ‘Internalised’. The first track to be taken from their upcoming EP (DE)HUMANISE, the track is a quiet yet candid exploration of the struggles the duo have faced whilst coming to terms with their sexuality and gender identities.

“It was important to us that this song conveyed an emotional journey with a light at the end of the tunnel,” explains Ella. Though the context of ‘Internalised’ is rooted in pain and confusion, the duo treat it tenderly with their blend of dreamy guitars and lush vocal harmonies. Together, they overcome the fears that have manifested after “too many years of hiding in the shade / wrapped in shame” to find peace and pride in their identities. “For the first time in my life / I’m proud to call you mine” the pair sing, providing hope for queer listeners who may still be on their journey to self acceptance.

“Internalised homophobia is a very isolating experience,” Naz explains. “Not only are you hurting yourself, but also those around you whether intentional or not. Whilst we think it’s important to take responsibility for your actions, we wanted to call out how growing up in a cisheteronormative world teaches queer people that there’s something wrong with us. Ultimately, only we can set ourselves free if we’re willing to unlearn that socialisation and push through the pain.” The duo have also explored the experiences they touch on in ‘Internalised’ further in a new podcast which you can listen to here.

Listen to the track below.

Follow Naz & Ella on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment