Five Favourites: Ghost Car

Having released their epic debut album, Truly Trash, towards the end of last year, London band Ghost Car have previously received acclaim from the likes of Skunk Anansie’s Skin and DIY Magazine, as well as sharing stages with legends such as Beth Ditto and Amyl and The Sniffers. Showcasing their quirky, retro energy and trademark whirring soundscapes and honey-sweet vocals, the album is a pure post-punk delight; a whimsical, yet gritty, insight into the world of Ghost Car.

Originally due to be released by Burger Records, the band then pulled out of the planned album release as accounts of sexual assault and exploitation of women by associates of the label came to light. As activists for feminism and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Ghost Car practice what they preach, and aim to spread their mantra of inclusivity and equal rights as loud as possible.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of Truly Trash, we caught up with Ghost Car to ask about the music that has inspired them the most. See below for their choice of five favourite albums!

Sweeping Promises – Hunger For A Way Out

Cece: This masterpiece came out during lockdown and I immediately became obsessed with it. I always thought that a good lo-fi sound can cut through you way better than overly produced music and this album is proof of it. I haven’t heard something so genuine, direct, and beautiful in a long time. It has all been recorded live, using the “single-mic” technique which creates a perfectly unique and nostalgic sound. Lira’s vocals are incredible and a big inspiration for me, I always keep her style as a reference when I need to push my singing to something less obvious and it’s a good reminder to not detach myself and sing with the heart, not just using my voice.


Du Blonde – Homecoming

Clara: We’ve been asked to play with Du Blonde and we didn’t know much about her. When we checked out one of her video clips to check the vibes, I got super excited, and what an album this is! I could feel that same crazy excitement as when you were in your teens and you got a new record. She’s fun, she’s so talented, she’s so sincere! And she wrote, recorded, produced and released this album herself – how amazing. Loving the ‘90s vibes, but also the romantic chords of ‘Take Me Away’ sending me back to a love song from the ‘50s.


Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material

Maeve: This is one of the greatest albums ever written in my opinion. I got a lot of my musical understanding from my mum – she was in her 20s during the troubles and told me stories of going to see SLF in Belfast and having punk music as a release for all the political chaos happening around them. The start of ‘Johnny Was’ gives me chills and there’s nothing better than screaming ‘Suspect Device’ with my mum really loud.


Deerhoof – The Magic

Laura: I’ve been a fan of this band for a long time, but only bought this album quite recently at the independent label fair – tempted by the white vinyl and the fact it’s released on Upset! The rhythm… It’s brilliant! I really enjoy how it switches tempo and mood often, and you can see the band’s many influences worn on their sleeves! Recorded in 2015, it’s raw and full of experiments – I love the way it takes your hand and leads you through their world. Plus, Satomi’s voice is iconic.


X – Los Angeles

Maeve: I only found out about this album from Cece recently when she said “you need to listen to this album, you’re gonna love it” and she was right. One of the great things about Ghost Car is that we all have such varying different music tastes – we know each other so well, and are constantly discovering new music together. I love the intensity and grit of this album and it got me really excited to write some new bangers with the girls.

Cece: X was a late discovery for me too and I knew it would quickly escalate to my top 10 after listening to ‘Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not’ – a brilliant song where you can see a great example of perfect harmony between male and female vocals. I was also quite amazed to find out that was produced by ex-Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek. X had a huge impact on the ‘80s punk scene and without them we wouldn’t have loads of the great bands that we have today. For example, would Kathy Valentine ever have joined The Go-Go’s if she hadn’t met Charlotte Caffey at the X gig at the Whisky at Go Go in 1980…?

Massive thanks to Ghost Car for sharing their Five Favourites with us! Their debut album Truly Trash is out now via One Little Independent Records. Watch the video for album track ‘Conch Pearl’ below:

GIHE: Ones To Watch 2023

2022 saw its fair share of highs, and lows…but if there was one positive to take away, it’s the immense amount of incredible new music that’s been released, and the hope of even more sublime offerings from some wonderful new bands in 2023.

So, following our Tracks Of 2022, Albums and EPS of 2022 and Personal Highlights 2022 features, we’re now sharing our ‘Ones To Watch’ for 2023 – Just a few of the amazing bands and artists who have impressed us throughout 2022, and that we predict will be reaching ears far and wide next year. Have a read of our choices, and make sure you give them all a follow to keep track of their unmissable achievements over the next twelve months.

 

Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something
Although Jemma Freeman is certainly no newcomer to the music scene, having released their acclaimed debut album, Oh Really, What’s That Then? back in 2019, and previously played with swirling indie-pop collective Landshapes as well as featuring in Wendy Rae Fowler’s band, I feel like over the last twelve months, they have really found their stride. With the release of their new album Miffed via Trapped Animal Records, they’ve showcased their ability to create immense, kaleidescopic soundscapes perfectly, garnering support from the likes of Mojo Magazine, plus airplay from Radio X’s John Kennedy, BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq and Amazing Radio’s Charlie Ashcroft along the way. And they remain one of the most impressive live acts I’ve ever seen; we were lucky enough to have them headline for us back in October, and their utterly unique hypnotic majesty and psychedelic allure blew me away, just as it had done the first time I saw them live back in 2018. 
(Mari Lane: Co-Founder & Managing Editor)

Midwife
Watching Madeline Johnston aka Midwife perform to a sold out crowd at Cafe Oto for her debut London show last year felt like a privileged form of voyeurism. Fans were granted permission to enter the New Mexico-based musician’s dream-like, melancholy world, in which introverted tendencies and unrequited yearnings blur and clash with the urgent desire to find connection and understanding. Musing into her telephone mic with her soft vocals, it felt like Midwife was in dialogue with an unknown person at the end of the line, the distance between the two entities simultaneously expanded and minimised as she sang into the receiver, in front of a room of silent strangers. I was deeply moved by her music and I’ve been thinking about the gig ever since. You can read my full live review here, and make sure you check out Midwife’s most recent album Luminol too. It is absolute Gloomy Girl Heaven
(Kate Crudgington: Co-Founder & Features Editor)

Hypsoline
I’m ashamed to say I was a bit late to the Hypsoline party this year, but thankfully – due to Currls suggesting they play with them at their EP launch last month – I can now say I’m a fully fledged super fan of the Brighton band. In the run up to the gig, I was pretty much totally addicted to the fuzzy, sparkling allure of their debut single ‘Space Babe’, and afterwards I realised there was even more to love about them than I’d previously anticipated. It was a true joy to witness the twinkling, swirling energy and scuzzy charm of each of their eclectic, but equally catchy, offerings. And I can’t wait for them to continue to surprise and captivate me (and the rest of the world) throughout 2023. (ML)

Alien Chicks
Mari booked Brixton-based post punk trio Alien Chicks as one of the support bands for our faves Bad Sidekick for our final GIHE gig of 2022, and their sound knocked the hangover right out of my skeleton. Not only were they totally in sync with each other, relentlessly smashing out their angst-ridden anthems, their guitarist & vocalist was also playing with a broken hand, which is punk af. I can’t wait to hear more from them this year. Grab a ticket to their biggest headline show to date yet at The Lexington in April here. It will be worth every single penny. (KC)

Fräulein
I’ve made no secret of my huge love of London-based duo Joni and Karsten – aka Fräulein – since first being introduced to them in 2020 by Hanni from ARXX, and so it’s been really wonderful over the last twelve months to see them go from strength to strength, and get some of the widespread acclaim that they truly deserve. As well as the release of their debut EP A Small Taste, they’ve wowed us live at two of our GIHE events with their utterly unique and fiercely powerful live set. The duo have also shared stages with the likes of The Mysterines, Thee Quasi and deep tan, and – with acclaim from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit and Fred Perry Subculture – it’s been fantastic to see the positive reception they’ve received and the number of new fans they’ve gained. And this year’s already looking promising with a support slot with none other than total legends Big Joanie booked for 11th January at The Garage, and – I’ve been assured – new music on the very near horizon… 2023 is going to be the year of Fräulein, and I could not be happier for this immensely talented, consistently dedicated, truly innovative (and just plain lovely) duo. (ML)

Chuck SJ
Chuck SJ is a huge part of the London DIY punk community and their commitment to their art and activism is something that deeply impresses all of the GIHE team. They released their epic punk album, Resist Recharge Revolt at the end of last year, and it’s a riotous, eclectic manifesto of political and personal rebellion, spotlighting Chuck’s immense talent as a songwriter and a producer. I’ve yet to see them perform live, but that’s something I’m hoping to change in 2023! Listen to their album via bandcamp here. (KC)

Collars
Another band I’ve been a bit late to the party with, but am so incredibly grateful to have discovered over the last few months. Stepping in as main support for Currls at their EP launch last month fairly last minute, Cambridgeshire based Collars have become my new heroes. Having released their debut album Clyde in 2022, they’ve received plenty of acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing, and have been wowing crowds across the country with their totally mind-blowing live set. As Kane simultaneously pummels the drums whilst blasting out whirring hooks on guitar, Dan exudes a captivating charisma as her powerful vocals soar (sometimes with the help of a megaphone) – it’s no understatement to say it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from them this year… (ML)

CIL
Tash and I caught enigmatic artist CIL when she supported t l k at The Jago in Dalston at the end of March last year. She’s a composer, poet and producer who manipulates sound via a motion-controlled synthesizer. Watching her gracefully move her hands around the altruistic equipment was hypnotising, as was listening to her deeply calm, soothing voice. Definitely check her out, her performance is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before. (KC)

So, even if you may be feeling apprehensive about 2023, at least there’ll be some fantastic music to accompany it! Massive thanks to all who supported GIHE throughout 2022, it really means the world. And huge thanks too to all the amazing bands and artists who’ve soundtracked it, and who will continue to soundtrack 2023!

GIHE: Tracks Of 2022

With another hard-going year behind us, we’ve continued to seek comfort in new music released by our favourite hard-working and talented artists. There’s been an immense amount of incredible new music released, so we want to shed some light on some of the tunes that got us through the hard times, accompanied the good times, and generally saw us through 2022.

To start our annual end of year round-ups, we’re sharing our ‘Tracks Of 2022’ ahead of features on our favourite albums tomorrow, with ‘highlights’ and ‘Ones To Watch 2023’ next week Have a read about some of the tunes we’ve been loving the most, and make sure you hit play on the accompanying playlist to hear just how fantastic they all are!

 

Petrol Girls – ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’
Taken from this year’s epic album, Baby, Petrol Girls’ absolutely colossal anthem ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’ has probably been my most listen-to track of the year. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis urging us to fight against the confines of this damaging patriarchal society and heinous pro-life laws, it also recognises that abortions – whilst often traumatic – can come with a sense of relief and happiness, and our access to them is something to be celebrated. The album as a whole offers a range of fiercely impassioned anthems; a powerfully affecting and utterly necessary collection (other highlights include ‘Fight For Our Lives’, featuring GIHE fave Janey Starling).
(Mari Lane – Co-Founder)

Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’
A powerful, necessary anthem for women and girls who have spoken out against violent misogyny, it was an honour to premiere the video for this track from Belfast punks Problem Patterns on Get In Her Ears this year. The track is a visceral rumination on the universal rage and despair that permeates our consciousness in the wake of public violence towards women, in particular, the misogynist killings of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – on ‘Y.A.W’ the band unleash a cathartic cacophony of noise as they demand “Who do we call for help / When the help seems like a threat to me?”. I cried the first time I heard the track, and it still hits a nerve now.
(Kate Crudgington – Co-Founder)

LibraLibra – ‘Frenemies’
Following the release of their second EP, Modern Millenial, GIHE faves LibraLibra this year treated us to their utterly unique fusion of pop, electro and punk with ‘Frenemies’. Lulling us into a false sense of security with a sweeping orchestral intro, it builds with a haunting majesty into an epic frenzied cacophony. As it rages with a colossal magnificence, front woman Beth’s vocals simmer with a sultry allure before exploding into a riotous anthem seething with dark undertones. LibraLibra are heading out on a UK headline tour in March 2023 (you do not want to miss them live!) – details here. (ML)

CLT DRP – ‘Aftermath’
This track from Brighton trio CLT DRP is a compelling exploration of the way we process generational trauma following sexual assault. It’s a heavy, but important listen that sees vocalist Annie pushing through uncomfortable truths, finding new ways to relate to, and process these difficult emotions. It’s a powerful anthem, and one that will resonate with many GIHE followers. (KC)

Mannequin Death Squad – ‘Super Mental Psycho’
The title track of their immense new album, this single from Aussie duo Elly and Dan – aka Mannequin Death Squad – blasts into the ears with a raw, frenzied energy, creating a perfectly ferocious blast of infectious grunge-tinged rock showcasing a unique colossal power. We were lucky enough to host the London leg of Mannequin Death Squad’s UK tour this summer at The Cavendish Arms, and I was completely blown away by their fiercely captivating energy. (ML)

After London – ‘Hurricane’
Hurricane’ is the latest single from alt-rock five-piece After London. It opens with a dark and groovy bassline and unsettling guitar riff, mirroring lyrics about anxiety and the dark underpinnings of technology. The lyrics are delivered in a sharp spoken word style relaying the track’s clever wordsmithing and strong imagery before breaking into a catchy melodic chorus. The band say it’s perfect for a late-night drive and I won’t hesitate to say I agree. (Ella Patenall – Contributor)

ARXX – ‘The Last Time’
I know we’ve been banging on about them for years now, but total faves Hanni and Clara – aka ARXX – really do just keep going from strength to strength. They’ve had a pretty wonderful year – with airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music as well as tours with the likes of The Big Moon and Pillow Queens – and their success is so well deserved. Taken from their upcoming new album Ride Or Die, ‘The Last Time’ showcases ARXX’s unique ability to combine an immense raucous energy with ridiculously catchy pure pop hooks. Impossible to pigeonhole into one genre, they continue to impress with everything they do, and remain truly one of the most exciting – and completely lovely – bands I’ve ever known. (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Bored Of Men’
I said on one of our Soho Radio shows earlier this year that this single from Irish post punks M(h)aol should be the new intro song for Love Island, and I stand by it! Vocalist Roisin’s frustration is palpable as she delivers her candid lyrics, underscored by a cacophony of abrasive riffs and thumping beats. The band will be releasing their debut album, Attachment Styles, next year. I can’t wait to hear it in full. (KC)

Collars – ‘Rainbows’
A new favourite of 2022 for sure, Collars totally blew me away supporting Currls at the Shacklewell Arms for us this month. As Kane simultaneously pummelled the drums whilst blasting out whirring hooks on guitar, Dan exuded a captivating charisma as the soaring power of their vocals filled the venue – an utterly unique live experience. And ‘Rainbows’, taken from this year’s debut album Clyde, showcases the duo’s energy-filled, fuzz-strewn indie-punk perfectly. (ML)

Human Interest – ‘Mixing Paint’
Having received wide-spread acclaim for their debut EP, Desire Paths, earlier this year, and wowing crowds at shows supporting legends like Self Esteem and Dave Rowntree, London duo Human Interest have firmly cemented themselves as new favourites of mine over the last few months. Reflecting on the darkest crevices of the mind with a fizzing post-punk energy, ‘Mixing Paint‘ oozes the band’s trademark gritty allure as the sweeping power of Tyler Damara Kelly’s vocals ripple alongside atmospheric bass hooks, building with driving beats into a fiercely immersive anthem. (ML)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘The Phone Song’
Having initially been recommended to listen to Nikki & The Waves by Chester trio Peaness when interviewing them for our Soho Radio show earlier this year, I soon became a mega fan of their quirky energy and uplifting vibrant groove. Interweaving Nikki’s lush, honey-sweet vocals with a unique, funk-fuelled musicality, ‘The Phone Song’ showcases all there is to love about this Manchester collective. And we were lucky enough to host Nikki & The Waves and their joyous cacophonies live at The Victoria this summer. (ML)

Junodef – ‘Diane’s Robot’
Junodef are an art rock trio from Sweden and every song they write is a carefully-crafted gem, including their latest single ‘Diane’s Robot’. The song opens with a stunning melancholic guitar, the tone bringing to mind Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. The soft but defiant vocal enters giving the song a dark folky flavour before the eerie robotic voice comes in with a thick synth bass, giving the folkiness a more electronic punch. With lyrics about being young and overwhelmed, this is a gripping and haunting song that stays with you.
(EP) 

Miss Grit – ‘Like You’
New York-based, Korean-American musician Margaret Sohn aka Miss Grit has always used their art in order to explore, connect with, and understand their own identity further. Inspired by android life on this single ‘Like You’, they blend clear vocals, electric guitar riffs and mesmeric beats to reflect the conflicting nature of our inner voices, weighing up which ones to trust, and which ones to ignore. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Over This’
Having just released her new EP Songs For Luminous Living, Maria Uzor has been continuing to captivate us throughout 2022 with her engaging, resplendent electro-pop offerings and with a spellbinding live performance for us at The Shacklewell Arms this Summer. Taken from the new EP, ‘Over This’ ripples with woozy, seductive beats before building to a fierce, cathartic cacophony pulsating with a gritty energy. Reflecting on a time of reclaiming your identity and being honest with your emotions, it’ll grab your ears with its ferocious allure and keep you firmly in its hold with its deep empowering drive. Songs For Luminous Living, the new EP from Maria Uzor, is out now. (ML)

Noga Erez – ‘Nails’
Flowing with her trademark polished production, vocal swagger and defiant lyrics, I love this track by pop renegade & GIHE favourite Noga Erez. “‘Nails’ is a song about jealousy, and how being jealous of people, in this particular case another woman, makes you idealize that person in a very weird and dark way,” Erez explains about the track. The Tel Aviv-based artist and her music & life partner Ori Rousso explore these emotions through their infectious beats and Erez’s visceral emceeing, playfully loosening the grip of the jealous thoughts that we’re all prone to from time to time. I can’t wait to hear more new music from her in 2023. (KC)

AGAAMA – ‘Blackbox Oracle’
This intoxicating blend of enigmatic vocals, heady electronics and jazz-inspired instrumentation from Birmingham-based artist AGAAMA explores our complex relationship with Artificial Intelligence. Taken from her EP, Wandering Worlds, the track questions whether we can live in harmony with the machines we have created. “My body craves control” she confesses, resisting the urge to become “addicted to your code”, trapped in a push-and-pull scenario that has no concrete solution. I love it. (KC)

O Hell – ‘I Watch The Women’
I’m a big fan of this twitchy electronic soundscape from Brighton-based artist Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell. After years spent touring and recording music in alternative band PROJECTOR, Sheehan has ventured into fresh sonic territory under their new moniker, influenced by a love of eclectic, brooding soundscapes and a desire for creative independence. Sheehan explores this on ‘I Watch The Women’, deconstructing their notion of femininity and reassessing the personal toll this process can take. (KC)

Hannah Schneider – ‘It’s The Season’
Having been big fans of Danish artist Hannah Schneider (also of duo AyOwA) for some time now, we were super excited to welcome the release of her latest album (her first solo release in seven years), Ocean Letters this year. A collection of immersive, celestial soundscapes, each track perfectly showcases Schneider’s ability to bathe your ears in a euphoric, soothing grace as her rich, crystalline vocals ripple with a dreamy ethereal haze. Schneider also made a beautiful guest playlist for us that I’ve pretty much had on repeat for months, listen here. (ML)

all cats are beautiful – ‘heartbeats’
Having fallen completely in love with London duo Elena and Kyle – aka all cats are beautiful (ACAB) – upon listening to last year’s album the things we made, with this love only growing further when they delivered their ‘sad dance tunes’ for us live at The Shacklewell Arms in February, I was super happy when they shared this dreamy rendition of The Knife’s classic. Maintaining all the infectious electro scuzz of the original, whilst adding the duo’s own unique resplendent grace and spellbinding allure, it builds with a whirring splendour to a vibrant, danceable anthem shimmering with a swirling, soothing charm. (ML)

Sea Change – ‘Night Eyes’
Norwegian artist & producer Sea Change’s sounds ebb and flow with a tranquil, yet deeply primal desire to move through an intensity of feeling that sometimes escapes verbal or written articulation. Her electronica ripples with emotion, without every feeling weighty or over-thought. On ‘Night Eyes’, which is taken from her album, Mutual Dreaming, she urges her listeners to let go, and surrender to her heady beats. (KC)

NAMELESS TWIN – ‘My Eyes Went Black’
I was obsessed with this single from industrial/electronic duo Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman aka NAMELESS TWIN this year. It’s shadowy, it’s heavy, but also delicate in places too – all the things I want in a track! Osterman is also in a band called Holy Fawn, who I saw perform live in August at Venue 229, and they were f.a.n.t.a.s.t.i.c. (KC)

Tomberlin – ‘happy accident’
This track by American musician Tomberlin is a tender reflection on the disconcerting thoughts that come with being in an undefined relationship. Taken from her beautiful second album, i don’t know who needs to hear this…,‘happy accident’ is an urgent, sincere piece of songwriting, underscored by tender vocals and candid, relatable lyrics. Interviewing Tomberlin about her music, and hearing her perform this track live in St Matthias Church in Stoke Newington earlier this year was sublime. (KC)

Miya Folick – ‘Nothing To See’
Emotional, raw and beautifully resilient, Miya Folick’s ‘Nothing To See’ is a tender ode to rediscovering yourself in the aftermath of a painful breakup. Through her clear vocals, candid lyrics and considered instrumentation, Folick accepts that love makes fools of us all, and gracefully reclaims the time she spent changing herself to suit the needs of an unappreciative lover. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘Forever Sun’ 
As any long-term followers will know, New York artist Blonde Maze has been one of my most-listened to artists over the last few years, and 2022 was no exception. Following 2021’s utterly euphoric debut album Something Familar, this year she released a small collection of tracks, each as dreamy as the last. I cannot get enough of the shimmering, heartfelt splendour that she’s consistently able to create; a comforting embrace in audio form. Blonde Maze just never fails to soothe and uplift with her beautiful creations, and I’m forever grateful to be able to immerse myself in her truly blissful soundscapes. (ML)

HNNY – ‘Being In Love’
Another of my most listened-to artists since coming across them during lockdown in 2020 and instantly finding complete comfort in their sparkling, electronic soundscapes, HNNY released a couple of new singles this year – much to my delight. ‘Being In Love’ showcases their ability to bathe the senses in their swirling, effervescent grace, providing a much-needed sonic tonic; a soothing catharsis for the stresses that 2022 has brought. I could literally listen to HNNY on a loop forever and not get bored. (ML)

Massive thanks to all the artists and bands creating wonderful tunes this year! Keep an eye out for our Albums & EPs Of The Year, 2022 Highlights and Ones To Watch for 2023.

Listen to our Tracks Of 2022 playlist now!

 

Track Of The Day: Jen Cloher – ‘Mana Takatāpui’

How am I so late to the Jen Cloher party?! An integral part of the Melbourne indie scene that also gave us Courtney Barnett, Cloher is a long-established and hugely respected songwriter and performer. And, when you listen to ‘Mana Takatāpui’, taken from their first album in five years, it’s not hard to see why. It’s dazzling. A masterclass in songwriting, ‘Mana Takatāpui‘ celebrates the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the Māori, LGBTQ+ community. It’s also an important reflection on finding yourself and the concept of ‘home’. 

Cloher’s warm honeyed vocal, reminiscent of early Cat Power, is so soothing and spiritual that it makes your heart swell. And, while their lyrics are both personal and political, they are delivered with such love and pride that the song never feels heavy. From the opening harmonies to the upbeat affirmations that come later, it’s joyous. This is music to bathe yourself in.

Of the meaning behind the track, Cloher explains:

I’m no expert but I’m guessing Māori pre-colonisation didn’t hold the same beliefs around gender and sexuality as Queen Victoria’s England. I’ve read that our men were hands on dedicated fathers and some of our best midwives; that our women fought side by side on the battlefield and that our wāhine atua (female gods) held as much mana (power and respect) as our tāne atua. Christianity came hand in hand with colonisation; their missionaries introducing the concepts of body shame, sexual repression, a woman’s menstrual cycle as impure, homosexuality as a perversion and gender as binary.

Watch the poignant new video for Mana Takatāpui here:


Cloher’s upcoming new album, I Am The River, The River Is Me, is set for release on 3rd March 2023 via Milk! Records/Marathon Artists.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

Photo Credit: Marcelle Bradbeer