We’ve been massive fans of Atlanta trio The Coathangers for a while now, finding comfort in their cathartic fusion of uplifting melodies and gritty, angst-driven energy. And today, with the release of their poignant new video for ‘F The NRA’, we see them speaking up for what they believe in, in an impassioned plea against gun violence. Referring to the US National Rifle Association which advocates for gun rights in the States, ‘F The NRA’ was written by guitarist/vocalist Julia Kugel, who felt compelled to make a political statement in the face of potential backlash, in part because she is a refugee from Belarus, a country with limited freedom of speech and press.
Propelled by a gritty, punk-driven energy, ‘F The NRA’ is a painfully topical offering charged by the band’s seething passion, trademark raw growls and driving, frenzied hooks. Accompanied by a protest-fuelled video, featuring spine-tingling statistics, including the final heartbreaking fact that ‘Every Day 100 Americans Are Killed By Gun Violence’, The Coathangers deliver a furious and clear message with an anthemic, potent force.
Kugel has expanded on her motivations to speak out in an essay published today at The Talkhouse, with contributions and advice from Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill), Brendan Canty (Fugazi/The Messthetics) and Dennis Lyxzen (Refused, International Noise Conspiracy). From the essay:
“I do not take the freedom of expression that all U.S. citizens are granted lightly. The band was confident that we wanted to put ‘F the NRA’ on the record. It provided a personal catharsis and a sense of empowerment in the wake of the immense feeling of helplessness that was weighing heavily on us as we coped with continuous reports of mass shootings. It was not until those around us started warning us of the repercussions we could face, did we realize the risk involved in yelling at the giant. My ingrained fear of speaking out came back to me. Yet the reason I am a musician is because of a need to express my truth, personal or political. I began to question everything: the rights of an artist, the responsibility of being political, the fear of backlash, and the desire to be heard.” (Read more here)
Watch the powerful new video for ‘F The NRA’ here:
The Devil You Know, the upcoming album from The Coathangers, is out 8th March via Suicide Squeeze.
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Get In Her Ears 