Track Of The Day: Dream Nails – ‘Lonely Star’ (Christmas Song)

The gift that keeps on giving, feminist punks Dream Nails have shared their joyful new Christmas single ‘Lonely Star’. Dedicated to those who may be feeling isolated or alone at this time of year – especially their LGBTQ fans – it’s a poignant punk-infused offering designed to lift everyone’s spirits and raise money for The Outside Project, the UK’s first LGBTIQ+ Crisis/Homeless Shelter.

“This Christmas is going to be a bit different from the usual,” explains guitarist Anya Pearson. “So, we wrote a Christmas song that sends strength and love to anyone finding this time of year particularly tough, especially those who are LGBT or struggling with acceptance and support at home. We see you, we’re here for you and we love you!”

The single is accompanied by a DIY video that shows the band having lolz while recording the track and sporting some lovely Christmas jumpers. “With government failures to respond to the pandemic adequately, we feel strongly about raising money for The Outside Project,” bassist Mimi Jasson adds. You can donate to the organisation by downloading ‘Lonely Star’ from the band’s bandcamp page here. Dream Nails’ values aren’t seasonal – “We see you this Christmas! / We see you the whole year through!” – and their continuous efforts to energise and support their communities is something us GIHE grrrls are always in awe of.

The four piece will be playing ‘Lonely Star’ live for the first time during their special live-streamed Feministmas gig on 6th December (ticket info here.) “After another lockdown near the holidays where we can’t physically come together, it’s important for us to have a space where we can keep in touch as a global punk community!” Mimi explains, so join in if you can!

Listen to ‘Lonely Star’ below.

Follow Dream Nails on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Nervous Twitch – ‘Tongue Tied’

Having charmed us live at The Finsbury and with previous single ‘Keeping Faith In Something, Leeds trio Nervous Twitch re-released their first three albums this year and have now shared a vibrant new single.

Taken from their upcoming fourth album, ‘Tongue Tied’ is a comforting ode to “Self-reflection and amazement over the contradictions in life”. Propelled by scuzzy surf-rock inspired hooks and an instantly catchy uptempo musicality, it’s a colourfully retro slice of uplifting punk-pop. Guaranteed to get you singing along on first listen, it’s a perfect example of Nervous Twitch’s ability to create instantly infectious and undeniably joy-inducing offerings.

Listen to ‘Tongue Tied’ now:

 

‘Tongue Tied’ is out now via Reckless Yes, ahead of Nervous Twitch’s fourth album, set for release early next year.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: STRAIGHT GIRL – ‘Limón’

A vibrant, jagged electronic soundscape inspired by disjointed and self-critical thoughts, Leeds-based electropunk STRAIGHT GIRL has shared their latest single ‘Limón’. Released via Come Play With Me, the track is a cathartic new offering that sees the artist confront the darker parts of themselves and transform them into energetic, intensely danceable beats.

“I wrote ‘Limón’ in 2017 at a point where I was feeling a lot of shame about the person I felt I was,” explains STRAIGHT GIRL (aka Holly Readman, pronouns: They/Them.) “Feeling crushed by this immense disconnect between the things I was saying and the things I was thinking. It felt like this grotesque, sour monster was hiding within me, and I often wondered if the fact I harboured it inside meant that was who I was. I would imagine my head being squeezed like a lemon and feel the horrible, sour, bitter sting of shame pour out.” The result of this emotional squeezing is a stirring new “sad dance” banger.

Describing themselves as “fiercely and fearlessly queer,” STRAIGHT GIRL is a master at exorcising their demons and developing them into their own brand of “grave rave” sounds. ‘Limón’ is an exciting taste of what’s to come from this uncompromising artist over the next few months.

Listen to ‘Limón’ below.

Order your copy of ‘Limón’ on 7″ vinyl here.

Follow STRAIGHT GIRL on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Andrew Benge (@andrewbenge)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: ZAND – ‘Inappropriate’

An industrial-tinged pop tune that revels in the idea of not fitting the mould, Blackpool-based dark pop artist ZAND has shared their latest single ‘Inappropriate’. Lifted from their brand new EP UGLY POP (released today), the track is another stellar example of ZAND’s talent when it comes to creating savage yet sweet “ugly pop” gems.

“’Inappropriate’ is taking one of the words that has been used to patronise and belittle artists like myself who don’t fit a friendly, cookie cutter manufactured stereotype,” ZAND explains about the track. “[It’s] putting a sarcastic, embracive spin on it laced with a bit of irony. It’s a vent for the judgement I have faced in this industry by certain people. I’ve really enjoyed taunting those same people with my music.”

ZAND’s wit and defiance in the face of their critics shines through in their candid lyricism and polished, yet punishing beats. Produced by ZAND and DJ/producer Daktyl (Major Lazer, Halsey) and mixed by Thomas Mitchener (Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, La Roux), ‘Inappropriate’, like the other four tracks on the UGLY POP EP, is a delightfully wicked tune that celebrates self-autonomy and persevering in an industry that often tries to soften an artist’s unique edge.

“UGLY POP is a very intimate project to me, with it being the first body of work centred around my own genre as an ‘ugly popstar’” ZAND continues. “This EP acts as a little taster for this, and what UP represents. I’m stoked to be birthing this little batsh*t part of me out into the world” – and we’re stoked to be listening to more of ZAND’s warped and wonderful beats.

Watch the video for ‘Inappropriate’ below.

Follow ZAND on Twitter, Instagram & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Sophie Thompson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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