Video Premiere: The Dead Zoo – ‘Bruise’

Having wowed us all with their fiercely joyous energy headlining a packed out album launch show at New River Studios a couple of weeks back, London post-punk faves The Dead Zoo are now sharing a brand new video ahead of their debut album’s release on 25th July.

Showcasing The Dead Zoo’s ability to create immersive, brooding soundscapes, ‘Bruise‘ reflects on both the pain and triumph of transformation. Combining swirling atmospherics with ’80s-inspired dark basslines, the sonic equivalent of a nocturnal drive through a Lynchian landscape is created; a mood which is perfectly visualised through the cinematic splendour of this new video. As the resonant gritty power of front woman Kaoru Sato’s vocals glisten throughout, ‘Bruise’ offers a pulsating, multi-layered soundscape that will captivate the senses on first listen.

The new video for ‘Bruise’, directed by Stacy Picard, is out now – let yourself be swallowed up by its raw shimmering majesty.


‘Bruise’ is the first single to be taken from The Dead Zoo’s upcoming debut album, Suspects. Three years in the making, Suspects refracts listeners through the intangible prisms of introspection, reflection, self-discovery and hope. With this latest release, The Dead Zoo harness all the post-punk verve, rousing guitar noise and queer dreamy energy that you could ever desire. The album was recorded with producer James Aparicio (Grinderman, Spiritualized, Depeche Mode, Throw Down Bones). 


Suspects is set for release on 25th July, pre-order here. And you can catch The Dead Zoo live on 26th July at the Trans Pride After Party at Walthamstow Trades Hall – tickets here.



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LISTEN: Daughter – ‘Arise, Daughters Of Marsha’

The debut release from transgender black metal project Daughter, ‘Arise, Daughters of Marsha’ is a battle cry summoning the global community to stand up for trans rights. The track begins with a scream that acts as Daughter’s mission statement, not just with this single but the full upcoming EP. Vocalist and songwriter “Deadname” aims to channel the trauma of the trans experience in contemporary society through the brutal, aching sound of black metal.

The lyrics are delivered in a guttural scream that feels like it has been ripped violently from her throat. Shrieking guitars and rapid drums echo the feeling in the vocals, without compromising on the absorbing quality of the beat or the melodic riffs. An almost military-sounding rhythm adds a looming sense of dread to the track, compounded by the ominous wailing stings.

In this song, Deadname allows herself to cast aside the composure with which she, as a trans woman, is expected to carry herself with at all times in public; to act as a representative of her community against the vitriol of transphobic commentators. Instead, this track is raw and honest and seethes with the pain and rage that come as an extremely understandable reaction to the treatment of trans people right now, as news stories of transphobic attacks are increasingly, tragically frequent.

Savage riffs and blasting beats ramp up to a churning storm of music, until it ends by sampling some massively poignant lines from Sylvia Rivera’s ‘Y’all Better Quiet Down‘ speech from 1973, in which she exposes the hypocrisy of trans-exclusionary queer people. She reminds the world how much abuse trans women have historically faced when standing up for queer liberation only to be shunned by other members of their own community. “You all treat me this way? What the fuck’s wrong with you all?” The fact that these words are still so powerfully relevant more than fifty years later, with “charities” claiming to support the queer community but explicitly and unashamedly excluding trans people, gives this track a sucker-punch finish that leaves you unable to ignore the importance of the conversation Daughter generates with this poignant and necessary debut.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

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Track Of The Day: Husk – ‘Crush’

Having been named as one of Gaydio’s ‘One To Watch’ and with support from the likes of BBC 6Music, Manchester based queer artist HUSK has been one of our faves here at GIHE for a while now, and so we couldn’t be happier to share their uplifting new single.

A catchy, danceable ‘tranthem’ of self-love, ‘Crush‘ is a call to go against society’s expectations and love yourself. Propelled by vibrant beats and a colourful, ’80s-reminiscent groove, it’s a glistening offering oozing all the uplifting vibes and shimmering energy needed to dance together in unity.

Of the track, HUSK explains:

“As a trans person, and I think literally every other person in society, especially marginalised groups, we’re taught to hate our bodies, and I was like, f*ck that! ‘Crush’ is 3 minutes where I have full permission to confess my love for my trans body, and I want others to love themselves too!“

Yet again, HUSK has managed uplift our spirits and energise our souls with another euphoric pop hit.

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Mari Lane
@marimindles



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LISTEN: Husk – ‘My Innocence’

Having previously treated our ears to uptempo pop gems ‘Heal With Time’ and ‘Below The Neck’, and having received acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson, BBC Radio Cymru’s Janice Long and Gaydio, Manchester based trans masc, non-binary artist HUSK has now shared a brand new single.

Propelled by glitchy, tribal beats and a fiery, vibrant groove, ‘My Innocence‘ oozes a swirling, empowering energy. With an uplifting passion, HUSK’s distinctive, sweeping vocals flow as a shimmering euphoric splendour glistens with every note. A fiesty pop banger, it’ll leave you feeling energised – ready to hit the dance floor with loved ones and unite in the celebration of queer love and diversity.

Of the track, HUSK reflects: “I just wanted to make a song that you could dance to about new exciting queer love.“

They have certainly succeeded in this with ‘My Innocence’! And at a time when it is more important than ever to spread the message of equal rights for all, and love and solidarity within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. So, press play, turn it up and celebrate queer joy!

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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