Track Of The Day: Breakup Haircut – ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’

Having wowed us live with their scuzzy, joyous punk-pop at our January gig at The Victoria, First Timers Fest alumni Breakup Haircut have now announced the release of their debut album, which we could not be more excited about!

Taken from the album, latest single ‘Get Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)‘ offers an ode to those of us who may not be too fond of big social gatherings. Flowing with a jangly, uplifting energy, it oozes a snarly wit as the band’s colourful charisma shines through. Another example showcasing Breakup Haircut’s ability to combine a radiant sparkling charm with a striking relatable poignancy. Of the track, Ishani from the band explains:

“I bill this as a song about hating parties, but I don’t actually hate parties. I just hate that I have to deal with the dichotomy of FOMO or being out past midnight and having to spend four hours or £60 (or both) getting home. I have held the belief for a while now that the best amount of people is four or less, so this song is in the spirit of that.

Watch the quirky new video for ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’ here:


Punk Dancing for Self Defence, the debut album from Breakup Haircut, is out on 15th July via Reckless Yes.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Akil Kanukuntla

Get In Her Ears Live at The Shacklewell Arms w/ Fightmilk, 24.03.2022

On Friday, we were back at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston with a total dream of a line-up. Fightmilk, Bitch Hunt and Sassyhiya treated us to a joyous few hours of live music. Huge thanks to them all, and to all the lovely folk who came out to support them and fill the venue… We’re still feeling all the feels, and are extremely grateful to everyone who made it such a beautiful night.

First up, Sassyhiya offer up their uplifting, jangly post-punk. Consisting of two former members of Barry (Kathy and Helen) plus Neil and Pablo, the band’s first ever gig proves to be a great success as the crowd smile and sway along to their twinkling hooks and buoyant, quirky energy.

Having last played live at a gig for us back in October 2019, it’s such a joy to welcome Bitch Hunt back to the stage. And what a wonderful return to live music it is. Radiating a blissful, cathartic energy they fill the venue with their scuzzy punk-pop offerings covering poignant topics ranging from men taking up too much space, to reflections on being non-binary and stirring odes to loved ones no longer with us. A truly euphoric set from these First Timers Fest alumni.

Headlining the night are Bitch Hunt’s Reckless Yes label mates, and total faves, Fightmilk. The third time they’ve played for us, it’s an utter delight to finally see them perform some of the tracks from their latest album Contender live, as well as some old favourites (and a couple of surprise covers!). Blasting out their anthemic indie-pop with an endearing tongue-in-cheek wit, each offering fizzes with the band’s trademark vibrant energy and colourful charisma. From fuzzy love songs to tirades against Elon Musk and bridezillas, Fightmilk bring a refreshing honesty and gritty raw emotion to their jangling melodies and the smooth-yet-husky charm of front-person Lily’s vocals, showcasing their ability to continuously refine their sound and, in the process, consistently continue to win my heart. Plus, I don’t think I ever thought I’d be aged 35 and in a venue filled with people joyously dancing and singing along to Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’, but I was and it was pretty magnificent.

Huge love and thanks again to all three bands who played for us on Friday, and to everyone who came out to share the music and good vibes. We’re taking a little break next month, but will be back at the Shacklewell Arms on 6th May with the return of The Menstrual Cramps, supported by pink suits and Queen Cult – nab your tickets on DICE now.

Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto
Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles

Track Of The Day: LibraLibra – ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’

Having previously blown us away with the unique energy of their live shows, as well as receiving acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 1 and Clash for their pop-infused riotous offerings, GIHE faves LibraLibra are now set to release their second EP, Modern Millennial.

Taken from the EP, new single ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson‘ offers a satirical FU to the UK Government and any other right wing cretins. Initially inspired by the Tommy Robinson milkshake-in-face incident, it’s driven by a frenzied electro-driven whirr as the impassioned vocal prowess of front-person Beth Cannon soars. Fusing together a bewitching honey-sweet allure with a fiercely gritty drive, it swirls with a ferocious energy and fizzing sense of urgency that demands multiple listens. An utterly necessary, instantly catchy raging anthem against the ‘Tory Purgatory’ we seem to be stuck in. Another epic, colossal cacophony showcasing the immense genre-defying power of this band on the rise.

Watch the wonderfully trippy new video (directed by Apple Shampoo) for ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’ here:

Modern Millennial, the upcoming second EP from LibraLibra, is out this Friday 25th March. Catch LibraLibra live on their current UK tour.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Track Of The Day: Talk Like Tigers – ‘Sacred Feminine’

In anticipation of their debut double-EP release, Newcastle’s Talk Like Tigers reveal ‘Sacred Feminine’ – a feminist-indie-pop anthem. As identical twins and a two-piece indie band, the duo manifest a captivating presence the moment that their creative efforts join together.

Charlotte and Stephanie blend the melodies of indie-pop’s catchy merit with wisps of other outside influences like retro synth-pop and dreamy alternative pop. What remains steady in the vividness of Talk Like Tigers’ lyrical takes, which paint colourful images via the pair’s lush, velvety vocals. The vocal harmonies in ‘Sacred Feminine’ are a fierce, distinguishing element that adds a fizzing energy to the track. Many producers feel that this kind of oral chemistry is exclusive to siblings, so to hear the synchronisation of these gifted twins is quite the exhibition.

While switching between synths, guitars and snappy drum pads, the duo glitter ‘Sacred Feminine’ with quirky rhythms that are both abstract and infectious, symbolising the multi-faceted aspects of femininity. Celebration is a central sentiment as listeners are transported to a space where both the beautiful and the strong nature of femininity merge to reflect the goddess-like qualities of the phenomenon.

Talk Like Tigers summarise that their track “is a powerful, anthemic song about femininity and female worth.” ‘Sacred Feminine’ honours femininity, vulnerability and intuition as absolute strengths in this empowering anthem.

Watch the sparkling, uplifting video for ‘Sacred Feminine’ here:

Talk Like Tigers are set to release their debut double EP in May. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Lee Scullion