Get In Her Ears Live @ The Cavendish Arms, 20.08.22

For the second of our August gigs this year, we were at The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell for the first time to host immense Aussie duo Mannequin Death Squad, with support slots from two exciting new bands Maya Lakhani and Dogviolet. And what a lovely night it was at this cosy venue south of the river… Thanks so much to the three incredible bands, and to everyone who made it down to join us for this pretty special night!

Kicking things off, it’s the debut gig for brand new ‘supergroup’, Dogviolet. Formed of members of GIHE faves Naz & Ella, as well as The Dead Zoo and Suggested Friends, they deliver a stirring set to an adoring crowd. As swirling shoegaze-tinged melodies and a gritty grunge-infused energy flows, front person’s Naz’s raw, heartfelt vocals ooze an immersive shimmering emotion.

Next up, it’s another first gig for Maya Lakhani and her newly formed band. With a sparkling energy, their impassioned alt-rock blasts out as ferocious riffs swirl alongside her rich, compelling vocals. Reflecting on poignant themes such as violence against women, and including a spellbinding cover of the Kate Bush classic ‘Running Up That Hill’, it’s a truly impressive first outing for this exciting new project.

Closing the night, it’s a true honour to be hosting the London leg of immense Aussie duo Mannequin Death Squad‘s UK tour. Propelled by a gritty, angst-fuelled drive as riotous riffs and relentless thrashing beats rage with intensity, they deliver a truly exciting set. As Elly and Dan swap between drums and guitar every few songs, they treat us to their seething grunge-rock offerings with a fiercely captivating energy.

Biggest thanks to the three incredible bands who played for us last night, to everyone who came out to support them, and to The Cavendish Arms for being such a welcoming and lovely venue. Make sure you don’t miss our next gig on 10th September at The Shacklewell Arms with a joint headline set from Gemma Cullingford and Alice Hubble, plus support from Yay Maria – get your tickets on DICE now!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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Track Of The Day: Deux Furiueses – ‘Know The Score’

Violence against women is a topic you wouldn’t typically expect to lend itself to upbeat, catchy rock songs. But duo, vocalist and guitarist Ros Cairney and drummer Vas Antoniadou – aka Deux Furieuses – have done just that with their new track, ‘Know The Score‘.

The song kicks off with strumming guitars throwing out bouncy riffs over upbeat drum lines; promising the kind of classic rock melodies that take root in your head and don’t leave. The lyrics challenge the patriarchy head on from the first couple of lines, quickly referencing a “Another vigil on the streets of our cities tonight” – this alone evokes a painfully recent tragedy that immediately leaves you with no doubt about the seriousness and importance of the subject.

Referencing familiar experiences – keys in a fist, an easily accessible personal alarm, the need for both on a late night walk home – in a way that focuses on how terrifying it is that these things are so normal, these poignant words are platformed by the howling guitars and throbbing drums ramping up to a solo that screams with all the rage and sadness inherent in confronting these elements of society. The universality of it is boiled down into two simple, repeated lines: “Every girl grows into a / woman who knows the score”. The bluntness of it is heartbreaking; causing you to reflect on all the children whose innocence will be cut short by the selfishness of those granted power by the patriarchy.

The song fades to a close with the repeated line “say her name, say her name”. Deux Furieuses don’t have to say whose name for one to come to mind – whether it’s one that was recently in the news, or one from long ago that has stayed with you -, the fact that there are so many lends this refrain its power. The thought that listening to this song again in a year’s time will evoke an entirely new, as yet currently unknown, name is more powerful still. It has a terrifying timelessness to it.

Ultimately, ‘Know The Score’ forces you to confront the darkness that women face and powerfully acknowledges the need for change. It demands not only to be listened to, but for action to follow. Of the track, Deux Furieuses explain:

“We wrote this song about the shadow pandemic of violence against women. The song is a pounding strut of confidence on a big stage. It is bravado on a deserted street as we reach for our personal alarm… This is a song in solidarity with women who all know the score.”

Songs From Planet Earth, the upcoming new album from Deux Furieuses, is due for release on 11th November via Xtra Mile Recordings. Pre-save here.

Kirstie Summers
@actuallykurt

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Track Of The Day: Mannequin Death Squad – ‘Super Mental Psycho’

Having previously wowed us with immense offerings such as ‘Blue‘ and ‘Sick’, GIHE faves (and past guests on our radio show) Aussie duo Elly and Dan – aka Mannequin Death Squad – have now shared a riotous new single to coincide with their Summer UK tour (we can’t wait for them to play for us next week!).

Propelled by a gritty, angst-fuelled drive as fierce swirling riffs and relentless thrashing beats rage with intensity, ‘Super Mental Psycho‘ reflects on feelings of instability and fluctuating emotions. Blasting into the ears with a raw, frenzied energy, it’s a perfectly ferocious blast of infectious grunge-tinged rock with shades of legends such as The Distillers or Hole, showcasing the unique colossal power of our favourite Aussie duo.

Watch the new video for ‘Super Mental Psycho’ here:

You DO NOT WANT TO MISS seeing Mannequin Death Squad live next Saturday 20th August at The Cavendish Arms, with support from Maya Lakhani and Dogviolet – get your tickets now! And, if you’re not in London, they’re playing a number of other UK dates – details here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Five Favourites & Video Premiere: Femegades – ‘Daddy Says’

Having previously received acclaim for singles ‘Speechless‘ and ‘Be Alone‘, and wowed crowds headlining Camden Rocks Presents, grunge-rockers Femegades have now announced the release of their new EP, Not All Men, set for release in September. To celebrate the announcement, the band have shared a brand new video for stirring single ‘Daddy Says’. Gentler in tone than previous offerings, heartfelt ballad ‘Daddy Says’ poignantly reflects on the somewhat challenging subject matter of a father encouraging his daughter into the sex industry. As front person Em’s honey-sweet vocals lilt alongside the backdrop of strummed Americana-inspired hooks and a catchy musicality, Femegades showcase their ability to tackle hard-hitting subjects; giving a voice to issues that society may prefer to shy away from.

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 the stirring new video for ‘Daddy Says’ and the upcoming EP, we caught up with Femegades to ask about the music that has inspired them the most. See below for their choices of their five favourite songs, and watch the new video for ‘Daddy Says’ at the bottom of this feature.

Fugazi – ‘Suggestion’
A song by four dudes calling out the harassment of women. The dynamics they employ sonically to build up and release tension – it really is a masterpiece. And, given our female/male co-writing dynamic in the band, it is such an inspirational song for us; a great example of how switching gender roles for a song can still produce something so powerful. It shows you don’t need to be constrained by only writing from the perspective of the female character. The live version sung by Amy Pickering really takes it to another level as well.

Pete Yorn – ‘Life On A Chain’
I received Pete Yorn’s album as a gift when I was quite young and only really listened to it years later, which made me say to myself – what were you thinking?! The album is great as a whole and this song really hits home.I love the vibes of rock meets folk meets acoustic. Not often that I can tolerate an album from start to finish, however this one is definitely one I can listen to on repeat and really influenced a lot of the sounds in the music I played early on.

Angus & Julia Stone – ‘The Devil’s Tears’
Always a sucker for sibling musical ensembles but Angus and Julia just hit differently. Their simplistic yet emotionally charged songs really showed me that taking it back a step and playing on those heartstrings using minimalism can really resonate.

Jewel – ‘Who Will Save Your Soul?’
Always been a fan of Jewel – her vocals, her lyrics, her energy – it’s a lot of what I aspire to be able to put forth when writing or performing. She’s just so damn cool and I love it.

Taking Back Sunday – ‘MakeDamnSure’
A bit of high school nostalgia here, but Taking Back Sunday just give me a rush of energy that’s infectious. Absolutely feel like I can lose myself listening to them.

Massive thanks to Femegades for sharing their Five Favourites with us! Watch the affecting brand new video for ‘Daddy Says’ here:

Not All Men, the upcoming new EP from Femegades, is set for release on 1st September via Regent Street Records.

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