Tag Archives: London

BEIGE BANQUET.

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I’ll never get why chaotic sounds seems to calm my mind. The louder a band is, the more relaxed I feel. Don’t get me wrong, I love quiet moments but sometimes you need to listen to something that just messes with your head and throws you into another dimension. Finding a band like this is such a thing to treasure and appreciate with all you have, which is why I’m writing about a mighty fine band called Beige Banquet.

They’ve been around for a few years now, and they recently went out on tour with Die Verlierer around the UK. I was meant to be at the Manchester show but I forgot I was still visiting home. There will be other times, I’m sure. Beige Banquet have a solid Post-Punk sound- if you’re into genres. There’s a very slight nod to VERY early Joy Division here. There’s a charming darkness to their sound, and I think their S/T record is such an energising record. You get to know their sound, and you fall in love with it.

Songs like Control, Hotel Room and Welcome To Rock Music are essentials for any music fan. This sound is infectious, and it’s hard to believe that Beige Banquet initially started as a solo project by Tom. Band members were added, a pandemic happened, excellent music was released- that’s all you need to know. With 5 members now in the band, there’s a loudness to the band’s sounds that lures you in. That loudness mixed with how divine the sound is just has you hooked.

There’s a dark 80s feel to their sound, and the debut release Beta nails this. It’s such a strong record and it’ll leave you crawling for more. You’ll be comparing everything you hear to their sound- a mighty fine distinctive sound that will have you dancing like Ian Curtis rugby tackling Iggy Pop. Is there really any other way to move? I hate how I have blips of where I don’t write about music, but bands like Beige Banquet make you want to do something. Anything.

In some respects, you can easily say there is a heavy influence of The Fall on the band, and by that I mean the delivery of lyrics and how you can sense how carefully crafted every element of the songs are. It’s like Mark E Smith joined Kraftwerk- perfect! The Beta record is a dream of a debut release- the level they are at on this record is something else. It’s been nearly 2 years since it was released, but with every listen, you feel like you are hearing it for the time. I also have this feeling that when I listen to the record, I’m not listening to a band from current times. They’re out of this world and in their own league for sure.

There’s heavy Krautrock influences here, and everything in between. The build up on the songs (especially on Cold Yoghurt) have this tension that makes you feel like you’ve walked in on something you probably shouldn’t have done. A truly exceptional record from a band that deserve all the praise possible. You can’t help but get excited for what can potentially happen next for this band and when a band can do this in a short amount of time- that’s when you know you’ve found something to keep very  close to you.

See this band live whenever and wherever you can. Buy their music and become obsessed with them- you won’t be the only one.

GHUM: Bitter

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NEW SINGLE ALERT! GHUM have released the title track from their debut record, Bitter and it is bloody brilliant. I mean, they don’t make bad songs so I guess that’s redundant but honestly- their debut record is going to rip. Laura’s vocals on this are so tough and so snarly. There’s so much power in this band. They all have this ability to just make you wish you were part of the band or wish you could make something like this.

I’m going by what they’ve released previously, and I think it is safe to say that their debut record is going to be nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s out a month today, and I am SO excited to hear it. I’ll probably have to take the day off work to listen to it (I probably would!) So the single Bitter is about, “how the right connection, even for someone that has been beaten up by bad experiences, drives them to go through the risks and fears that new relationships might bring. It’s hopeful, it’s about taking chances.” I think this is properly hammered home with the way Laura sings, “You are the only reason I put myself through this.” We’ve all made exceptions haven’t we. Sometimes it works out but there are times where it didn’t work out, and you’re not sure why you bothered. Laura’s vocals over the electrifying sounds that Vicki, Jojo and Marina MJ bless us with is enough to break the toughest of people. This is a ferocious number with the level of passion that you will always hear and expect from the band. I’ve played this song enough times to know that the record will be just as tough and powerful as this.

GHUM aren’t afraid to be aggressive with their sound, and to show us all exactly how it’s done. At times you feel like you are intruding on something so personal but the more you listen- the more you connect. For me, they are up there with the likes of L.A. Witch, TwoFiftyFour (come back please!!!) and Warpaint. There’s this dark but ethereal sound that has you hooked right away. I’ve listened to Bitter a handful of times on my break now, and I can pretty much call it one of their most heaviest and mind-blowing songs.

I’m not one for wishing time away, but I really cannot wait for the 17th June!

*Photo Credit: Paul Phung

GHUM: Deceiver.

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In a matter of weeks, the debut record by GHUM will finally be here. I cannot wait. Part of me wanted to hold off listening to anything they’d release (single wise) until the record was here, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’m glad I didn’t.

My love for this band is huge, and I adore any and everything they do. They’re one of those bands that once you listen to them, you’re just hooked for life. That’s how they got me. There’s a number of bands I can think of that I hold in this regard and to put GHUM in that list makes me happy.

Deceiver is everything us GHUM fans have come to expect from the band and more. It’s such a great song, and one to really get lost in. Am I obsessed with the song? Ever so slightly. I’m so excited for their record to come out, and going by the music they have blessed us with so far- I think we can call it as one of the best records of the year. Definitely the best debut record for sure! There’s an infectious fury in this song, and it’s that fury that makes you sing the words back with everything you have. There’s truly no better band around right now. It’s always been GHUM. It’ll always be GHUM.

This song along with Bitter are two perfect dark and eerie songs to set the tone for their debut record. Deceiver is about “a relationship where one of the parties is starting to discover a selfish side to their lover, disappointment after disappointment the trust starts running low and the love starts to fade away.” Something painful, but the band make it easier with this song. There’s this intense passion in all that they do and it comes across exceptionally strong on this song. I have a feeling their record will be full of moments like this- where the songs are dominated by intense and raw emotion- you can’t help but relate to it. The chorus is lethal, and is delivered with this snarl that leaves you in awe.

In a few weeks time, the debut record comes out. I’m fully ready to play the record religiously.

You can pre-order the record here: https://ghum.bandcamp.com/

CROWS: Beware Believers.

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In 2019 I wrote about the debut record from Crows. It was full of love and admiration. I was in awe of what I was listening to, and I found it hard to believe that it was only their debut record. Crows are a band that I’m constantly in awe of, and I love how they make me feel like I’m discovering the likes of The Birthday Party for the first time. They are loud, they are raw and they are criminally underrated. Their second record Beware Believers was released last Friday, and trust me- it’s unreal.

11 songs make up this record. 11 heavenly songs that will send you off into some odd dystopian dream/nightmare (I mean you could just take a look outside for this, but let me be a bit dramatic here.) There’s nothing more annoying than someone mentioning the second record curse when writing about a bands second release. Ease off the pressure and stop assuming everyone will release a shit second record. Crows are a band that do not make bad songs nor do they put fillers on their record at all. They make the kind of music to completely let loose to. If something is stressing you out or if you’re carrying some frustrations you just do not need- play this record as loud as you can stand. I’m not playing it as loud as I normally would due to being a little deaf from seeing METZ last night, but I’m brave. I can do this.

This year is clearly the year for exceptional records, and Crows can add their name to the list of bands contributing to this. I don’t think we’re going to hear a record as driven as this one. I don’t think it’s possible for anything to even come close to this record. Crows have been around for ages, and yes, it’s hard to get your heard around the fact that this is only their second record but what’s more difficult is that they haven’t taken over the world yet. Come on now! This needs sorting. I’ve listened to the record a lot the past few days, and I love the way every song flows perfectly into the next. I love how Only Times goes right into Slowly Separate. For me, that’s one of my favourite moments on the record; I love how beautifully chaotic this record, and I love that every song is delivered with such importance. These songs are vital, and you can tell just how much it means to the band.

I’m so excited to see them this week, and to see these songs live. I love when you hear a record, then you finally get to witness it live. You can really feel what the songs mean to the band and you can be part of how they are meant to be heard. Every song on this record, much like their debut, will make you want to trash any room you step into. Do it. Live a little. Throw some shit around, go wild. 

There’s a song on the record call Healing, and there’s a line that goes “I know that everything hurts, and I know that everything can heal” and it probably one of the most important lyrics I’ve heard in a while. Something so simple, but is projected in a way that really gets you right in the gut. I think Healing might be THE song for me on this record. I think it’ll probably be one of the most vital songs I hear all year. I love the vulnerability in the song and I love James’ vocals on this. I feel I could write an essay on this song and why it’s just so important. If they play this on Friday, I’ll probably have a bit of a cry or I’ll be too in awe of what’s happening and just stand there like a gormless twat! I cannot tell you how euphoric the song Room 156 is. This again is one I am so excited to see live (hopefully they play it!) For me, this record has this strong sense of urgency. It feels like the band just HAD to get this record out. Every word, every note played had to be released into the world. Thank God it finally has been.

Every song on this record shows us exactly why Crows are thrilling and a joy to listen to. The darkness but hopefulness in the songs will leave you feeling fragile but okay. There’s something about this record that makes you feel like maybe, maybe, it’ll all be okay. The record ends on Sad Lad which has this beautiful yet eerie feel to it. It’ll break you but by the end of it, you will feel healed. I really hope Crows know how important they are, and how important their songs are. There’s a lot of healing in the lyrics, and the way the it all comes together and just soothes your head and soul is divine. I’m just in awe of how loud and gentle this record is. Sometimes, you just don’t know how much you needed to hear something until it hits you right between the eyes.

Crows start their UK tour tomorrow, and you can get yourself tickets here: https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/crows-1-1

Go see them and let the healing begin.

GHUM: Some People.

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I feel like I have waited FOREVER to write this, but I am SO excited to write that GHUM’s debut record, Bitter will be out THIS YEAR. I am so so excited about this. I can’t put into words. I’m just stupidly excited to hear this record from a band I’ve loved for so long. There’s really no better feeling is there? When a band you adore get to finally put their debut full length record out

Bitter is made up of 9 phenomenal songs; I am confident in saying this because I love this band and going by what they’ve already released so far- it’s a pretty fair statement to make. Today they have also released their new song, Some People which is also accompanied with a pretty great video too. The new song is heavy, but the video is the polar opposite of it and it works so well. The video is directed by the wonderful Lydia Garnett who has blessed the world some wonderfully Queer art. When you take that and mix it with a song from a band you just love- it creates something that just makes your heart burst with utter joy!

There are some bands that when you listen to them, the impact just stays with you. Just this morning I was listening to the band on my way to work, and I felt like I was listening to them for the first time all over again. I’ve got a handful of bands that make me feel like that, and GHUM are easily one of them. I know that their debut record is going to blow our minds and from 17th June onwards- I probably won’t listen to anything but that record. I cannot wait!

The band got together about 6 years ago, so this full length record has been a long time coming. Their two EPs (self-titled and The Coldest Fire) are works of art and you know, it’s a fair call to make to say that Bitter will too be a masterpiece. I’m just so excited to listen to the record.

Check out the artwork here for Bitter:

For me it kind of gives you a hint to how the record will sound; a bit spooky, a bit dark but with tender moments. The band are made up of the best musicians around, and with this strong and distinctive sound they have- they will probably take over the world. Let’s dream big! They deserve it.

It’s an honour to write about a band like GHUM and to see how their sound has strengthened, and also how fearless they are with what they do. This morning I finished reading the book In The Miso Soup, and there’s part of the song that reminds me a little bit of the book: “We’re just ‘some people.’ But I want you to know; there’s some evil in me.” Really makes me think about the book and the ending of it. The book will mess with your head, and so will GHUM’s music to be honest- but all the best art does, right?! The magic in this song is all the way through. You’ve got the sheer intensity of Laura’s vocals that go right into Vicki’s drumming. Then you’ve got MJ and Jojo on bass and guitar creating this eerie atmosphere that pulls you in. You just can’t get enough of this song, of this band.

You can pre-order Bitter here: https://ghum.bandcamp.com/ and the record is out 17th June via Everything Sucks.

GHUM will also be playing a headline show in London at the Sebright Arms on the 22nd April.

CHUBBY AND THE GANG.

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Hello, I am an idiot. An idiot who has had a piece written about Chubby And The Gang saved in my drafts, and never finished it. I read over it, deleted it and now- I’m starting again. There’s nothing worse for me than having to read over what I’ve written. Awful. Anyway, now seems a good a time as any to write about one of the finest bands around- Chubby And The Gang.

Their most recent release came out on Valentine’s Day (Labour of Love) and if reading this is your first time hearing about the band- then it’s probably the ideal introduction. CATG are one of London’s finest Punk bands. They are loud and electrifying. They are the kind of band you find yourself seeking out so you can just become more and more obsessed with them. Even more impressive is that they are supporting The Chats on their tour soon! That’s a lineup to get really excited about!

CATG have that 70s Punk feel, and when you listen to them you cannot help but feel you are roaming the streets of London with them just searching for something to do in a time when there was nothing. That feeling of hopelessness and nothingness is something that’s been quite vocal in Punk, but it’s something that makes the listener feel less of a deadbeat. I love their sound so much, and although I didn’t write about their debut record in 2020 when it came out- let it be known that is is a phenomenal record and one I still play the shit out of! It’s way too good to not mention.

Their debut record, Speed Kills is made up of 13 proper Punk anthems. Play it in any order, play it loud and play it religiously. For me it captures the real spirit of Punk and I love the brutal tones on the record. These 13 songs will go down in Punk history as being some of the most rowdy anthems ever written. And of course, you can’t talk about their debut without mentioning how great their second record, The Mutt’s Nuts is. If you’re wanting something louder and more in your face- this is the one for you. This is a proper rowdy record, and you can really hear how feral their sound is on this record. It’s just as mind-blowing as their debut, but The Mutt’s Nuts has a little bit more bite to it.

Both are clearly magnificent records and you cannot help but play one after the other. I’m probably pissing my neighbours off by playing this stupidly loud. Their second record has hints of Black Flag and Dead Kennedys about it- fast, to the point and makes you just want to scream along. The band excel themselves with everything they do, and I think the song that really sums this up is the second track on the record, It’s Me Who’ll Pay. Pay close attention the lyrics. The Mutt’s Nuts consists of 15 songs that shout “fuck off” is different ways. Utterly brilliant.

CATG are that band that you just need to see play live- on record you can definitely hear the passion and pick up on the urgency in the music, but to see them live would be heightened beyond words! There is just so much energy in the music, and it’s the kind of energy that just makes you feel part of something that matters. If you’re moved by bands like Amyl And The Sniffers, The Speedways, The Chats- all that good stuff; then you’ll absolutely find a home in Chubby And The Gang.

BIG DIPPER: Just Love.

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What sounds like The Cramps and The Count Five, and is a masterpiece? The new song by Big Dipper of course! The new single from Mr Big Dip himself was released on the 14th, and you can treat the song as a little Valentine’s gift for your ears and soul. The song is divine.

If I was one for genres, I’d probably make one up and call this Cowboy Punk. I love this song, and I love his vocals. I love the woeful lyrics and how you really feel for him. Sad cowboy blues- the Dip has sure got ’em on this one.

One of my favourite lyrics from the song has to be, “But at the end of the day it’s just a fart in the breeze.” I don’t even need to quote the line before it to point out how great it is. It basically just poetically tells you how rubbish/pointless some things can be. But there’s a lot of sadness on Just Love that is so beautifully written- it’s that last verse; it’ll rip right through you especially this part; “When I really start getting to thinking about it, it all becomes so clear. See, I cut my fingers so I can’t touch her no more. And I cut my arms off so I can’t hold her no more.” There is something so painful and beautiful about this part, it just really hits you in the gut.

The romanticism in the song has a proper storytelling feel to it; you cannot help but be reminded of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Scott Walker (I’m just naming my favourites but the point still stands.) The longing and heartache in the song will ruin you but my god it’s beautiful. If a song can’t take you on an emotional and spiritual journey- then what’s the point? You just want to get completely lost in this song and feel the way Big Dip does. When you listen to the song, you feel like you’re sat outside on a step with him, a little bit drunk at 2am when the bar has closed and you’ve been thrown out and he’s just pouring his heart out. We’ve all seen sights of people doing this on a Friday night, and usually with sick on their shirt and a questionable burger in their hands, whilst bits of lettuce and mayo fall to the floor. This however, is different. There’s class to this drunken breakdown.

The longing and hopefulness that turns to hopelessness in this song really gets to you, and it also shows you how great a writer/singer/musician our Dip is- but also the other musicians on this song are exceptional. With every listen, you soak up little details and they fast become vital to your appreciation of the song.

Whether you’re loveless or full of love, listen to this song and let it grip you.

HEMI HEMINGWAY: The Lonely Hunter EP.

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There’ve been some remarkable records released this year so far, and one in particular that stands out is the debut EP by Shaun Blackwell aka Hemi Hemingway. It’s a gorgeous and romantic EP, and it explores every emotion possible in the most open way possible. If you’re looking for a record that will break your heart, comfort you and just leave you in awe; then The Lonely Hunter is for you.

The record opens with the euphoric Burnin’ Blue. It’s a sad one, but one to really love. You get a 60s Wall of Sound feel from this record, and Burnin’ Blue captures it so well. It is such a strong way to open the record with. These six songs are just a pleasure to listen to, and you cannot help but get lost in Shaun’s voice.

If you’ve heard Shaun’s previous projects such as Night Shades, then you’ll just be stunned by his change in style. His vocals as part of Night Shades gives you a feel of The Cramps but his new project is something else. He just combines everything I love about music, and makes something you’ve never heard before.

I love the sadness in It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye. It reminds me of a cross between Ezra Furman and Shannon and The Clams. Then you get right into the titled track, and you cannot help but gently sway your body side to side in time with this precious love song. I adore the way Shaun shares his influences on this record, but also makes it so current and so relatable. It’s a different side to him, but the same passion. It is just such a joy to listen to and to just soak up these hypnotic sounds that will become part of you. The titled track is just a heartbreaking one, and the pining in Shaun’s voice is remarkable. There’s a desperation there, but not in a way that makes you shy away from it. If anything, it just makes you relate to it even more. It is a perfect record.

Hemi’s Lament has a touch of Leonard Cohen on it, but what I love about this record is that you could easily think you’ve found a record from decades ago. It does feel current but at the same time it feels like you’ve been thrown way back in time. It is such a poetic and vulnerable record. I love the way Shaun has explored what influences him and has also experimented so much on this record. In just six songs, he has made something that stands out. It is such a pure record and it’s one that you feel you’ll keep going back to. For me, it’s the kind of record you have playing in the background as you sit in your favourite chair whilst nursing as cup of tea or a whiskey. It’s got something about it that would sound perfect in a film. You know the film Lucky that starred the great Harry Dean Stanton? This record would have been perfect for it. Shaun could easily soundtrack a film, and this record justifies this perfectly.

Move Over Darling reminds me a tiny bit of Johnny Tillotson (if you don’t know who he was, you are missing out. Underrated- severely!) There’s a gentle nod to the late 50s/early 60s on this record, and it is done in such a careful but divine way. I think it is just one of the most beautiful records to have come out this year. My Lover, A Strange Her closes the EP and it is such a wonderful, wonderful song. For me it really shows us just how great Shaun is as a writer. He writes poetry that comes from the soul. Aside from the sax on the record, Shaun plays everything on The Lonely Hunter. His all has gone into this record and all it entails. It is a masterpiece, there’s no denying that.

Shaun explores his emotions and general human curiosities on this record, and he does it in a way that makes you feel he’s gone into your head and let your secrets out. If I could force the world to listen to this record, I bloody well would.

Tonight, Shaun will be treating the Shacklewell Arms (best venue in London) to the sounds of Hemi Hemingway and supporting him will be the exceptional Big Dipper. A dream line-up! The show is sold out, but hopefully these two rascals will take this show around the country soon!

The Lonely Hunter is out now via PNKSLM Recordings (and also Rough Trade.)

BIG DIPPER.

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Here’s something for you to get wonderfully lost in- the new project by Alec Hatcher; Big Dipper.

If you’ve ever heard anything Alec’s done before, you’ll know exactly what to expect and you’ll know just how great it will sound. But, if you’re new to his genius then I’ll let you in on a little secret- you’re going to fall in love with his Big Dipper project.

This is a real raw and gritty record. It’s Bluesy, it’s Punk, it’s out of this world. It’s like The Cramps meets Muddy Waters and collides with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. It’s a work of art, and for me- it’s just one of the finest records I’ve heard so far. The record opens with Biscuits and Gravy which you just know would sound perfect in a dive bar in the middle of nowhere. It’s a song for the outlaws and rebels. The whole record is for us degenerates who don’t quite click with what’s around them. It’s just a perfect record, and I implore you to get obsessed with it.

The six songs on this record were clearly made to be witnessed live. They are brand new songs, and were only recorded between January and February this year. The songs are brand new, but you totally feel like you’ve gone way back in time listening to this record. There’s something really nostalgic about this record. It takes you way back, and I think if you don’t become obsessed with it, then you’re not listening to it properly.

If you’re in London next month, then get yourself to the Shacklewell Arms on the 15th June (the show on the 19th is sold out) and witness Big Dipper and Hemi Hemingway LIVE. If that isn’t a dream lineup, and the ideal first gig to attend since all this shit started, then I really don’t know what is! If I still lived in London, I’d be at that show just having the best time of my life. I’ll be there in spirit. But for now, we’ve got the record to treasure and adore.

Every single song on this record is just divine. I love Alec’s storytelling and his way to tap into this rogue way of living, and just describing it all in the most poetic way possible. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he wrote a book or several in the future. Can you imagine how dark, witty and insane it would be? It’d be a modern classic (no pressure Alec, you don’t have to do this ha!)

If the inner sadist in you wants to have your heart broken, then play I’m Bad. It’s heartbreaking but so beautiful. It’s the song that every and anyone can relate to. It will truly leave you feeling like your heart has been ripped out, and it definitely shows us how great Alec is vocally too. It’s such a beautiful song, and I reckon this live will be stunning. I feel it will leave everyone floored. It is such a gut-wrenching song, and you just can’t get enough of it. There’s something about this song that will just stick with you. Maybe it will leave you unsettled at first, but after the second listen you’ll realise that it is a masterpiece.

I could write thousands of words about why this record is divine, but it’s obvious right from the start that this is one of those records that will just stick with you. It’s so cool and just a joy to listen to. You feel invincible listening to this record, and it really hits you on My Friend Dip. That song will make you feel ten feet tall. Again, this is another song that will just sound grand live. These songs are made to be heard live, but until we live in a world where we can all scream these songs back at Alec in dive bars- just play the record religiously.

This record could be the soundtrack to a Western film from years gone by, or it could be the soundtrack to your life. It is simply, one of the best records you will hear all year.

THE HORRORS: Lout.

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The Horrors return with the brutal industrial metal of new single 'Lout'

When a band you’ve been a huge fan of for years comes back with new music, it gives you some form of hope or just sheer joy. Hearing the brand new song by The Horrors this morning was what I needed, and going by reactions of others- it’s what they needed to.

From their rowdy debut Strange House to 2021’s single, Lout- The Horrors are a prime example of a band that are unafraid to experiment with sounds and to just always give us something different. Many have cited that Lout has a strong Industrial sound. It is such a great song- it’s brutal, it’s loud and it is different. Compare it to whatever you want if you must, but there’s no denying just how effortlessly brilliant it is. I adore how The Horrors just hit us with something different every single time- that’s what you should want from a band. Lout punches you right in the gut. It’s like a hammer going at your skull over and over, and all you can do is soak up the beatings of the monumental anthem. I’m obsessed. I’m hooked. As always.

If they do a music video to this song, I’d imagine it would be something really off the wall to fit the song. Listening to Lout is giving me the same feeling as I got from when I heard Sea Within A Sea for the first time. That electrifying shock through the body of hearing something so new and so different.

Lout is a prime example of a song that HAS to be played so loud it leaves you begging the band for forgiveness. It’s a masterpiece. Call it as the best song of the year. Done. Nothing else matters now. If they bring a new record out, we can call that as the record of the year too.

Pre-order the EP here: https://www.thehorrors.co.uk/ (and buy yourself some new tees too- which I have!)