Tag Archives: Post Punk

BEIGE BANQUET: Animals

Posted on by

“

“This petty urge, fills your mouth
Makes you sick, makes you sick. Animal.”

I can’t remember when I last wrote about a single, but sometimes you hear something and you just have to write down and try explain why it’s pretty great. London’s finest Beige Banquet are back with the killer new single, Animals and it’ll be stuck in your head for days.

The repetitiveness of “Animals” throughout the song will stay firmly lodged in your brain. You’ll find yourself singing it at any given time, and probably no one will know what you’re on about. Beige Banquet are one of the most thrilling bands around, and the sound on this single sees them move away slightly from that lo-fi/bedroom DIY sound they have. It’s still there of course, but this song is more refined. It’s more distinguished and it’s a firm insight into how this band are going to continuously blow us away with everything they do. Their second record is due for release next year and I cannot wait to hear it. I reckon it’ll be one of the highlights of 2024, and hopefully they will take over the world with it. They absolutely deserve it.

Animals is a darker sounding song compared to what we’ve heard on their debut etc, but that is never a bad thing. The darker a sound, the better it usually is (personal preference!) and the fact that Beige Banquet aren’t afraid to go beyond what they’ve done before and enhance their sound is just incredible to hear. There’s hints of bands we all love on Animals, but at the same time it’s a real refreshing sound and one to really get stuck into.

The drums on this are stunning, and they are part of the reason why this song will have you moving in questionable ways. Then you have the bass and the guitar over this; adding some fury and bite to it all. Top this off with the poetic lyrics and gripping vocals- well, you’ve got a hit haven’t you!

Animals is out now, and you can catch Beige Banquet at these two dates in November:

10th November – London – Oslo
11th November – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

SEXTILE: Push.

Posted on by

On Friday Sextile will be releasing their new record PUSH via Sacred Bones Records. That label is home to some amazing bands and singers. Some of my favourite records have come from that label, and I’m so happy that they’ve picked up the new Sextile record.

I’ve written about the band a handful of times including the last time they played here in Manchester (they will return to the same venue in December which I’m so excited for!) Their live shows are something else, and when you listen to PUSH, you cannot help but feel it’s a record to be witnessed live. It’s a pure Sextile record from start to finish. Every song is in the right place. It starts with No Fun that goes right into the trance like Contortion. Imagine this live. When you get your hands on this record, this song will change everything you thought you knew about the band. This song is way out there- Sextile are just on another planet with this record, and especially with this song. They just take you somewhere else that no other band has, or maybe ever will.

I really love that this record still has a familiar Sextile sound but at the same time, it throws you into this underground trance world. Early 90s House music is the feel of this record mixed with everything that Punk is. That’s the band all over really, and it sounds SO good. When a band really push their limits and go beyond what even they expect from themselves, that’s when you know you’ve found something to really hold on to. It’s a joyful record that’ll put your mind right. I mean some songs may give your older relatives a headache, but maybe it isn’t for them. This record isn’t for those who love the gentle and quiet. It’s for those of us who want something a bit louder, and something we’ve not really heard before. The loudness will smack you in the chops and the intensity of this record is just heavenly.

Lost Myself Again sounds like dread kicking in that leads into some form of hangover. Whether it be an emotional one or otherwise; it really does something to the soul. All the dread you feel is released by the time you’ve finished listening to this song. I love how the whole record is beautifully chaotic. It’s a record to dance to- to really dance to, and I don’t think they’ve done this on previous records. Sure, you can move to their sounds, but this record offers something else. And it is that “something else” that has you hooked. It’s not a record that you play once and forget about it. That’s not how it works with Sextile- far from it. They’re a band that you go back to every time. I think with this record, it’ll be the one you go to when you want something that you cannot get from any other record.

For me, Crash shows just how talented the band is. This is one of the gentler moments on the record. It’s a real soothing part of the record. You can play this late at night, look out the window or go for a walk and just play this. Whatever you feel when you play it, just go with it. It’s magical in every way. Friend of the band Izzy Glaudini lends her vocals on this one, and it just sounds like an angel harmonising. It’s such a gorgeous song, and does fit in with the rowdiness of the record.

As far as Electro records go, this one is up there as being entirely different; if aliens exist- then I hope whoever meets them, plays this record to them because I reckon, they too, would embrace the weirdness and beauty on this record. You cannot help but adore songs like Basically Crazy, Crassy Mel and LA DJ. It’s just a feel-good record. You can dance your little heart out to this one. Play it whilst you’re at the gym, play it whilst you clean your apartment, play it at a queer house party. Play it wherever you can and as loud as you can.

If you’re looking for a record that oozes soul and passion, then all you need to do is get this record on Friday. It’ll get you to where you need to go.

BODY MAINTENANCE: Beside You.

Posted on by

I think I may have found one of Australia’s most exciting bands around right now. Before I get into why I’ve fallen in love with them, I just want to let you know that the band are currently on tour in Europe and will be in the UK from this Friday- starting in Bristol.

Body Maintenance are one of those bands that make you feel like you’ve discovered The Cure, Bauhaus, Sisters Of Mercy- all that good stuff, for the first time. Honestly, if I could do the band justice with my words I absolutely would but all I can do is reiterate just how brilliant they are. I haven’t been to a gig in a long time, and I hope I can make the Manchester show next week because I feel they are a band that you just HAVE to see live. There’s so much to love about their music, but I’m going to focus on their debut full length record, Beside You. It’s what Post Punk dreams are made of. I’m besotted. Nothing and no one is going to come even remotely close. My god what a dream they are.

This is the kind of record you put on as the nights draw in. When daylight fades away quicker. A crisp Autumn day, stick this record on and go for a walk to wherever makes you happy and free. However, Summer seems to have passed the UK by so you’ll probably get the same feeling if you do this now! Why wait hey!

These 9 songs are perfect from start to finish- no filler here. Just pure Post Punk joy. Songs that’ll make you feel like a grey mist has cast itself over you, and you wander off into the night. Into the deep unknown. You remain a mystery, like everything and everyone around you. For me, the band remind me a little of Cold Cave- especially more recent Cold Cave sounds. That comforting Goth/Synth sound- it’s just out of this world. I cannot pick one song on this record to single out as my favourite. Every single song is a pleasure to listen to; and I think the best way to listen to this record to start with, is in order but then just let shuffle do it’s thing and let it throw at you these dreamy songs and let it take you up and away.

It’s Theatre is one of the most hypnotising songs on the record, especially the last minute or so- that instrumental ending is something else. Truly. You know when you hear a record for the first time, and you just want it to utterly consume you? That’s how this record will get to you. It’ll get under your skin, into your bones, your blood. Wherever it can go- it will. Let it. It’s one of the most exciting records I’ve heard so far this year, and it just perfectly combines everything I love about music. The production is something else too.

In just 9 songs, Body Maintenance show us exactly why they are one of the most thrilling bands around, and why you need to pay close attention to them. They have a rare sound, and that sound is one that will totally possess you, and you probably won’t mind. Their music would be perfect in a creepy Horror/Thriller where you are constantly on edge, but at that same time there’s this adrenaline that kicks in. The whole record is made up of moments in songs where you’re just taken aback in what you are hearing. I know I compare everything I listen to Seventeen Seconds by The Cure, and honestly to compare this record to the debut record by The Cure- I think it’s a fair comparison and compliment. Both records are so atmospheric, ethereal, creepy in the most beautiful way possible and gripping. There is something about this record that will stick with you for days on end, and I think again, that’s how you can tell that a band have created something so special and huge.

Body Maintenance just have this sound that you cannot get enough of; you feel like you’ve truly found something special when you listen to them. For me, it’s all I could want from a band. There’s this kick to their sound that just makes you feel like you’ve not heard anything like this before. Unreal, divine and perfect.

BEIGE BANQUET.

Posted on by

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.

DIE VERLIERER

Posted on by

Trying to find anything out about Die Verlierer is virtually impossible- but that’s fine! Most great bands have/had zero online presence- the music does all the talking.

The music is incredible- I feel like I’ve found a band from the past and brought them to 2023; but I haven’t. I’m not that good. They are just such a fascinating band. They have this really slick Post-Punk sound that so many try to copy but can’t grasp. This band do it their way- they sound like no one else. I think the band are from Berlin, and this record makes you want to move to Berlin and get lost in their music scene. I think I’ve carried that feeling around with me for some time if I’m honest!

Their sound is poetic, dark and hypnotising. The photo above looks like they’ve stepped out of the 80s but when you listen to songs like Intrige und Libido you feel like you’re listening to a Hardcore Punk band from the 90s. There’s a lot going on in their sound, but their sound is impeccable. I can’t think of any other band like this right now- there’s elements of Television (Plastic Life nails this) on this record. It came out last year, and it still feels utterly brand new.

Just because I don’t understand what they are singing about (I did a quick Google Translate so…) but from what i got off Google, this band write songs about the frustrations of daily life and also a song about a man in the moon who is spying on us. This one (Mann Im Mond) has that early sound of The Cure on this one. It’s the atmospheric sound that lures you in every single time. The record is about 40 minutes long, and the record ends with a euphoric number lasting around 11 minutes. The whole record is heavenly. Songs like Deadgirl have that perfect Punk sound- they’ve got the recipe nailed down, and honestly; they’ve got what it takes to be one of the greatest bands of all time. In my head, they’re already there. Deadgirl sounds a tiny bit like New York Dolls vocally, so it is pretty fair to say that Die Verlierer are the best. No debate there at all.

Sometimes you hear a record, and you just want to be completely wrapped up by it. You want it to consume every part of you- you want to hear it everywhere you go, and that’s exactly how Die Verlierer make me feel. I kind of feel like I’ve found a home of sorts in this record. On the journey to work this morning, I got a notification that they’re doing some UK shows so I immediately got myself a ticket for their Manchester show. You can just tell a band is going to be sensational live by how the record makes you feel- and this band completely back this up.

Again, this is another band who have a sound that I would aim for if I were musically talented/in a band. I feel like I gave up a bit on writing about music for a bit, but I hear bands like this, and the love comes back again. I just adore the raw sound they have and how raucous it is. This is the kind of noise that brings joy to my ears and makes me feel calm. I know most would settle for a cup of tea and some tranquil sounds- but give me something like Die Verlierer and I’m set.

Die Verlierer will be heading out on their first ever UK tour in May- grab a ticket. Grab all the tickets! The record is out now and was released via the always exceptional- Mangel Records.

GHUM: Fac251, Manchester 18th November 2022.

Posted on by

There are bands that you could watch live countless times, and you’ll never ever get sick of seeing them. Last night was only my second time seeing GHUM, and I think it was their second time playing Manchester (I might be wrong there, sorry if I am!) They played the legendary venue that is FAC251, and I can safely say that no other venue in town could have suited them more (maybe Soup Kitchen.)

GHUM’s debut record, Bitter came out in June this year and not a day goes by where I’m not playing it. It’s a perfect record, and a stunning debut. How does their live show favour? Exactly the same! GHUM are a band that you just have to see live. Their music was made to be witnessed in a live setting; especially in dark basement venues.

Although their set was cut short slightly- it did not change how amazing the gig was. Every single song was performed in a way that made to be heard in this setting. A small, intimate venue. Even if someone was being a bit overzealous with the smoke machine with the first few songs! Honestly, GHUM are a band that you know will keep getting better and better with whatever they do and whatever sound they have. Songs like California and Some People rip right through, Perro is electrifying live. Deceiver and Bitter was out of this world. Bad Brain is played with this fire and urgency that sticks with you well after the show is over. The whole set is an exploration of how and why they are one of the most exciting bands around. You cannot compare their live shows to anything else- it goes way beyond anything else you may feel from hearing them on record. They create this world that you just want to live in. This dark yet comforting world.

There’s this energy they all have that just lures you in, and every song they hit you with makes you feel like you are listening to them for the first time. For me they have got that same presence as the likes of TwoFiftyFour, Crows, L.A. Witch and Warpaint (basically just named bands I love and adore but y’know!) They make you wish you had even a tiny fraction of musical talent. GHUM are the best at what they do, and if you ever get the chance to see them live- you have GOT to take it. They make it seem so effortless. I mean Jojo is one of the greatest guitarists I’ve ever seen, Vicki is one of those drummers that just leave you in awe and Marina is such a slick bassist. Laura’s vocals will stay with you- she’s got this gentle tone but when she delivers songs like 1000 Men; there’s this beautiful growl to it that just stuns you.

Like I said, this band are the best at what they do. Nothing and no one comes close. The venue may not have been totally sold out but that didn’t matter at all- they made you feel like it was just you and them. Nothing around you mattered. There was an older couple near me, and they were dancing and moving in ways that most of us could dream of. For me, they summed up the euphoria that live music gives you and that GHUM gives you.

There are bands that you discover over time that become a massive part of you. You look at your record collection, and you wonder what it’d be like if you never heard them. There’d be a gap for this band, but you’ve yet to find them. I hope that anyone who ever listens to GHUM or discovers them for the first time feels like they’ve found the missing piece to their music jigsaw. I’ve not been to many gigs this year, but I can definitely place last night’s show up there with one of the best. Compared to their show in Manchester from 2019, you can definitely see and hear the growth in confidence.

GHUM are an absolute joy to listen to and when you see them live, that joy quickly turns to euphoria. The kind of band that makes you want to disregard your daily responsibilities and just follow them on tour. Hopefully it won’t be 3 years before they next come back to Manchester, but it was most certainly worth the wait!

GRAVE GOODS: Tuesday. Nothing Exists.

Posted on by

This record came out just over a month ago, and I had something written in my drafts. Looked over it, and deleted it. How I felt about the record then and how I feel about it now is different. Not by much, but there’s a difference. This isn’t a bad thing; I’ve had the record on repeat and can safely say that it’s up there as being one of the most flawless and interesting records of the year. It’s everything you love about music, and more.

If you’ve never listened to Grave Goods before, then you are in for a treat with this record. Grave Goods are made up of members from three bands that I’m a huge fan of: PINS, Girls Names and September Girls. If you mix up their sound and influences, and style- then you’ve clearly got a perfect band haven’t you. This is such a fantastic record from that slick sounds to the way the vocals are delivered. It’s got so much excitement to it; there’s this pure thrill you get from every listen because every single listen feels like you are being exposed to something new every single time. I reckon the ideal setting to listen to this record is on the top deck of a double decker bus, in the pissing rain and watching the world go by.

These seven songs are powerful, and songs like Story are a perfect listen on a grey and rainy day in Manchester. The whole record is a huge comfort, and with just seven songs the band completely and utterly show you what they are made of. The songs are digs are what society expects, thoughts, feelings and unspoken narratives. It’s just a phenomenal record, and I honestly feel like it’s a record that just needs to be heard. There’s an urgency to this record that just gives you a kick up the arse.

Listening to this record full whack through headphones or in your room is such a great sensation. You can’t help but take in the lyrics- Miles is a perfect example of this. The storytelling on this is just divine; it’s dark and humorous. The whole record has a dark sound but the lyrics/vocals add this gentleness. It works so well. It’s a heavy record, but it’s done in such a way that leaves you in awe. That’s all there is to it really.

The record ends with Die, and although it’s probably a morbid title for some- it’s a bloody lively song. The last minute of this song is euphoric and it just makes you start the record all over again. That’s when you know you’ve found a record that’ll you keep going back to over and over. You’ll use it as a reference. You’ll compare everything you now hear to this. Every song on the record fits perfectly. They sound as if they are made for this moment and whatever Grave Goods create next will be another masterpiece like this. You just know don’t you, when you listen to a band, and you know that regardless of how much music they put out, it’ll always be mind-blowing. They evidently a band that could never ever make a shit record. They’ve got this ideal sound that I just want to constantly hear. I bloody love this record.

Tuesday. Nothing Exists. Not only is the title of the record great, but you know how Tuesdays are probably the most boring day of the week? This record adds excitement. Play this record every Tuesday on repeat to add some spice to your life. It’ll make waking up less exhausting.

GHUM: Bitter

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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/

BULLET GIRL: Talking Pony EP.

Posted on by

Good Friday has now taken on a whole new meaning because the debut EP from Bullet Girl is FINALLY here. It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for this. And yes, as that old saying goes- good things come to those who wait. I mean I was pretty impatient for this one, but I stayed up well past my bedtime last night/this morning and at midnight, I played the EP. I’ve been playing it all day (I’ve taken a break from listening to CROWS for the time being.) Good Friday? More like a BRILLIANT Friday. If you’re looking for something that is powerful, will burst your eardrums, give you a swift kick up the arse and make you feel something- then I URGE you to check out this EP. It’s incredible.

In 4 songs, Bullet Girl show us exactly what they are made of. They are a political, honest, focused and a poetic bunch. The songs are insanely brilliant. It opens with The Hunt, then we go right into Paper Guns which is just a treat for the ears. The whole record is. Of course, you want more, but what they’ve given us is a work of art that oozes passion, dedication and determination. You can truly feel the hard-work that has gone into this record. Everything about Talking Pony just screams every fury you possibly feel right now. Paper Guns nails this more than most. The despair and hurt on this are so raw, and you’ll probably be made of stone if you don’t connect even a tiny bit to this one.

With one EP they have firmly put their sound out there. There’s nothing like this around and thank God because no one can do it like Bullet Girl. They make you want to cast aside your daily responsibilities and just follow them on tour or something equally fun. They’ve got this energy to the songs that just makes you punch the air in agreement and yell the songs out. Nothing will hit as hard as the into to McViolence. That intro just gets me every single time. Pretty sure I could be having the worst day possible, and within seconds of that intro being blasted out- I’ll feel better. I love the sheer rage in the song. The whole record has this brutality to it that just makes you really connect to the band and what they are about. Again, it’s all about picking up on that drive and determination in this EP- it’s wild. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when listening to the record. Like, I knew it was going to be great of course, but I didn’t know how the songs were going to hit and how it’d feel to finally hear this body of work that they’ve worked so hard on.

The love and drive gone into this EP is evident on every single song. If you want music that will make you feel like you are being thrown about or if you want lyrics that are just an accurate social commentary that are sung with such vulnerability and urgency- then this is the record for you. These 4 songs were made to be heard by the world and to be treasured. The record ends beautifully on Parasites but it doesn’t have to end there. Simply play it over and over again. It’s the only way. The last 20 seconds or so on this one is just incredible. The screaming of “Better days will come” just hits you right in the soul.

Talking Pony calls out everything shit with the world, but it’s delivered in a way that givers you hope. Hope that it’ll get better. It has to, right? With bands like Bullet Girl telling it like it is, it’s a sure fire way of making us all feel less alone and less helpless.

Tour dates for May are:

7th May: Retro, Manchester (R-Fest)

8th May: Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

9th May: The Washington, Sheffield

10th May: The Old Blue Last, London

11th May: Bedford Esquires, Bedford (supporting Personal Trainer

14th May: The Black Lion, Brighton