Post-punk – Page 22 – 7th Level Music

Bambara’s “Serafina” combines post-punk and goth into a dark, excellent brew.

Founded in Athens, Georgia by twin brothers Reid and Blaze Bateh, and bassist William Brookshire, Bambara have been steadily attracting attention since the release of their 2013 debut. Earning praise from Pitchfork, NPR, VICE, Bandcamp, Spin, DIY, BrooklynVegan and The Quietus, and touring non-stop in the US and Europe with like-minded artists like IDLES, METZ, Girl Band and Daughters, the band released their most celebrated album to date in 2018 with Shadow On Everything, a release that NPR dubbed a “mesmerizing western, gothic opus.” Today, Bambara are announcing their follow up Stray (due out via Wharf Cat on February 14th, 2020), with the premiere of the album’s first single “Serafina” on the FADER.

WATCH: to Bambara’s “Serafina” lyric video on
The FADER // YouTube

A thunderous squall of a song, “Serafina” provides an arresting introduction to the album. Channelling the anarchic energy of The Birthday Party and Gun Club, in combination with Reid Blateh’s dramatic lyrical style the track imbues the story of a pair suburban misfits with apocalyptic weight. Bambara’s rhythm section rattles and bursts behind a frantic descending guitar lead as Reid, in a fraying baritone, weaves a tale set in his home state of Georgia that acknowledges the history of the place with subtle Civil War allusions, while conjuring an immediate atmosphere of backwoods unease. As Reid tells to FADER, it’s a song built to communicate an unhinged energy.

“Stray is a death-obsessed album,” says Reid. “Most of the songs are about different characters’ futile attempts at living meaningful lives under the weight of imminent annihilation. I wanted “Serafina” to feel different. I wanted the song to radiate a sort of wild-eyed hope. A youthful disregard for death itself. Serafina and Sadie live exactly how they want to live, exploring their love for one another before a backdrop of flames. The knowledge of their own mortality takes nothing from their enthusiasm for life. If anything, they see it as a challenge they might one day overcome together. When they say, “We’ll never die” I want it to feel like they might actually have a shot.”

Bambara have announced a Brooklyn show at St. Vitus on November 8th and a full US tour in support of the album to take place in 2020. Full details can be found below.

10/25/2019 – Record Junkie – Sheffield, UK
10/26/2019 – The Poetry Club – Glasgow, UK
10/28/2019 – Green Door Store – Brighton, UK
10/29/2019 – Sebright Arms – London, UK
11/8/2019 – St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
2/19/2020 – Union Stage – Washington, DC
2/20/2020 – Boot & Saddle – Philadelphia, PA
2/21/2020 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
2/22/2020 – Great Scott – Boston, MA
2/24/2020 – Bar Le Ritz – Montreal, QC
2/25/2020 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
2/26/2020 – Beachland Tavern – Cleveland, OH
2/27/2020 – PJ’s Lager House – Detroit, MI
2/28/2020 – Sleeping Village – Chicago, IL
2/29/2020 – 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN
3/3/2020 – The Sunset – Seattle, WA
3/4/2020 – Fox Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
3/5/2020 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR
3/6/2020 – Cafe Du Nord – San Francisco, CA
3/7/2020 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA
3/9/2020 – The Rebel Lounge – Phoenix, AZ
3/10/2020 – Lowbrow Palace – El Paso, TX
3/11/2020 – Barracuda – Austin, TX
3/12/2020 – Ruins – Dallas, TX
3/13/2020 – Hi Tone (Small Room) – Memphis, TN
3/14/2020 – The High Watt – Nashville, TN
3/15/2020 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA
3/17/2020 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room – Carrboro, NC

Keep your mind open.

[Why not subscribe? It’ll only take a moment.]

Bike Thiefs’ new single, “Hockey Dad,” is a post-punk punch at drug addiction.

Toronto’s Bike Thiefs have premiered their new single, “Hockey Dad” through New Noise. Produced by Josh Korody (The Dirty Nil, Dilly Dally), it is pissed-off and abrasive, chatty and hook-laden, and follows the band’s previous releases: 2017’s Lean Into It and 2015’s These Things Happen All The Time.

LISTEN: Bike Thiefs “Hockey Dad” on New Noise / Soundcloud

Vocalist Marko Woloshyn explained the meaning behind the new single, ““Hockey Dad” is about a friend dealing with drug addiction. It’s heartbreaking to see how polarizing, and frankly exhausting the experience for them (and the people that surround them) can be. They vacillate between feeling like they’re king shit of asshole mountain or a has-been hockey dad trying to hold on to any semblance of past success. You watch as the drugs at times gives them the confidence to spin plates and hold court in crowds of strangers. At other times you watch the crippling anxiety start to dig paranoid foxholes into the middle of their box-spring.“

He continues, “It feels like a tired topic, but there’s an opioid crisis in North America, an inordinate amount of high functioning alcoholics and people being hand-fed pharmaceuticals as a band-aid solution to an incomprehensible depression. Maybe not a new idea, but maybe that’s why it’s still important.“

———-

Bike Thiefs absorb music as quickly as one would expect from a group of millennial audiophiles. Comprised of bassist Kris Pandierada, drummer Andrew Fasken and guitarist/vocalist Marko Woloshyn, they celebrates their fandom for early indie rock as well as 90s avant-pop and acid jazz. Pandeirada cut his teeth producing hip hop beats in his basement, Woloshyn holed up in his room wringing the ink out of Leonard Cohen sheet music and Fasken immersed himself in the world of 2000s punk rock; booking shows and playing in a handful of hardcore bands.

Now a chatty post-punk band, they have drawn comparisons to rock stalwarts Fugazi and Canadian-compatriots Constantines, as well as more contemporary acts like Parquet Courts and Car Seat Headrest. The band has been featured in several international publications including Exclaim!, New Noise and Impose, and have toured across Canada and the United States, opening for acts like Antarctigo Vespucci, The Dirty Nil and Moneen.

Hockey Dad is avaliable to stream here.

Keep your mind open.

[Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re here.]

Interview: Shonen Knife

Shonen Knife (L – R: Atsuko, Risa, Naoko)

I’m still a bit stunned that I was able to conduct an e-mail interview with pop-punk legends Shonen Knife this week, especially with them finishing their North American tour and about to embark on their Australia / New Zealand tour. Many thanks to them for taking the time to answer this humble writer’s questions, and to Andrew Scott for setting up this treat.

7th Level Music: First, I want to say thanks for stopping by Chicago’s Subterranean during your “Sweet Candy Power” tour. It was a fun show. I read your blog posts about the tour and also wanted to thank you for writing about the Mitsuwa Market. I didn’t know about it until I read your blog. Do you always stop there when you play Chicago?

Naoko: Yes, we do. There are some Japanese supermarkets in the U.S. When we have time, we try to stop there and eat lunch and buy Japanese food. I love Japanese bakery. I often buy Japanese pastries there.

7LM: I also read how the night before the show at Subterranean that you played the stage at a Hardee’s restaurant parking lot in Springfield, Illinois. I saw photos from the show and it looked like you had a great time and there was a big crowd. Were you surprised by the size of the crowd?

Naoko: I was very surprised and glad for the big crowd. It is the only restaurant which has a stage in a big parking lot. People there made lots of effort to make a fun event. The audience was very positive. They came to the venue to have fun. The atmosphere was very peaceful and happy. It was a great event.

7LM: Were there any other shows during the tour that were especially fun or surprising?

Naoko: We had very good reaction in all cities in Canada. It was the first time after a few years to come to Canada. The audience seemed to be enjoying our show a lot and I was happy, too.

7LM: I know you’re off to Australia and New Zealand next. Do you have any favorite venues there?

Naoko: I love all venues but especially I like to play at music festivals. We’ll play at The Lost Lands festival this time. I’m looking forward to playing there. I also like to play in New Zealand. It will be a rare chance to play there for us. Our audience in Australia and New Zealand are very cheerful and friendly like people in North America.

7LM: The new Sweet Candy Power album is very good. The title track got a big cheer from the Chicago crowd, and I wondered if there are American candies that you love that you take back with you to Japan? Also, are there any Japanese candies you wish you could get while you tour the United States? I, for one, love Japanese green tea candy and buy it whenever I can find it.

Naoko: I bought Halls throat candies during the tour. “Candy” we say “amé” in Japanese means “hard candy” in Japan. We have various kind of hard candies in Japan. I don’t have any special brand but love natural mint candy which doesn’t use artificial sugar. Green tea candy is good, too.

7LM: One thing I noticed on the new album is that it has a lot of different rock influences – punk, pop, garage, British metal, and more. Did you decide to play the different styles before recording began or was it something that you explored as you worked on the record?

Naoko: I wrote all the songs in [the last] 10 years. I listen to various kinds of rock and am inspired. I especially like 1970’s and 60’s rock and R&B, funk, disco music. Everything began from when I write songs.

7LM: The Subterranean show was the second time I’ve seen you live. The first was in Tucson, Arizona during the Ramen Adventure tour in 2017.
I remember Risa saying during that show it was only her second time in the U.S. I’ve never been able to learn how you met Risa. She is a beast behind the drum kit. How did all of you meet? Risa, how did you start drumming and who are some of your drumming influences. Do you have any thoughts on the passing of Ginger Baker?

Naoko: Risa plays the drums in her family band called Brinky. Her father plays the bass and her sister play the guitar and vocal. They covered Shonen Knife songs. Our manager and I found them playing our songs through YouTube. Risa was a high school student at that time. Then there was an opportunity that Brinky opened for our show. We got to know each other.

Risa: When I was 14 years old, I started to form a band with my friends. I was asked to be a drummer from my friends. Then I started to play the drums.

I was influenced by Atsuko because she is the original drummer of Shonen Knife because I’m a fan of Shonen Knife. I set cymbals and tom toms like her. Other than her, I like John Bonham, Taylor Howkins, and Chad Smith.

I was listening to Cream a lot when I was a child because my father liked them. I’ve never seen Ginger Baker’s drumming. If I go to heaven someday, I would like to see him playing the drums directly.

7LM: I know Atsuko makes your show outfits. Atsuko, do you design the tour shirts as well? You were all out of my size (medium) by the time you got to Chicago, but I’m glad you sold many of them.

Atsuko: I’m inspired by 60’s and 70’s fashion. Naoko designs some T-shirts in these days and for [our 2019] U.S. tour T-shirts, Miyoko from Good Charamel Records, which release our albums, designed it.

Naoko: I’m sorry that we had many sold out sizes. We will prepare enough next time.

7LM: I always like to ask bands this: Are there any bands back home that you think more people should know? Are there any other bands from Osaka or elsewhere in Japan you think your fans would like? I recently discovered High Rise and Bo Ningen in the last few years and think both are great.

Naoko: I like Extruders and Convex Level. Extruders is a very unique band. Their music is one and only, I think. From Osaka, Yellow Machinegun is cool. They are all female band of 3 pieces and play hardcore.

7LM: Lastly, outside of music (and candy and ice cream and capybaras), what else do you love to talk about or what other hobbies do you enjoy?

Naoko: I like to play tennis and watching men’s pro tennis matches. Atsuko also likes it and we have matches when she comes to Osaka or I go to Los Angeles where she lives.

Thanks a lot!

Thank you, Shonen Knife.

Keep your mind open.

[Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re here.]

Review: BODEGA – Shiny New Model

With so much happening in the world right now (in terms of pop culture, existential ennui, outsider art, and politics, at least), NYC post-punks BODEGA have a wealth of material upon which to draw for inspiration. I’m surprised they don’t put out at least an EP every three months.

Their newest one, Shiny New Model, is another one with a stinging name (the first being their debut full-length Endless Scroll), stinging jams, and stinging lyrics. The title track opens the record, and the first line is, “You will be replaced by a shiny new model.” They’re right, of course. All of us are fated to be replaced by someone or something else in our relationships (“Swipe!” is repeated throughout the chorus.), jobs, discography, and lives. Lead singer Ben Hozie sings an ode to an old ATM in the back of a bodega that, like everything else, is being replaced by the newest technology. It’s an allegory for all of us, of course, our reliance / addiction to modern technology, and our willingness to dehumanize our lives.

“Treasures of the Ancient World” has Hozie looking for lost love while Heather Elle‘s bass groove behind him is downright wicked. “There’s no vanguard revival, and I bet there never was,” Hozie sings on “No Vanguard Revival.” – a fast, brutal truth of a track. “Knife on the Platter” has some of Madison Vandam‘s best guitar work on the record, ranging from post-punk stabs to Andy Summers-like explorations.

“Domesticated Animal” is a funny, sharp takedown of mansplaining and sexism sung by Nikki Belfiglio. “Realism” is a quick tale of a woman at the end of a bad relationship.

The end of the album is two different versions of “Truth Is Not Punishment” – a cut from Endless Scroll that has become one of the band’s favorites for improvising while onstage. The song is about how many us want the truth yet refuse to accept it when it is delivered. The “long version” has Hozie singing Chuck Berry‘s “No Particular Place to Go” in the middle of it. One of the most impressive parts of the long version is how new drummer Tai Lee keeps her beats perfect and sounding the same for over ten minutes. The whole “sound the same thing” isn’t a slam on her at all. Listen to the beat she puts down and then try to play it yourself for over ten minutes without error. Your arms will feel like they’re going to fall off within three. The short version of the song is snappy and no less hard-hitting in its lesson and sound than the long one.

It’s another excellent record from BODEGA…until the next one comes along and replaces this with the shiniest, newest model.

Keep your mind open.

[Subscribe now and replace your old music news and reviews feeds with a shinier, new one.]

Review: Weeping Icon (self-titled)

Noise rock is a weird genre. The name itself is appropriate for some, oxymoronic for others. There are plenty of bands out there blending distortion and noise with unintelligible vocals, but few that do it in a way that intrigues the listener and doesn’t make them think, “What is that racket?”

Brooklyn’s Weeping Icon is such a band. Their self-titled debut is a fascinating mix of noise rock, punk, shoegaze, synthwave, and other things I can’t define. The cover image is a wild piece of art showing waves of…something (Sound? Images? Psychic projections? All three?) emanating from two skulls to form things that resemble cityscapes, forests, cemeteries, nuclear explosion test footage, and dust clouds in the hearts of galaxies.

The songs on the album sway back and forth between short, dystopian future instrumentals and full-length tracks with vocals. “Ankles” bursts at the seams with pounding riffs, drums from Lani Combier-Kapel that sound like they’re falling down a flight of stairs at one point (and I mean that in the best possible way – How does she produce those wild, weird fills?), and vocals on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The pedal-to-the-metal groove of “Be Anti” has singer / guitarist Sara Fantry wondering how to stand up against the establishment and whom to blame for her troubles (instead of looking in the mirror). The whole album explores concepts like this – lives lived online, addiction to technology, the fake self we project to hundreds (if not millions) of people we’ve never met.

“Ripe for Consumption” is a fine example of this, too. We make ourselves easy prey for Madison Avenue. Fantry’s guitar launches like a drag strip car and never stops through the whole track, an effect that really flows through the entire album with the instrumentals linking each track. “Natural Selection” is near goth perfection with its haunted house synths from Sarah Lutkenhaus, Bauhaus guitars, and often hissed vocals from Fantry about a corporate goon discussing how it’s not up to him to fix problems he didn’t create. “Power Trip” brings back punk anger and guitars that hit like hammers on anvils.

Sarah Reinhold‘s crispy yet creepy bass opens “Like Envy” – a witty song about a social media addict who learns too late that she’s lost her sense of self by giving away bits of herself every day at 11am and 3pm. The song builds to an eye-watering speed as Fantry chants, “Do you like my content?” The opening fuzz of “Control” sounds like some sort of rock crushing machinery that’s been set on fire. Fantry’s guitar comes in with stoner metal riffs to keep the fire at bay, however, and Combier-Kapel hits her cymbals so hard that I wouldn’t be surprised if she broke them and at least two sticks doing it.

Weeping Icon have become a must-see band for me thanks to this record. It’s a powerhouse of an album and a kidney punch to the expectations (self-imposed and from others) of modern social life.

Keep your mind open.

[Do you like my content? Subscribe! Subscribe! Subscribe!]

Live: Shonen Knife, Bev Rage and the Drinks, and Clickbait – Subterranean – Chicago, IL – October 01, 2019

This was a fun lineup that combined post-punk, queer core punk, and pop-punk in one show in a small venue in downtown Chicago. When I saw that Japan’s now-legendary Shonen Knife were playing alongside Chicago’s Bev Rage and the Drinks, I knew this would be a show to see.

Opening the show was another Chicago band – Clickbait. I hadn’t heard them before, but they put on a fun set of no wave post-punk that combined slick bass lines, precision drumming, and quirky guitar riffs with plenty of snarky attitude (in the best possible sense). They were intriguing and are definitely a band to watch. I have a feeling they could be going places soon.

Following them were fellow Chicagoans Bev Rage and the Drinks, who I’ve wanted to catch since hearing their first full-length album, Cockeyed, last year. It was a fun set, complete with free snacks, that tore through a lot of material. The guitarist mentioned they were too old to play songs longer than two minutes, but I suspect the truth is that Ms. Rage and her band are having so much fun and bringing so much fury that they don’t care if the audience can’t keep up with them. They also put out a lot of sound – there were three guitars, bass, and drums all going at once on multiple tunes while Ms. Rage raged about her dating life. They’re a must-see band if they’re near you.

I hadn’t seen Shonen Knife since I happened to be in Tucson the same night they were playing at 191 Toole. It was a blast to see them again. They came out shredding with “Konnichiwa” and then tore through new and classic material that covered some of their favorite subjects – candy, ice cream, furry animals, classic rock.

Shonen Knife were having a good time, as was the crowd. I’ve mentioned this many times to many people, but I believe it’s physically impossible to be blue when hearing a Shonen Knife song, and that’s certainly the case when seeing them live. They played at least four tracks from their new album, Sweet Candy Power (review coming soon), and all of them are good – especially the title track. Oh yeah, they played a Hardee’s in Springfield, Illinois the previous night and packed the parking lot and even scored free milkshakes after the show.

Sisters Atsuko (bass) and Naoko (guitar) always put out a stunning amount of power while singing songs about banana chips and capybaras, and their drummer Rosa is a powerhouse. It’s easy to get caught up in her adorable nature while she’s singing songs about cookie ice cream sandwiches, but she is a beast behind the kit.

They haven’t lost a step after so many tours and albums. Don’t miss them.

Keep your mind open.

[Don’t miss your chance to subscribe while you’re here.]

Review: CHAI – Punk

Creating their own niche and their own definition of “cute,” Japan’s CHAI are making great music to go with their aesthetic of “Everyone is adorable / beautiful / great in their own way, no matter what society and Madison Avenue may tell you.”

Their newest album, Punk, is a fun mix of post-punk, electro, J-pop, and other things that are difficult to define. Opener “Choose Go!” encourages all of us to embrace our inner power (and that phat bass line). “Get power fresh feeling!” they chant on “Great Job” – a salute to the power of housework and simultaneously a slap in the face to its drudgery. “I’m Me” sums up CHAI‘s philosophy as they sing, “Everybody’s wonderful.” amid bright synths and and lovely pop hooks.

“Wintime” is another lovely pop tune and “This Is CHAI” combines what sounds like anime music themes with Devo-like drumming and fuzzed vocals to produce one of your new favorite rave tracks. “Fashionista” is their rocking push-back against fashion culture and the burdens it puts on many of us who fall into its trap. It’s one of my favorite singles of the year. “Family Member” is another tune that lifts your spirits immediately upon hearing it. The handclaps encourage you to move along with them and the “wave your hands in the air” nature of it is unavoidable.

The cymbals on “Curly Adventure” seem to come at you from every direction, but never to the point where they overwhelm you or the song. “Feel the Beat” is good for both lazy bike rides and a spin bike workout, your choice. The build-up of its bright synths and lifting vocals is a pretty combination. “Future” starts off with Gary Numan-like beats and synths and CHAI singing about following dreams for a brighter future.

It’s a good goal for all of us. Following dreams, even ones we had as children, can be enriching. Enriching the self increases our ability to enrich others. In this day and age, there’s not much more punk than that.

Keep your mind open.

[Choose to go over to the subscription box while you’re here.]

BODEGA leaves us a “Knife on the Platter” to go with their upcoming EP.

Brooklyn-based BODEGA releases a new single, “Knife On The Platter,” from their forthcoming EP, Shiny New Model, out October 11th on What’s Your Rupture?. Following the “pirouetting guitar line and an intimate bass groove” (Paste) of the title track, “Knife on the Platter” charges forward with resounding bass and sharp, nearly-shouted vocals.

“‘Knife On the Platter’ is a narrative song. I was imagining a top notch Gena Rowlands-esque actress who is cast in a mediocre gothic who nonetheless elevates the script’s schlocky material through her absolute commitment to authentically live each moment of the play,” says Ben Hozie. “She performs as if the gods are watching – she ‘acts’ as if each gesture will be set in stone for the future to see. That’s a show business trick – when performing imagine your heroes are in the room. You will no longer mess around. Twice in the song Zeus responds via the lightning striking from Madison’s guitar. That’s the thing: even when you are totally alone and lost – someone is (or will always be) watching your actions. Choose wisely.”

Following Endless Scroll, their “debut full of danceable, pop-smooth punk” (The AV Club), the Shiny New Model EP marks a lush new sonic direction for the group – widescreen multi-tracked guitars and a giant sounding rhythm section complement sharp songwriting and yearning vocal melodies. With wild minimalism and laughing wit, they revitalize the rock and roll vocabulary under the influence of post punk, hip-hop, kraut rock, and folk-derived narrative songwriting.

BODEGA is comprised of Ben Hozie (conductor, vocals, guitar), Nikki Belfiglio (art director, vocals, samples, hi hat), Heather Elle (bass), Madison Velding Vandam (lead guitar, producer), and the new addition of Tai Lee (stand-up percussionist). The EP is the band’s first recording done with Tai Lee, its first session at a proper studio, and the first BODEGA release produced within the group (production was handled by Vandam).

The band will tour across North America, kicking off next week at O+ Festival in New York. All dates can be found below and tickets are on sale now.

Listen to “Knife on the Platter” – https://youtu.be/cR9AlXgvNSc

Watch the “Shiny New Model” video – https://youtu.be/h7_A8fqHNBQ

Pre-order Shiny New Model – https://bodegabk.bandcamp.com/

BODEGA Tour Dates: Fri. Oct. 11 – Kingston, NY @ O+ Festival Wed. Oct. 23 – Somerville, MA @ Once Ballroom * Thu. Oct. 24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg * Sat. Oct. 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle * Sun. Oct. 27 – Washington, DC @ Pie Shop * Mon. Oct. 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe * Fri. Nov. 1 – Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5 * Sat. Nov. 2 – New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa * Tue. Nov. 5 – Austin, TX @ Barracuda * Fri. Nov. 8 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar * Sat. Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre * Mon. Dec. 2 – Toronto, ON @ Adelaide Hall & Tue. Dec. 3 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere & Thu. Dec. 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie & *= w/ Starcrawler &= w/ Yummy Fur

Keep your mind open.

[Music news and reviews straight to your e-mail inbox when you subscribe.]

Dry Cleaning release “Viking Hair” from upcoming new EP.

UK quartet Dry Cleaning share the second single off their forthcoming EP Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks (their second EP in just over 4 months), entitled “Viking Hair.”

Trademark repetitive, melodic guitar motifs ring out over an energized rhythm section that builds to a gradual crescendo. The result is invigorating and driven yet thoughtful and emotive.

Lyrically, Viking Hair is inspired by romantic ideas about someone you’re attracted to but don’t know well, and distracting things seen in the street. The ‘oooohs’ are intended to sit somewhere between a heart monitor flat-lining and feedback from a microphone.

The song is accompanied by a video shot and edited by the band and Pedro Pina. The band provides the following context:

“Cactus Club is a weekly LGBT line dancing class and club where everyone is welcome. Based in Clapham, South London, it was established in 1993 and is run by Michael, Anne and Peter. Whilst recording ‘Viking Hair,’ we noticed the mood and rhythm of the song brought line dancing to mind. We found Cactus Club online and approached them to see if they would be interested in helping us to make a video. Dry Cleaning wish to thank the Cactus Club organizers and all the dancers who took part for sharing the fantastic atmosphere at their club with us, and for their enthusiasm and expertise.”

WATCH “VIKING HAIR” VIDEO https://youtu.be/d5MNSuhiIGM

LISTEN TO “SIT DOWN MEAL” https://youtu.be/2zd2K4_UykQ

Both EP’s, July’s Sweet Princess and October’s Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks, will be compiled together for a 12″ vinyl release on October 25th and can be pre-ordered HERE.

DRY CLEANING TOUR DATES: Oct. 17th – Dublin, IE @ Workman’s Club Oct. 19th – Bristol @ Simple Things Festival Oct. 20th – Cardiff, UK @ SWN Festival Oct. 23rd – London, UK @ The Lexington Nov. 23rd – Glasgow, UK @ Great Western Festival Nov. 24th – Sheffield, UK @ Picture House Social Wed. Feb. 12 – Manchester, UK @ Gulliver’s Thu. Feb. 13 – Edinburgh, UK @ Sneaky Pete’s Fri. Feb. 14 – Glasgow, UK @ The Hug and Pint Sat. Feb. 15 – Leeds, UK @ Hyde Park Book Club Thu. Feb. 20 – Cambridge, UK @ Portland Arms Fri. Feb. 21 – Liverpool, UK @ The Shipping Forecast Sat. Feb. 22 – Birmingham, UK @ The Sunflower Lounge Fri. Feb. 28 – Brighton, UK @ Green Door Store Sat. Feb. 29 – Bristol, UK @ The Louisiana Sun. March 1 – Southampton, UK @ Heartbreakers Tue. March 3 – London, UK @ Village Underground

Dry Cleaning online: https://drycleaning.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drycleaningband/ https://www.facebook.com/drycleaningband/ https://pitchperfectpr.com/dry-cleaning/

Keep your mind open.

[Why not subscribe while you’re here?]

Have a “Sit Down Meal” with Dry Cleaning on their new single.

LISTEN TO “SIT DOWN MEAL” https://youtu.be/2zd2K4_UykQ

Today South London’s Dry Cleaning have announced their second EP, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks, following the critical success of summer 2019’s debut Sweet Princess. As well as available digitally, both EP’s will be compiled together for a 12″ vinyl release on October 25th (pre-order HERE).

Sweet Princess saw the band arrive fully-formed, and in the brief two months or so since a debut single – their paean to Meghan Markle, “Magic of Meghan” – landed, the band have seen significant international press and radio support, including a 7.8 for the EP at Pitchfork and playlisting at BBC 6 Music. Additionally, Stereogum has named them a Band to Watch today, check out the interview here.

The band have also announced an EP launch show at The Lexington on October 23rd and released “Sit Down Meal,” the first single from the release. Lyrically, “Sit Down Meal” is about being lost for words; there is some reference to both the language of placeholder text and greetings cards throughout the song. Vocalist Florence Shaw has said the following about the inspiration for the single:

“It’s set at the moment just after being suddenly dumped. You cling to details, things you did together and reel at their significance. If you smell their perfume on someone else you feel overwhelmed, but immediately and painfully aware of how lightning quick a relationship can evaporate into thin air.”

“Boundary’s” collection of songs takes its name from the location and context of a shared genesis, and marks a significant chapter for the band as the last tracks to be written in their original rehearsal space. The offering displays a more evolved sound than its predecessor; more textured and confidently realized without overlooking the melodic subtleties or minimal approach implicit on their debut. There is a pop sensibility to the lyrics and a sense that this writing process has become more fluid; words are consciously used with more economy and are often repeated. With this new recording, Dry Cleaning seek to expand the palette of their sound without nagging the simplicity and directness of their songwriting.

While there are currently only UK shows on the schedule, the band plans to make their US debut soon.

DRY CLEANING TOUR DATES: Oct. 17th – Dublin, IE @ Workman’s Club Oct. 19th – Bristol @ Simple Things Festival Oct. 20th – Cardiff @ SWN Festival Oct. 23rd – London @ The Lexington Nov. 23rd – Glasgow @ Great Western Festival Nov. 24th – Sheffield @ Picture House Social

BOUNDARY ROAD SNACKS AND DRINKS EP TRACK LISTING: 1. Dog Proposal 2. Viking Hair 3. Spoils 4. Jam After School 5. Sombre One 6. Sit Down Meal

Dry Cleaning online: https://drycleaning.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drycleaningband/ https://www.facebook.com/drycleaningband/ https://pitchperfectpr.com/dry-cleaning/

Keep your mind open.

[Sit down and subscribe while you’re here.]