unity, discontent and jorts
SOTAH – Division Line single (feat. Dicky Barrett)
The Gun Violence Archive reported over 600 American mass shootings in the year 2022 alone, with over 20,000 gun related deaths. There is no time for debate. The time for love is now. The time for hate is never.
Gone are the laid-back ska flourishes of last year’s Love/Hate EP. Powered by an insistent, melodic punk motor and Greg Graffin vocal style, this new track from Manchester, NH’s SOTAH increases in passion as it moves through its atmospheric bridge. The vocals of THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES‘ Dicky Barrett lend a meaty, more aggressive slant, accompanied by building guitar spirals, culminating in a stark voiceover. In a time of jaded cynicism amid flourishing societal divisions, a humble song of unity seems like a breath of fresh air.
Released 10th May 2024
https://sotah.bandcamp.com/track/division-line-feat-dicky-barrett
PALE SAILOR – Jorts Season. single
Sheffield’s PALE SAILOR have only been a band for a couple of years, Jorts Season being their second single. Femme vocals straddle sweet vulnerability with stridency on this fetching slice of rumbling, 90s emo. Sharp guitar torque switches between angular, awkward, and churning on a nonchalant, emo-pop chunk, bowing out with an unexpected mess of distortion. One to watch.
Released 31st May 2024
https://palesailor.bandcamp.com/track/jorts-season
BE FAIR – Roddy Piper single
Trust wrestling-referencing Sheffielders BE FAIR to take me back to, erm, 00s Leeds – oh, how I miss you, Out Of Spite festival – with a mix of rough-hewn crunch, versatile vocals, and emo(tional) subtlety. The bridge is a considered delight, the throaty chorus and vein-popping final build rousing; yeah, BE FAIR seemingly have it all. Along with Montreal Screwjob and Hadfield 5, Roddy Piper completes a three-track EP of passionate, gruff punk peppered with emo nuance. Cracking.
Released 24th May 2024
Header photo: BE FÀIR
PERSONAL PUNK 