Listening Post – April 2024

Words: Andy Hughes

I can’t quite Adam-and-beliEve-it that we’re already easing into spring. No, this isn’t an April Fools (particularly as that was a few days ago), but rather the year zooming ahead as per. 

Alongside our bumper playlist for the year (cataloguing everything we’ve been loving from January through to now), the ‘Listening Post’ returns this month and it’s full of choice cuts, 20 of them – old and new!

It’s a crisp 60 minutes, so you can bosh this one out in snappy fashion – be sure to tell your friends / family / pets too!

Whilst you’re here, can we quickly draw your attention to the new podcast that we launched at the start of the year? ’60 Minutes or less’ has been up and running for over three months now, featuring interesting chats with Joe Casey (Protomartyr), Paul Hanley (The Fall), Philip Frobos (Omni), Jonathan Higgs (Everything Everything), Peter Brewis (Field Music) and Steve Davis OBE (The Utopia Strong)! When you’re done here, get yourself listening to the new episodes and give it a rating on your favourite streaming service!

Patio – Inheritance
(Collection)

Cooler than the other side of the pillow stuff here from NYC formed trio Patio. From their second album ‘Collection’, out September last year on tastemaker label Fire Talk, ‘Inheritance’ is as groovy as it is moody and calls to mind the brilliant Lithics. Love those machine-gun fire drum bursts.

Parsnip – The Light
(Behold)

On our radar ever since their 2017 EP ‘Health’, Aussie lot Parsnip return in 2024 with their forthcoming second album (on the way this month via Upset The Rhythm). Kicking things off with bright and breezy lead single ‘The Light’, it’s an offering that sounds like it’s been zapped forward in time from the swinging sixties. 

Bench Press – Respite
(Not The Past, Can’t Be The Future)

From their 2019 album ‘Not The Past, Can’t Be The Future’, Melbourne’s Bench Press have a motto we can get behind – ‘don’t bore us, get to the chorus’. Mastered by Mikey Young, naturally, this is a snarling post-punk number that sinks its teeth in from the off.

Bingo Fury – Leather Sky
(Bats Feet For A Widow)

It was a trip seeing Bingo Fury at hipster hotspot YES in Manchester recently, given that the cover photo for his new album ‘Bats Feet For A Widow’ captures the songwriter in the restaurant across the street, literally taken from the very same room we were stood. ‘Leather Sky’ is something else, a proper stop you in your tracks affair from the young crooner, one that’s drawn comparisons to songwriting greats like Scott Walker.

Saint Saviour – Be Gentle
(Sunseeker)

It’s fitting that we move into spring with this sun-soaked delight from London based singer-songwriter Becky Jones a.k.a. Saint Saviour (though it is pissing it down in Manchester as I write this…) From a new album out now – the aptly titled ‘Sunseeker’ – elsewhere on the record you’ll find a guest collaboration from Bill Ryder Jones.

Non La – Hurtful
(Like Before)

Mega S/T ‘blue’ album Weezer vibes aplenty on the fist-pumping ‘Hurtful’, one of the big hitters from ‘Like Before’, the new record from queer Chinese-Vietnamese multi-instrumentalist Non La (whose name sounds like what a scouser might say when you’ve asked them for something they’ve just run out of…) Dig that fuzz!

Ting Tang Tina – Hair
(Honeybee)

Texan quartet Ting Tang Tina first started playing shows in 2017, but listening to the infectious ‘Hair’, you’d think they’d have been at it for decades. Hardly letting up across its near three minutes, this from their debut album ‘Honeybee’ sounds like it’d be sitting pretty on the soundtrack of any coming of age teen film. 

Grazia – Stupid Paradise
(In Poor Taste)

Featuring ex-Sauna Youth bod Lindsay Corstorphine, London based duo Grazia put out a killer EP at the start of the year (another winning release from the team at Feel It Records). ‘Stupid Paradise’ is a total ear worm of the slacker variety.

VR Sex – Real Doll Time
(Hard Copy)

I’ve been flirting with disaster of late, listening to loads of VR Sex on my work laptop (that name!), but I can’t help it – I’m hooked on their new record, ’Hard Copy’! Spearheaded by Noel Skum (a.k.a. Andrew Clinco of Drab Majesty), ‘Real Doll Time’ is a mega infectious bit of moody post-punk from a record that well and truly has its hooks in us.

The Chico Hamilton Quintet – The Morning After
(Chico Hamilton Quintet featuring Buddy Collette)

An absolutely delightful piece here from American jazz drummer and bandleader, Chico Hamilton, a completely cinematic jazz affair that would perfectly soundtrack any time of day (not just ‘The Morning After‘…)

Folly Group – East Flat Crows
(Down There!)

Sometimes seeing a band live can really take their record to another level. Following an appearance in Manchester last month, I’ve been hammering the debut album from Londoners Folly Group. ‘East Flat Crows’ is a particularly cool number from the quartet, the dual vocal and hypnotising rhythm section taking hold.

Modema – Running Back

A regular in The Orielles live band (as well as behind the counter of Manchester institution Piccadilly Records), last year saw the release of a debut single from Scottish artist Modema, a slick pop number that doesn’t sound too dissimilar to the synth-pop stylings found on the latest Everything Everything record.  

SLAP RASH – Photo Fit
(Catherine Special)

Local lot SLAP RASH put out their debut EP ‘Catherine Special’ at the tail end of last year and from it, ‘Photo Fit’ is a frantic post punk shoulder-shuffler of the Drahla variety. Thumping drums, killer bass and a captivating vocal attack that keeps you on your toes, this is solid!

Holiday Ghosts – Big Congratulations
(Coat Of Arms)

The ever prolific Holiday Ghosts swiftly follow up their 2023 record ‘Absolute Reality’ with yet another slab of wax to be devoured. Latest single ‘Big Congratulations’ is a total pop treat – a joyous, breezy single to welcome in the brighter months of the year.

(Photo Credit: Atiba Jefferson)

Dehd – Mood Ring
(Poetry)

Starting off as a thumping, Nine Inch Nails type industrial assault, ‘Mood Ring’ switches gears dramatically and becomes such a pop bop. From a new record out this May, ‘Mood Ring’ is insanely catchy and a total heart-sweller from the Chicago trio.

Mannequin Pussy – Aching
(I Got Heaven)

You know we love a 90 second ripper at Birthday Cake For Breakfast, so we were stoked when we heard this on the latest Mannequin Pussy record. A hardcore rush that sounds like the gnarliness of early Turnstile, you’ll want to stick ‘Aching’ on again and again.

Lambrini Girls – God’s Country

Very much in the vein of early Sleaford Mods – dog-dirt bass and engrossing, corner-you-in-the-pub stream of consciousness vocals (both a compliment, trust us) – ‘God’s Country’ is the latest attack from killer trio Lambrini Girls. Known for a notorious live show and with records to match, they can’t seem to put a foot wrong!

Rosali – Bite Down
(Bite Down)

From a new record out last month via Merge Records, North Carolina’s Rosali conjures up a real vibe on title track ‘Bite Down’. Guided by the warmth of the vocals and the instrumentation, it’s the type of track you can completely lose yourself in, allowing your mind to float off along a lazy river. 

Alison Cotton – The Letter Burning
(Engelchen)

From a new record out this year on Rocket Recordings and Feeding Tube Records, ‘The Letter Burning’ is a haunting, thought provoking piece from London based viola player / vocalist Alison Cotton. The record ‘Engelchen’ – meaning “little angel” in German – is a tribute to Ida & Louise Cook, two opera fans who rescued 29 Jewish people from Nazi-occupied Europe in the 30s.

Cowtown – Thru Being Zuul
(Fear Of…)

A commemorative pen in the post for Leeds formed Cowtown, the trio now celebrating twenty years in the game! To mark the occasion, the trio have just announced a new album is on the way this May via Gringo Records – their first new album in eight years! New single ‘Thru Being Zuul’ is the Cowtown sound we’ve come to love, an energetic burst of DEVO styled synth-punk to get the body moving.

(Photo Credit: Vincent-Lee)

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

a/s/l: Parsnip

Remember the days of the old schoolyard? Remember when Myspace was a thing? Remember those time-wasting, laborious quizzes that everyone used to love so much? Birthday Cake For Breakfast is bringing them back! 

Every couple of weeks, an unsuspecting band will be subject to the same old questions about dead bodies, Hitler, crying and crushes.  

This Week: Off the back of releasing their brillo-pads new single ‘The Light’ and announcing their forthcoming new album ‘Behold‘ (out April 6th 2024 via Upset The Rhythm / Anti Fade Records), Aussie lot Parsnip answer a series of inane questions!

Words: Andy Hughes (Photo Credit: Jamie Wdziekonskl)

a/s/l?
Carolyn Hawkins (drums): 100 / F / My desk.
Bec Liston (keyboard): 30 / none of your beeswax / Office desk.
Stella Rennex (guitar / saxophone): 29/sexy/planet earth.
Paris Richens (bass): 33 (the year of crucifixion) / F / Lara, land of the bogans.

Have you ever seen a dead body?
CH: Yes just recently a dead myna bird in my parking lot.
BL: Too many at the moment. Free Palestine.
SR: What Bec said. Free Palestine!! 
PR: Yeah, roadkill every day. Wildlife does not stand a chance.

Who is your favourite Simpsons character?
CH: Flanders.
BL: Mona Simpson.
SR: Marge, Mr Burns, Ralph Wiggum. 
PR: Marge forever!

What T-Shirt are you wearing?
CH: Work shirt.
BL: Vintage jumper from a defunct airline. Let me check the tag…. Ansett.
SR: Black Champion t-shirt. No idea where I got it. 
PR: Green baggy tagless knit tee.

What did your last text message say?
CH: “Lol these questions rule”.
BL: omg react emoji.
SR: “Goodbye sweet darling” haha. Referring to my dead van that just got towed to the wreckers. I’ll miss you JJ.
PR: “Today I was driving home and there was a truck that said SIMON across it, and I just knew I have to visit and see him” … sadly, my friend’s pet griffon (Simon) is on his last legs. 

What’s the last song you listened to?
CH: Apres Ski by Greg Foat & Art Themen.
BL: Haenim by Kim Jung Mi.
SR: Was just listening to the first Them Crooked Vultures album bahah. Reliving the glory days of 2009…I’m a dork so sue me.  
PR: ‘Suite Pour L’invisible’ by Ana Roxanne.

How did you meet the people in your band?
CH: Paris through music a million years ago when her band Hierophants and my band Chook Race would play together, Stella through living together, Bec through Stella.
BL: I met Stella when I joined a band she was a part of back in Sydney in 2013. Then met the rest of the band once I joined Parsnip!
SR: Met everyone through music basically. And friendships, relationships and housemate-ships. 
PR: Caz through bands/boyfs, Stella through boyfs, Bec through Stella!

What’s the first record you bought?
CH: First CD was ‘Ray of Light‘ by Madonna, and first record was ‘X-Aspirations‘ by X (Sydney not LA).
BL: ‘So Fresh‘ CD 2001. Not sure about first record. Hey Caz I have ‘Ray of Light‘ currently in my car CD player! 
CH: It holds up!
SR: First CD was ‘Music’ by Madonna, coincidence! First LPs were a Ravi Shankar LP and the first Saints album in the one transaction. Funny combo but still two of my faves. 
PR: First CD was the ‘M.I.B.’ soundtrack. Record…? Meh, dunno. 

What was your favourite VHS growing up?
CH: ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs‘.
BL: I lived overseas until I was 5 and my grandma used to send VHS tapes of ‘Play School‘ for me and my brother to watch. 
SR: Probably my Peter Coombes video (Belly flop on a pizza anybody??). Also used to love watching the head cleaning tape, kinda psychedelic. 
PR: My older sister Bianca recorded ‘Ren and Stimpy‘ onto multiple VHS tapes and decorated them with cool stickers and groovy writing. 

When was the last time you cried?
CH: Yesterday. 
BL: Yesterday.
SR: Ermmm, maybe a week or two ago. 
PR: Hmm, yeah. I teared up today. 

Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it?
CH: One. Hundred. Percent.
BL: Actually no? 
SR: No comment.
PR: Absolutely!!

Best Physical Feature?
CH: Stella says I have nice feet. 
BL: Eyebrows
SR: Caz has great feet haha. Hmm prob tits and hands haha. 
PR: Um, skin. 

Worst physical feature?
CH: Brain.
BL: Astigmatism. 
SR: Nobody has those.
PR: Oof, everything. 

Reasonably ok/not bad feature that you’re not fussed about?
CH: Left elbow.
BL: Yes exactly. 
SR: Arms.
PR: Neck.

Do you have any pets?
CH: I guess technically I have a cat Lumpi, but she lives with her father on the other side of town these days.
BL: My cat Bob. Robert when he’s naughty.
SR: Huge cat called Gene.
PR: No … but dreaming of a chocolate border collie, a blue tongue lizard, a shingleback lizard, a pet snake, mop haired guinea pigs, fighting fish, and a blue budgerigar.

Ever picked up any injuries on tour?
CH: Definitely have damaged my hearing a fair bit.
BL: Probably vitamin deficiencies.
SR: Probably sore back, hearing loss, bruises from carrying gear, sickness from servo food. List goes on…
PR: In America my ankles weirdly swelled up. When we got to Kansas City, I couldn’t dance because it was so painful. 

What did you do for your last birthday?
CH: Had friends over, made lasagne, went bowling.
BL: I turned 30 and went to Japan. 
SR: Parsnip played live on RRR Breakfasters. Then I had a beer in the park. 
PR: I think I had my family over for dinner. Got an iron infusion, wahoo!

Name something you CANNOT wait for?
CH: My sister is coming back from NZ tonight, she’s been over there for a year.
BL: Touring and finishing my knitting project.
SR: My next day off. 
PR: A procedure I really need so I can function properly in life. 

Do you have a crush on someone?
CH: I wish.
BL: My Girlfriend and Kristin Stewart in Rolling Stone mag.
SR: Paul Simonon.
PR: Australian pro skater, Jack Crook.

What’s the shittest experience you’ve had as a musician?
CH: Once on tour with my old band I accidentally slept on a dog’s bed – definitely a low point.
BL: Being told a band didn’t want me to join because they wanted a stronger man instead. Or when my drum teacher started a rumour I was sleeping with other music teachers when I was 17… oh the list goes on! 
SR: There have been a few but I prefer not to dwell on those. Far more have been positive.
PR: Hmm, probably just something stupid my little ego couldn’t take. 

If you could go back in time, how far would you go?
CH: I would like to be a fly on the wall during the big bang.
BL: Wouldn’t mind 1 hour more sleep this morning. Or to spend time with grandparents I never met.
SR: Ancient something…
PR: I would like to go back to India to meet saints like Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yoganandaji, late 1800s – early 1900s. Jai Guru!

How do you want to die?
CH: Peacefully. And then I want to be put in one of those mushroom suits please.
BL: In my mushroom suit. Band funded mushroom suit plot everyone?
SR: However it comes. Whatever will be will be. Preferably fast and painless. 
PR: Nirvikalpa samadhi. I’ll make my own way out when the time is right. 

What’s your favourite thing about pizza?
CH: Nothing, I’m not a fan.
BL: Pineapple. Fight me?
SR: Also not really a fan of pizza. 
PR: My boyfriend has pizza for dinner whenever I’m not at home, so that must be saying something. The less ingredients the better. 

What are you craving right now?
CH: Coffee.
BL: Green olives.
SR: Total relaxation.
PR: Pain killers.

Have you ever been on a horse?
CH: Yes it was terrifying.
BL: Only as a kid around Centennial Park.
SR: Yes, also only as a child at Malabar in Sydney. Near the shooting range. 
PR: I think so … but camels in Morocco only come to mind. 

What did you dream about last night?
CH: So boring but I can’t remember. Probably something about snakes.
BL: I don’t think I dreamt anything, but I’d like a flying dream some time again soon please brain. 
SR: Nothing that stuck with me. 
PR: Yeah, can’t remember. 

Do you like Chinese food?
CH: Absolutely, but I think my idea of Chinese food is a westernised food court version. Still good.
BL: Same as Caz. I’m also a fan of TCM!
SR: Absolutely love it. 
PR: I had a friend in primary school called Mingfang Jiang and to this day, I swear I have never, ever had stir fry as good as the home cooked meal her mum provided. 

Have you ever been on TV?
CH: When I was a teenager my friend and I accidentally ended up as extras in an episode of Neighbours. 
BL: Nick took over my school when I was in year 5. I think I even got slimed!? 
SR: I went to Sunrise when I was about 11 and the Socceroos had just returned from the World Cup in Germany. You could see me in the crowd thrusting my ball in Lucas Neill’s face and screaming his name, on the verge of tears. I was very obsessed haha.
PR: When I worked at a news agency in East Geelong, there was all this fuss about the Geelong Cats in the AFL premiership and the owners were huge supporters. I was featured on the news with some kids, even though I don’t follow AFL. If you grow up in Geelong you’re kind of expected to follow the team. Not me!

Ever meet someone famous?
CH: Last week Janet from Spiderbait came into my work. That was pretty cool.
BL: Stella and I used to work with someone who said he was the second choice to be cast as Ron in Harry Potter haha, close enough?
SR: I bumped into Leonardo Di Caproio outside AGNSW in Sydney when I was a teenager. Also once had a beer with Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce… figure that one out. 
PR: Obviously can’t compete with Stella but I did meet the great Australian actor Geoffrey Rush at the Astor Theatre when they were showing Buster Keaton in The General. Both Geoffrey and my father were wearing matching pink shirts. Also, no one will care but I did meet Craig Nicholls twice which was like my teenage dream come true. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?
CH: I just saw ‘Fire of Love’, so obviously a volcanologist.
BL: To be a backyard owner.
SR: Same as I ever was
PR: Far beyond this tiny body consciousness.

‘Behold‘ is out April 6th 2024 via Upset The Rhythm / Anti Fade Records! Grab yourself a pre-order of the record here!

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Editor’s Picks: Top 50 songs of 2023 – Part Two

In classic fashion, my personal favourite record from 2023 came out a year ago. Eagle-eyed Instagram followers might’ve noticed too that when it came to the big Spotify Wrapped reveals, my number one song (and quite a few within the top five) were from an album that came out seven years ago! As our reviews man Ben Forrester likes to say though – don’t get it twisted! We bleed new music through and through and 2023 has been a bountiful year for it, so much so that it’s been particularly difficult picking just 50 songs for our regular end of year feature.

But pick we must and pick we have – cataloguing our (or rather, my) favourite tracks of 2023, split into two parts (part one being here!) As ever, these are in alphabetical order rather than a ranking because, after all, it is Christmas time.

Heads up – 2023 was also a big year for us, Birthday Cake For Breakfast celebrating ten years of being a thing – ten years of DIY on the fringes! It’s been quite the decade, so much so that we had shirts made up to celebrate the fact! There’s a handful left if you’re keen (and a medium!)

Words: Andy Hughes

Minor Conflict – Living Statue
(Bright Lights, Dead City)

One of the hottest debut EPs of 2023 (out mid-year on PRAH Recordings), Bristolian outfit Minor Conflict’s sound is of the POZI and Squid vintage. On the stirring ‘Living Statue‘, heavenly backing vocals and resplendent harp playing combine with a driving rhythm and almost stream of consciousness vocal for invigorating results.

Mock Tudors – Self Assessment
(Self Assessment)

Released on January 31st to tie in with the deadline for filing tax returns, ‘Self Assessment‘ was just one of many brilliant releases from tracksuit wearing Sheffield lads Mock Tudors this year. Fronted by him out of Mr Ben & The Bens, the title track from the EP is a rollicking garage rock rager.

MUMS – 100 Kilos
(Legs)

Skull-crushing trio MUMS returned this year after some time away to once again put the industrial town of Widnes on the map! Return single ‘100 Kilos‘ sounds like just that, a rock solid, heavy as fook fuzz-fest that requires earplugs even with the volume down.

Jalen Ngonda – Come Around and Love Me
(Come Around and Love Me)

It doesn’t seem right that London based, American soul musician Jalen Ngonda is younger than me, given that ‘Come Around and Love Me‘ (the title track from his new album) sounds like a classic unearthed from 50 years ago. Ngonda has a timeless voice that really elevates this delectable cut from his debut LP, out now via Daptone Records.

Objections – BSA Day
(BSA Day / Better Luck Next Time)

The second release this year from tastemakers Wrong Speed Records (Hey Colossus), Objections brings together members of Bilge Pump and Nape Neck, with ‘BSA Day‘ being their debut release. What a stonking debut it is too, the earworm vocals of Claire Adams soaring over the crunchy instrumental. A full length album is due to follow in 2024!

Office Dog – Big Air
(Spiel)

An undeniable favourite from this year, the thumping ‘Big Air‘ just stirs up something within us. Maybe it’s the hazy, almost slacker vocals of Kane Strang in contrast to the energy of the music, or the musical concoction that sounds like a combination of Jimmy Eat World with Meat Wave and the theme tune from ‘Peep Show‘. Whatever it is, it’s had us suckered in all year.

Omni – Exacto
(Souvenir)

Man, it’s good to have Omni back on these pages. The Atlanta, GA, based trio recently announced the release of a forthcoming new album – their second for Sub Pop (fourth overall) and the follow up to ‘Networker‘ from 2019. ‘Exacto‘ perfectly captures that infectious blend of sparkling post-punk they’ve been mastering since the release of their debut album, ‘Deluxe‘.

OSEES – INTERCEPTED MESSAGE
(INTERCEPTED MESSAGE)

Whilst closing track ‘LADWP Hold‘ is *thee* best song of the year (literally just the infamous hold music we all know and love), the title track from the latest OSEES record (at the time of writing, anyhoo) was an unexpected gear shift from the band after their prior hardcore punk record (‘A Foul Form‘), frontman Dwyer leading the band into wackier, synth territory. Into it!

PACKS – Laughing Til I Cry
(Crispy Crunchy Nothing)

Throughout 2023, we’ve encountered PACKS on a number of occasions and ears have collectively pricked up every time. ‘Laughing Til I Cry‘ was an early favourite, finding ourselves taken in by the woozy, tripped-out style of vocalist Madeline Link, reminiscent of early Mac DeMarco.

Pardoner – Are You Free Tonight?
(Peace Loving People)

Commenting earlier in the year that ‘Are You Free Tonight?‘ features one of the best halftime switch-ups this side of Parquet Courts ‘Almost Had to Start a Fight / In and Out of Patience‘, the flip is switched from a twinkling Kiwi Jr. style affair to a full-pelt, snotty punk thrash-through in its short two minutes.

Personal Trainer – The Feeling

A year on from the release of their stunner debut album ‘Big Love Blanket‘, Personal Trainer end the year on a high with the news that they’ve just signed to Bella Union! To mark the occasion, the Dutch collective recently released heart-swelling nine minute saga ‘The Feeling‘, which is parts BC:NR, Deliluh and Pavement.

Pest Control – Enjoy The Show

Leeds thrash-heads Pest Control made a real stink this year with the release of their debut album, ‘Don’t Test The Pest‘, loved by just about everyone who fucks with gnarly Metallica riffs. Its follow up, standalone single ‘Enjoy The Show‘, is a proper rad, in-yer-lughole blast of hardcore, packed with gnarly guitar solos, snarled metal vocals and The Big Four vibes aplenty.

Pissed Jeans – No Convenient Apocalypse

With a gruff vocal sounding almost like American soft-lad Alex Jones whenever he’s gone full tilt, Matt Korvette gets blunt on the brutal, noise-rock assault of ‘No Convenient Apocalypse‘, the material funny but actually quite worrying as he laments “We’re screwed!” The latest offering from Pennsylvania formed outfit Pissed Jeans, it’s their first new material in six years!

Rozi Plain – Complicated
(Prize)

The arrival of ‘Prize‘ in early January alleviated some of the winter blues, ten tracks that provided a real warming treat to start off the year. On ‘Complicated‘, Rozi Plain has the listener in her palm, the curious lyrics against the hushed instrumental completely captivating from the off.

Public Body – Driven By Data
(Big Mess)

Another year, another Public Body entry on our annual list chronicling the best new music out there. This lot delivering the goods, always. From their first full length album proper, the frantic ‘Driven By Data‘ flies by in a whirlwind of DEVO style synth-attack.

Say She She – C’est Si Bon
(Silver)

Don’t be fooled – this did come out in 2023, rather than fifty years ago! A glitterball disco delight that’s had us hooked since mid-year, ‘C’est Si Bon‘ is an unreal funk-fest from Brooklyn based trio Say She She. Impossible not to smile – or move your feet for that matter – during its near four minutes running.

Screaming Females – Brass Bell
(Desire Pathway)

Before knocking it on the head at the end of the year (following 18 years together), New Jersey trio Screaming Females kicked off January with the stonking ‘Brass Bell‘, lead single from their eighth (and final) studio album ‘Desire Pathway‘. Packed on heavy with ripper guitar parts and wall-crumbling vocals from Marissa Paternoster, it was an instant smash.

Snooper – Pod
(Super Sn​õ​õ​per)

Following a run of unmissable singles and EPs over the past few years, Nashville’s Snooper – fronted by vocalist Blair Tramel and guitarist Connor Cummins – finally released their hotly tipped debut album in 2023. From it, the hyperactive speed-punk of ‘Pod‘ provided untold thrills, a head-spinning dance-a-thon to play over and over again.

Stuck – The Punisher
(Freak Frequency)

With a sound not too dissimilar to fellow Chicagoans Meat Wave, this year saw Stuck release their second album, ‘Freak Frequency‘, a follow up to the brilliant ‘Change Is Bad‘ released in deepest, darkest Covid times. ‘The Punisher‘ paces ahead, fuelled by jagged guitar, chest-thumping drums, sax flourishes and an increasingly worked up vocal from Greg Obis. 2024 will see the Chicago base outfit on EU/UK soil, with unmissable shows pencilled in!

SUDS – My Own Mind
(In The Undergrowth)

A new discovery and subsequent highlight from 2000 Trees Festival this year, Norwich’s SUDS had a big 2023, signing to tastemaker label Big Scary Monsters and releasing their debut album, ‘The Great Overgrowth‘. Prior to that, the quartet put out their debut EP ‘In The Undergrowth‘ and from it, ‘My Own Mind‘ blew us away, sounding like Julia Jacklin if she was backed by a midwest emo band…

Sweeping Promises – You Shatter
(Good Living Is Coming For You)

A Sub Pop album debut for Sweeping Promises this year and rightly so, after their debut album ‘Hunger for a Way Out‘ well and truly captivated us on release in 2020. From ‘Good Living Is Coming For You‘, ‘You Shatter‘ is a brooding, ice-cold post-punk statement from the dynamite pairing of Lira Mondal and Caufield Schnug, sounding like an authentic artefact from the 80s, brought to life in our year of the lord 2023.

Terry – Golden Head
(Call Me Terry)

Five years on from the release of their last record, the brilliant ‘I’m Terry‘, cowboy hat sporting Aussie quartet Terry made our year by once again gracing us with their presence. ‘Golden Head‘ is a lovely number – dig the four-way vocal which, when coupled with the strings, have a touch of the melancholy about them.

Ulrika Spacek – The Sheer Drop
(Compact Trauma)

Initially shelved during the pandemic (for obvious reasons), ‘Compact Trauma‘, the latest record from Londoners Ulrika Spacek, became an early favourite for 2023. Opener ‘The Sheer Drop‘ sets the tone perfectly, opening on its quirky synth intro before jangly guitar leads the listener into spellbinding transcendence.

USA Nails – Feel Worse
(Feel Worse)

USA Nails waited for the vinegar strokes of 2023 to release their new single ‘Feel Worse‘, but it was worth the wait, coupled with the news that it would be taken from a forthcoming album of the same name and would be their label debut for One Little Independent Records! As they always do, the quartet smash it from the off with their lead single – a thunderous, rib-rattler, full of bite that sounds as vital as ever.

Wombo – Slab
(Slab EP)

Having wowed us 100% with the massive 2021 single ‘Dreamsickle‘, Kentucky trio Wombo returned in 2023 with a three-track EP to coincide with a UK/EU tour. From the EP, its title track showcases what they’re all about in the space of 110 seconds – dynamite guitar, engrossing basslines and keep-you-on-your-toes drumming.

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Listening Post – August 2023

Words: Andy Hughes

For the uninitiated, this here is the ‘Listening Post‘ – a monthly playlist that packs in 20 tunes, old and new, that have been tickling our fancy of late. Every month it’s wiped clean, so you’ve got to make the most of the time you have with it!

This month we’ve got contemporary covers of Japanese idols, Swedish hardcore leg-ends, Mancunian royalty and the “fourth horseman of the queer apocalypse“. There’s something here for everyone, so tell everyone – get it shared and tell your friends!

SUDS – Entropy
(In The Undergrowth)

It was love at first listen on discovering Norwich’s SUDS, recent-ish signees to tastemakers for all things indie/emo, Big Scary Monsters. Calling to mind the fuzzy loveliness found across Anna Burch and Julia Jacklin records, ‘Entropy‘ is a totally raging heart-sweller.

Pollyanna – The Beach
(OUCH!)

Opener from a forthcoming debut EP via genre-fluid London based label Beth Shalom Records, Pollyanna is the solo outing from FES vocalist Pollyanna Holland-Wing, going the Prince and Madonna route it seems with just the one name! We’ve forever been suckers for her vocals and Pollyanna completely captivates on new single ‘The Beach‘, a debut that hits one right in the feels.

Mac DeMarco – Honey Moon

Released by Light in the Attic Records as part of an exclusive series of releases from contemporary artists covering their favourite songs, Mac DeMarco took on one of his biggest musical idols in Japanese artist Haruomi Hosono. ‘Honey Moon‘ is such a peach, very much fitting the vibe DeMarco was going for at the time following the release of 2017’s ‘This Old Dog‘. Great whistle solo!

Jean Dawson – MENTHOL*

Like an adrenaline shot straight to the top of the dome, this from Jean Dawson is such a jam, building up to fist-pumping euphoria as the Tijuana raised vocalist proper gives it some, with such passion, like a dog backed into a corner. Cheeky cameo from our Mac DeMarco there at the end.

LIIEK – Waterfall
(LIIEK)

Wicked razor-sharp post-punk from Berlin’s LIIEK. A glance at Bandcamp came with it the suggestion that they’re like Gang of Four, which isn’t a bad shout – ‘Waterfall‘ firing on all cylinders, with a solid bassline, jagged guitar work and killer call and response vocals on the chorus.

Refused – New Noise
(The Shape of Punk to Come)

Yes, we’ve been watching ‘The Bear‘. It’s hard not to get all razzed up inside every time ‘New Noise‘ kicks in (which seemed to be at least once an episode in the new series…) The Swedish hardcore lot were certainly the perfect fit for the high intensity of the award winning, must-see show. CAN I SCREAM?!

Flat Worms – Time Warp In Exile
(Witness Marks)

It’s always a treat to have new music on the horizon from Los Angeles based trio Flat Worms, the forthcoming ‘Witness Marks‘ a welcome return off the back of standalone single ‘The Guest / Circle‘ released in 2021. Cooking up their usual fuzzy blend of gnarly guitar, machine gun drums and hypnotic bass, ‘Time Warp In Exile‘ slams from note one.

LYNKS – USE IT OR LOSE IT

We first heard ‘USE IT OR LOSE IT‘ last month when LYNKS performed at 2000 Trees Festival, the London based artist not letting mud and rain stop him from putting on a dynamite show. Freshly signed to Heavenly Recordings, it’s the first single release for the label and a catchy as hell, pulse-racing dance-a-thon about your hottest years being done at the age of 25. Love the line about no man being safe, except for his brother and his dad.

The Vanity Project – Epoch

A touch of Everything Everything and Jade Hairpins to this funky art-pop belter from Manchester duo The Vanity Project. You will most certainly be singing back the chorus by the end, after being completely hooked in by the Eccentronic Research Council style story about gazpacho violence. Love the swear word censoring too – always an unrequired piss-take move that gets a thumbs up from me.

Mr. Scruff – Fish
(Keep It Unreal)

Mancunian royalty Mr. Scruff celebrates 20 years of ‘Trouser Jazz‘ this year, which must mean it’s been longer than that since he put out ‘Keep It Unreal‘! Released whilst I was still in short trousers, ‘Keep It Unreal‘ was introduced to me by an older brother who happened to be a fellow DJ, and the incredible ‘Fish‘ has been on my mind ever since. Eating Fish!

Corker – Lice

From a forthcoming yet to be announced debut album on the ever dependable Feel It Records, ‘Lice‘ appeared right at the start of the year and blummin’ ‘eck, Corker is right! Frantic Stuck-esque post-punk from the Cincinnati based quartet that’s got us mega excited for whatever they’ve got coming up next!

PACKS – Laughing Til I Cry
(Crispy Crunchy Nothing)

Dig this from Canadian artist Madeline Link a.k.a. PACKS – 120 seconds of fuzzed-out bliss, with a smidge of the Mac DeMarco’s about it. From an album that touches on “burnout, dead-end jobs, bike theft, stress dreams, heartbreak“, ‘Laughing Til I Cry‘ is a proper cucumber cool number.

Pearl & The Oysters – Read The Room
(Coast 2 Coast)

Dreamy tranquillity here on ‘Read The Room‘, drifting ever so slightly into glam-pop, Sparks style territory on occasion. Packed with the Laetitia Sadier cameo of approval, it’s taken from the latest Pearl & The Oysters album ‘Coast 2 Coast‘, a record that covers the pairs voyage from Paris to the states.

MJ Lenderman – Rudolph

Having been mildly obsessed with a number of cuts from 2022’s ‘Boat Songs‘ (‘You Have Bought Yourself A Boat‘? Woof!), we were chuffed up to hear MJ Lenderman has new material on the way. New single ‘Rudolph‘ marks his first release for the ANTI- label, a mega Americana style jam that evokes imagery of travelling those long roads throughout the great big old US of A.

Water From Your Eyes – Buy My Product
(Everyone’s Crushed)

Invigorating stuff from Brooklyn duo Water From Your Eyes, ‘Buy My Product‘ sounding almost like a poppier Crack Cloud with its frantic rhythm section, the vocals of Rachel Brown soaring over the top of the captivating instrumental. Taken from their new album ‘Everyone’s Crushed‘, their first for Matador.

Handcuff – Holiday
(Handcuff)

Absolutely box-fresh unit Handcuff (formed in summer 2022) hit the ground running with their signing to choice label Church Road Records. First single ‘Holiday‘ is an anthemic hardcore burst of joy in the vein of Fugazi at their catchiest or Big Break if we’re looking closer to home. Self-described as “short songs for bored people”, ‘Holiday‘ is the type of song you’ll want to put on again immediately the second it ends.

Woahnows – Sounds Like Spitting
(Understanding and Everything Else)

Doing the house clean on a rainy Sunday afternoon (the fun never stops), the soundtrack was dictated by records I’ve not touched for a while. Dropping the needle on ‘Understanding and Everything Else‘ for the first time in at least seven years, it all came flooding back when ‘Sounds Like Spitting‘ burst into life. Hairs on the back of the neck type stuff from the brilliant Woahnows.

OSEES – Goon
(Intercepted Message)

This trend of short, fast-paced OSEES singles is absolutely one we can get behind, the John Dwyer led outfit following up last year’s thrash effort ‘A Foul Form‘ with their forthcoming synth-heavy new LP ‘Intercepted Message‘. ‘Goon‘ is catchy as hell, Dwyer going full on goblin on the vocals as the quintet fire ahead through what feels like about 10 choruses in the space of two minutes.

Electric Chair – Live With It
(Act of Aggression)

Having won us over with the nails artwork for their 2019 ‘Performative Justice‘ EP, the gnarly Electric Chair (out of Olympia, Washington) explode through 77 seconds of in-yer-face thrash hardcore on the no-fucks-given ‘Live With It‘. SOLID.

Dancer – Arch Nemesis
(Dancer)

Quite the résumé held between the members of newish Glaswegian outfit Dancer, its numbers including members of Current Affairs, Nightshift, Robert Sotelo and Order of the Toad. Their S/T debut EP is a real trip, with ‘Arch Nemesis‘ – a tale about holding grudges and hating that special person in your life – not too dissimilar to those very early Dry Cleaning records.

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

a/s/l: Dancer

Remember the days of the old schoolyard? Remember when Myspace was a thing? Remember those time-wasting, laborious quizzes that everyone used to love so much? Birthday Cake For Breakfast is bringing them back! 

Every couple of weeks, an unsuspecting band will be subject to the same old questions about dead bodies, Hitler, crying and crushes.  

This Week: Off the back of releasing their debut self-titled EP (via GoldMold Records), Gemma Fleet of Glaswegian band Dancer (featuring members of Current Affairs, Nightshift, Order of the Toad and Robert Sotelo) answers a series of inane questions!

Words: Andy Hughes

a/s/l (age/sex/location)?
41 / F / Glasgow.

Have you ever seen a dead body?
I took a trip with a friend to New York City in 2003, we got off the plane and headed directly to the lower east side, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone from the Strokes etc. As we came up from the subway the very first thing we saw was a dead man in the street, it was snowing and someone had taken his shoes, there were some police about and people eating burgers and staring. It was so sad.

Who is your favourite Simpsons character?
Ralph.

What T-Shirt are you wearing?
Echo & the Bunnymen ❤

What did your last text message say?
Paypal verification code.

What’s the last song you listened to?
Fill in the Blanks by Eggy.

How did you meet the people in your band?
Ha ha! One is my husband; one is our old housemate and the other one came from Motherwell.

What’s the first record you bought?
The first proper album I had (cassette) was Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry, the older girl next door used to play it loud through the wall and I asked my mum to get it for me. I can’t remember what record (LP) I bought myself first, I worked in a pub when I was 17 collecting glasses and one of the regulars was an old punk, I was singing along to the Cure one day and a few days later he bought in a box of records and gave them to me because it was stuff that “he wasn’t into anymore” (i.e not punk enough). The records were a big stash of British new wave / post punk bands, including Siouxsie, Cure, Bunnymen, The Jam, Squeeze, Psychedelic Furs etc – this was probably the most formative in terms of music I like.

What was your favourite VHS growing up?
FernGully: The Last Rainforest.

When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago thinking about an Instagram post of a man who took his dying dog to see the sea one last time. Don’t!

Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it?
The Pope.

Best Physical Feature?
It’s all good.

Worst physical feature?
It’s all good.

Reasonably ok/not bad feature that you’re not fussed about?
It’s just all good.

Do you have any pets?
One long haired ginger tabby called Raspberry.

Ever picked up any injuries on tour?
Once broke a bass string and it popped up in my face.

What did you do for your last birthday?
We walked to the big Asda in Anniesland.

Name something you CANNOT wait for?
DANCER recording!

Do you have a crush on someone?
Yes.

What’s the shittest experience you’ve had as a musician?
Getting Covid on the eve of a European tour.

If you could go back in time, how far would you go?
I’m not sure many time periods were that great for women.

How do you want to die?
Thelma and Louise style.

What’s your favourite thing about pizza?
Cheese.

What are you craving right now?
Cup of tea!

Have you ever been on a horse?
A pony once.

What did you dream about last night?
This star started getting bigger and bigger until it was the size of the sun, then it crashed into the earth and molten lava was running down the streets, we were all screaming.

If you could go back in time and kill the baby Hitler, would you?
I’d adopt them and bring them up to be kind.

Do you like Chinese food?
Yes, top tip is Dumpling Monkey in Glasgow.

Have you ever been on TV?
Once when Wolf from Gladiators came to the Friars Square shopping centre in Aylesbury.

Ever meet someone famous?
See above.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’ve only ever wanted to be in a band

‘Dancer’ is out NOW via GoldMold Records – Grab a copy of the record here!

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Listening Post – May 2023

Words: Andy Hughes

This time last month we were yucking it up about April Fools’ Day, but the real joke here is that April’s already bloody over and we’re diving headfirst into May!

As ever though, don’t fret – the monthly Birthday Cake For Breakfast playlist returns and for all you Art Garfunkel fans, we have you covered! There’s heaps of good stuff in the mix too, so get yourself stuck in and give it a like and follow or print it out and stick it on your wall. Go nuts!

Mallrat – To You
(Butterfly Blue)

Heart-swelling ethereal pop here from Aussie artist Grace Shaw, a.k.a. Mallrat. From debut album ‘Butterfly Blue‘ released last year, ‘To You‘ is perfect for the weather we’ll hopefully be having as we move into spring (any day now…)

Cloud Control – Gold Canary
(Bliss Release)

Very much what we at Birthday Cake For Breakfast HQ would call ‘a vibe‘, there’s real hypnotic loveliness on offer from Cloud Control’s ‘Gold Canary‘. Hailing from the picturesque sounding Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, Australia, the trio really let loose here, with a proper thump underpinning some real blissful wonkiness.

Pardoner – Are You Free Tonight?
(Peace Loving People)

Featuring the best halftime switch-up this side of Parquet Courts ‘Almost Had to Start a Fight / In and Out of Patience‘, the new single from San Francisco outfit Pardoner is certainly a game of two halves (jumpers for goalposts etc). It’s rage central when it makes the shift to breakneck punk and reader, we are here for it.

Minor Conflict – Living Statue
(Bright Lights, Dead City)

Love this from Bristolian trio Minor Conflict, their name giving off the vibe of an 80s hardcore band rather than what they’ve actually got in their locker. Calling to mind the like of Pozi and Squid with the captivating ‘Living Statue‘ (from their forthcoming debut EP, out in June on PRAH Recordings), majestic harp runs alongside a belting rhythm section for a single that really keeps you on your toes.

Pissed Jeans – No Convenient Apocalypse

There was me thinking we weren’t going to hear from Pissed Jeans again! Six years on from the release of last album ‘Why Love Now‘, the Pennsylvania formed foursome return with a standalone single, the crushingly heavy ‘No Convenient Apocalypse‘. Vocalist Matt Korvette sounds even more unhinged all these years on, growling and roaring through a heavy dose of bad news. I said UGHH!

Terry – Golden Head
(Call Me Terry)

Melbourne quartet Terry know just how to tick all the right boxes for us. Whilst elsewhere on their records they might push the playfulness or rage ahead in synth-punk fashion, they can really pen a number that hits you in the feels too. The strings and heavenly vocals on ‘Golden Head‘ compliment their wonk-pop stylings – truly a golden moment on their latest album.

Half of the band (Al Montfort and Zephyr Pavey) recently answered a series of unrelated questions for us – read that here!

Stuck – The Punisher
(Freak Frequency)

Off the back of debut LP ‘Change Is Bad‘ and the follow up ‘Content That Makes You Feel Good‘ EP released in 2021, Chicago lot Stuck let the good times roll with the release of their forthcoming new album ‘Freak Frequency‘. ‘The Punisher‘ is a razor sharp post-punk nugget from a quartet that never miss.

Cassels – About Not Writing

From a split single out now with Beige Palace (out via tastemakers Human Worth and God Unknown Records), Chipping Norton formed sibling duo Cassels crack on with the rawness last heard on 2022 album ‘A Gut Feeling‘, adding a dramatic flair to the huge sounding ‘About Not Writing‘. A proper invigorating racket when the brothers push the tempo right up.

Adi Oasis – FourSixty
(Lotus Glow)

Sun-soaked summer vibes aplenty on the super soulful ‘FourSixty‘ from French-Caribbean singer and bassist (and smooth operator) Adi Oasis, offering some momentary brightness as I write this from rainy Manchester… This is proper silky stuff, the funkiness complimented by the guest vocals of London-based singer and producer Aaron Taylor.

This Is The Kit – Inside Outside
(Careful Of Your Keepers)

Having spent the first few months of the year locked onto the new album from Rozi Plain, we’re ready to transition into spring and the work of her mate Kate Stables, a.k.a. This Is The Kit. Produced by Gruff Rhys, new album ‘Careful Of Your Keepers‘ is on the way this June. From it, Stables’ vocals really shine on lead single ‘Inside Outside‘, a cucumber cool number that chucks in a Simpsons reference for good measure.

Art Garfunkel – Waters Of March
(Breakaway)

Mildly obsessed with this following a viewing of the terrific ‘The Worst Person In The World‘. Originally composed by Brazilian artist Antônio Carlos Jobim in the 70s, it’s the Garfunkel version that’s had us spellbound, one you can file in the same category as the likes of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)‘ in terms of stopping you in your tracks.

Aldous Harding – Lawn
(Warm Chris)

Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of being in the same room as the incredible Aldous Harding, the New Zealander performing at the Albert Hall, one of the finest live music venues in Manchester. A performance that’s stuck with us since, it’s led to many a repeated listen of her latest album ‘Warm Chris‘ and we can’t get enough of the super swell ‘Lawn‘, a track that’s got some real pep to it, as Aldous sings in such a light, hypnotic fashion.

Sn​õ​õ​per – Pod
(Super Sn​õ​õ​per)

Ever since discovering the energising, post-punk delights of ‘Running‘ in 2020, we’ve been keeping a close eye on Tennessee punks Snõ​õ​per. The latest news is that they’re freshly signed to Third Man Records (who’ve recently snapped up Island Of Love too) and have a debut album on the way, with lead single ‘Pod‘ absolutely revving our engines – frantic bubblegum punk that gets right under your skin.

Benefits – Warhorse
(Nails)

Pricking up the ears of many with the release of their debut album ‘Nails‘ (including named mega-fan Pete Doherty), Teesside outfit Benefits set out their stall back in February with the release of lead single ‘Warhorse‘. Like a more aggy Sleaford Mods, the beats and spat out vocal attack are just as infectious here. Judging by the busy rooms up and down the country, we’d imagine you’ll be seeing a lot more of Benefits.

You can read our review of ‘Nails‘ here!

(Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young)

Los Bitchos – Tequila
(Pah!)

Fun-loving foursome Los Bitchos are renowned for their love of a party and for the release of their new EP ‘Pah!‘ (great title), they’ve had a crack at one of the biggest party tunes going – ‘Tequila‘! Keeping the Pee-Wee Herman spirit alive, the usually instrumental outfit blast through a revved up version of the classic, bringing their own garage-rock stylings into the mix for quite the musical cocktail.

Crack Cloud – Graph of Desire
(Crack Cloud)

Packing so much into a rapid 90 seconds, ‘Graph of Desire‘ has everything that got us first hooked on Canadian collective Crack Cloud – oddball vocals mingling with invigorating drums and a scrappy instrumental. Whilst I loved ‘PAIN OLYMPICS‘ and thought the last record had some choice moments, that first EP compilation is front to back all killer, no filler.

Joshua Idehen – Best Kind of Lost

British-born Nigerian artist Joshua Idehen goes full on sweetie-pie mode on ‘Best Kind of Lost‘, describing a perfect day in the company of his partner. Poetic loveliness on the minutiae of relationships over the top of a real bop of a beat, it deals in cigarettes and coffee stops to arguments and being off one’s tits.

Delivery – Poor-to-Middling Moneymaking
(Forever Giving Handshakes)

Ahead of a run of UK shows this month, Aussie lot Delivery release another new single from their forthcoming debut full length ‘Forever Giving Handshakes’. ‘Poor-to-Middling Moneymaking‘ is a garage-rock stomper that’s not too dissimilar to fellow countrymen Vintage Crop in its down the barrel punk attack.

KL​Ä​MP – Hate You
(Hate You)

Doom-scrolling through Instagram (I know), I recently stumbled upon a photo of an outfit called KL​Ä​MP, featuring heavy hitters past and present from IDLES, Pulled Apart By Horses, Tall Ships and Sex Swing. An impressive line-up to kick the arse of 2023, I’m sure you’ll agree. Delving into their back catalogue, I was knocked silly with the opener from their 2020 released EP ‘Hate You‘ – a real noisy rager with head-banging in mind. Recorded with Wayne Adams at Bear Bites Horse (naturally), by all accounts they’ve been back in the studio with him. Watch this space!

Shangri-lass – Father’s Daughter
(Over & Over)

With synth moodiness that calls to mind The Moonlandingz and an almost Debbie Harry-like vocal, the brilliantly named Shangri-lass really hits the ground running with this from her debut EP. The solo project of Sister Wives bassist Rose Love (again, another brilliant name), the Sheffield-based artist suggests the track “is a mess of ideas“, ranging from religious brainwashing to depression (both of which go hand in hand I’d imagine…)

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

a/s/l: TERRY

Remember the days of the old schoolyard? Remember when Myspace was a thing? Remember those time-wasting, laborious quizzes that everyone used to love so much? Birthday Cake For Breakfast is bringing them back! 

Every couple of weeks, an unsuspecting band will be subject to the same old questions about dead bodies, Hitler, crying and crushes.  

This Week: Having released their new album ‘Call Me Terry‘, Al Montfort and Zephyr Pavey of Aussie post-punkers TERRY answer a series of inane questions!

Words: Andy Hughes (Photo Credit: Oscar Perry)

a/s/l?
Al Montfort: 36/male/Richmond.
Zephyr Pavey: 36 m wombarra.

Have you ever seen a dead body?
AM: Is this a trick question?
ZP: Triggered.

Who is your favourite Simpsons character?
AM: Old Gil.
ZP: Lenny.

What T-Shirt are you wearing?
ZP: None

What did your last text message say?
AM: “Ms Plum?”
ZP: You missed a call, but the caller didn’t leave a message.

What’s the last song you listened to?
AM: How Bizarre – OMC.
ZP: Not sure, nts guide to steeplechase reckeds.

How did you meet the people in your band?
AM: Met Amy on a party bus, met zephyr at a show. Met Xanthe at gluten free bakery.

What’s the first record you bought?
AM: Can’t remember. First CD single was TLC – Diggin On You.
ZP: Some 90s Youth Crew revival 7″.

What was your favourite VHS growing up?
AM: The Castle.
ZP: Malcolm.

When was the last time you cried?
AM: Today, at work. Out of joy for a work mate getting a new job.
ZP: Yesterday, my mum injured my son.

Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it?
AM: No.
ZP: Yes, Carlson has very scratchy facial hair.

Best Physical Feature?
AM: Toes.
ZP: Body hair, wicks moisture away.

Worst physical feature?
AM: Toenails.
ZP: A gene mutation that increases my risk of cancer.

Reasonably ok/not bad feature that you’re not fussed about?
AM: My sweet cheeks.
ZP: Hands, hurt some times but allow me to do a lot.

Do you have any pets?
AM: No.
ZP: No.

Ever picked up any injuries on tour?
AM: No.
ZP: RSI.

What did you do for your last birthday?
AM: Went to Singapura on Victoria street.
ZP: Failed shopping/successful Thai meal.

Name something you CANNOT wait for?
AM: Decolonization.
ZP: Sleep.

Do you have a crush on someone?
AM: Amy.
ZP: Yeah.

What’s the shittest experience you’ve had as a musician?
AM: Joining a band.
ZP: Waiting for soundchecks that don’t happen.

If you could go back in time, how far would you go?
AM: 1991 – so I could got to the AFL grand final and see Angry Anderson in the Batmobile.
ZP: Before Christian morality.

How do you want to die?
AM: I don’t.
ZP: Unaware.

What’s your favourite thing about pizza?
AM: Italy.
ZP: Napoli.

What are you craving right now?
AM: Mr Whippy.
ZP: Sleep.

Have you ever been on a horse?
AM: Yes. Dougie Smith brought his horse to school in grade 5 and we all got to ride around the footy ground.
ZP: Yeah bareback in Lithgow and on a real pesky ducker in Gilgandra.

What did you dream about last night?
AM: Can’t remember.
ZP: Cutting dovetails.

If you could go back in time and kill the baby Hitler, would you?
AM: What happened to the cute questions like have I seen a dead body?
ZP: We must kill the conditions that gave rise to Hitler/Trump, the individuals are symptoms.

Do you like Chinese food?
AM: Yes.
ZP: Yah.

Have you ever been on TV?
AM: Yes. Rage TV.
ZP: Yah.

Ever meet someone famous?
AM: Met Bob Katter at BNE.
ZP: Yah, Ryan Gosling and he was cool.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
AM: Dangerous.
ZP: Adult baby.

‘Call Me Terry‘ is out NOW via Upset The Rhythm / Anti Fade Records – Grab a copy of the record here!

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Listening Post – February 2023

Words: Andy Hughes

Happy New Year, yeah? We’re not too late are we? You’re looking well, anyway.

Sorry for the delay – we took a wee break for January (due to 9-5 commitments, walking the dog, staring at the calendar waiting for dry January to end and other endeavours) but the monthly playlist is back!

To bring you back up to speed, every month we put out a new playlist – 20 tunes, old and new – featuring everything that tickles our fancy. Get involved and maybe discover something new!

NEWS – We’re chuffed up to say Birthday Cake For Breakfast turns 10 this year! It all started back in February of 2013 when a couple of young guys interviewed The Computers in a bar that no longer exists. We’ve not looked back since! Keep an eye out for developments within February for what we’ve got in store to celebrate!

Decisive Pink – Haffmilch Holiday

Regular readers might’ve cottoned on that we love the work of Kate NV, the Russian artist who creates such wonky pop pieces. We’ve got a soft spot too for Deradoorian, the NYC based artist who wowed us with her ‘Find The Sun‘ album in 2020. Now they’ve come together as the dreamy, synth-heavy Decisive Pink, and their debut ‘Haffmilch Holiday‘ calls to mind another pair of mega collaborators, DRINKS (Cate Le Bon and Tim Presley). Their bio suggests they both play “a bunch of modular synthesizers“, which is vague enough to build much excitement in us!

Jamie Lenman – Deep Down
(The Athiest)

Lenners, you dog! Talk about anthems, this cut from the latest Jamie Lenman record is such a heart-sweller – thumping chorus and a vocal that just won’t quit, it’s hard not to pump your fist throughout its duration. Word has it that a demo of ‘Deep Down‘ existed way back in the Reuben days, tucked between the second and third records, just waiting to be plucked out of the archives over a decade later!

We interviewed Lenman late last year at LENMANIA III, where he spoke of ‘Deep Down‘ and lots more. Read all about it here!

Kadhja Bonet – JGS

Kadhja Bonet has been on our radar ever since ‘Childqueen‘ scored the Album of the Year honours from Piccadilly Records back in 2018. On ‘JGS‘ (Just Getting Started), the California based artist offers up more transcendence, utilising her heart-stopping vocal to stun the listener, subsequently strapping them into a soulful time machine and flicking the switch back a few decades. Said to be a peak at an upcoming full length on the horizon, we can’t wait to go along for the journey.

Apollo Ghosts – Pink Tiger
(Pink Tiger)

Bloody hell, this is lovely. There’s a bit of a Purple Mountains vibe within, Canadian outfit Apollo Ghosts here captivating from note one. From a full length record of the same name out last spring, ‘Pink Tiger‘ is a proper peaceful cut. Love that intriguing, slightly abrupt ending as the vocals ring out ‘I never said I love you too…‘

Traffik Island – Go!
(Sweat Kollecta’s Peanut Butter Traffik Jam)

A lockdown discovery (remember the pandemic?), ‘Go!‘ found its way back to us recently, the Cornelius style mind-enhancer really taking you on a journey. From the brilliantly titled ‘Sweat Kollecta’s Peanut Butter Traffik Jam‘, it’s a swish, psychedelic trip, peppered with nifty samples.

Bolis Pupul – Neon Buddha

Having topped our Top 50 Songs of 2022 list at the tail end of last year with the equally brilliant Charlotte Adigéry, Belgium-based producer Bolis Pupul followed up their collaborative joys with the super cool, head-spinning electronica number ‘Neon Buddha‘. Released in May of last year, it’s said to have been inspired by a dream Bolis had of a pagoda in Hong Kong, featuring a contemplative Buddha made of neon lights.

Nine Below Zero – Eleven Plus Eleven
(Third Degree)

Love discovering things like this! Sounding very much like it could come out tomorrow but also couldn’t have come out any other time than 1982, ‘Eleven Plus Eleven‘ packs loads into just over two minutes, calling to mind the likes of fellow Brits The Jam, The Housemartins and XTC. 

Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band – My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains
(Clear Spot)

At the start of the year, I was chuffed to discover a playlist curated by journalist Andrew Male that catered to those who like their Beefheart soft rather than hard. The ‘Captain Sweetheart‘ playlist comes up with the goods again and again, with this delightful piece from 1972 release ‘Clear Spot‘ suggesting that the Captain wasn’t just about drugging up his bandmates and making their lives hell…

Scritti Politti – Wood Beez
(Cupid & Psyche 85)

Woof, where have Scritti Politti been all my life?! Exactly my kind of 80s art-pop, this sounds like it influenced a lot of what I like, but might’ve also been on the soundtrack to ‘A Goofy Movie‘. Two thumbs up, either way.

You’ll Never Get To Heaven – Caught In Time, So Far Away
(Adorn)

Fair play to Canadian duo You’ll Never Get To Heaven – everything about them seems perfectly plotted to match the music. The hazy, mysterious imagery of the cover for ‘Adorn‘ is complimented by the floating sense one has listening to the dreamy, shoegaze-y ‘Caught In Time, So Far Away‘, its explosions of percussion reminiscent of fellow countrymen Preoccupations.

Jeshi – This Thing Of Ours
(Universal Credit)

From debut album ‘Universal Credit‘, ‘This Thing Of Ours‘ hit us instantly with the line ‘…I should probably go and see my family more, probably text more‘. Relatable! The LDN based artist that is Jeshi is said to have written the record whilst broke and having nothing to look forward to, a feeling shared by many – “We’re in deep, me and you…“

GOAT – Do The Dance
(Oh Death)

Having been mildly obsessed with the debut offering from GOATMAN back in 2018, it’s a trip to once again enter the hypnotic world of mysterious Swedish collective GOAT. ‘Do The Dance‘ is such a cool, hypnotic vibe of a track, with dancing in mind – one that makes you want to join a drum circle posthaste!

CIVIC – Blood Rushes
(Taken By Force)

During the first lockdown, as I took myself on yet another walk up and down the River Mersey to stave off boredom, the search for new music always unearthed CIVIC as a recommended artist. From a new album out this month, new single ‘Blood Rushes‘ is a nostalgia-tinged, heart-pumping anthem that leans more toward a poppier side from the Aussie punks.

Mock Tudors – Bin Day

Ripper! Love the glam-stomp on this from nostalgia-peddlers Mock Tudors, channelling Sparks and T. Rex, as well as recent tourmates The Bug Club, across the super catchy ‘Bin Day‘. Quick break before the end for a spoken word passage and a disgusting wee tale about a bloke licking bin rims and “tasting what you’ve had for your dinner the night before“. Grim.

First Day Of Spring – Moon Boy
(Fly Over Apple Blossom)

I remember doing the washing up (where music sounds best) and being glued to the spot when first hearing this from LDN outfit First Day Of Spring. With influences ranging from Silver Jews to Sonic Youth, a hushed beginning and delicateness blends in with fuzzy guitar for an engrossing listen. When those strings come in, it’s bliss.

(Photo Credit: Ranishka Kumarage)

Bo Gritz – Observes and Selects

Half a decade on from their last release, Londoners Bo Gritz return with nails new one ‘Observes and Selects‘, a thudding, moody two minutes that hardly lets up. Vocals hit direct, put together using the cut-up technique favoured by Burroughs and the like.

Bo Gritz talked us through the track on their return – read all about it here!

Terry – Gold Duck
(Call Me Terry)

What a mega start to 2023 with the announcement of a new record from Aussie quartet Terry! It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since their last full-length, ‘I’m Terry‘, and in typical Terry fashion, their forthcoming new album is simply called ‘Call Me Terry‘. Lead single ‘Gold Duck‘ is another sun-soaked, catchy-as-hell weirdo-pop delight. Never change, Terry.

Sarabeth Tucek – The Gift
(Joan Of All)

Known for her work with Bill Callahan, Anton Newcombe and others, Sarabeth Tucek has returned following a decade away from it all with news of a new album and a new moniker – SBT. Starting life as a breezy, warming piece, the second half of new single ‘The Gift‘ takes a turn for a more serious sound, drums more urgent and guitar teetering on wigging out as the instrumental cuts loose. 

Screaming Females – Brass Bell
(Desire Pathway)

It’s still a trip discovering a band that have been at it for yonks but have completely flown under your particular radar. Seventeen years into it, New Jersey formed outfit Screaming Females are set to release a new album this month! Lead single ‘Brass Bell‘ had me gripped straight away, each step of the way leaving me guessing as to where they were headed next. Proper nails blend of punk and Sabbath-style old-school metal.

Dutch Uncles – Tropigala (2 to 5)
(True Entertainment)

I was hooked on ‘Tropigala (2 to 5)‘ as soon as I heard the (almost inaudible) mumblings of the title during its opening seconds. Dutch Uncles sure know how to write a bop – the type of bop that has you singing the lyrics back when the second chorus comes around and dancing around the kitchen (chances are I’m doing the washing up) when that ripper guitar solo breaks out. It’s good to have them back!

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Listening Post – August 2022

Words: Andy Hughes

Hello readers, here we are again with another playlist to sink your teeth into – we hope you like punk! From France to Japan, Australia to Wales, right through America and England, we’ve stocked the playlist right up!

You’ll also find wee bits of country here and there, big pop bangers and a dash of math-y emo to sort you right out.

If you like what you hear, check out the back catalogue of the artists featured and maybe share with a pal, why not?

Taqbir – Aisha Qandisha
(Taqbir)

A year on from its release and we’re still knocked out by this four track EP from Moroccan hardcore punks Taqbir. ‘Aisha Qandisha‘ is a fuzzy ripper that proper takes aim. DOOF DOOF DOOF!

Snõõper – Town Topic
(Town Topic EP)

A favourite discovery this year – scrappy punk lot Snõõper from Nashville, Tennessee. DEVO on x3 speed, ‘Town Topic‘ – from a forthcoming 7” of the same name – is a real head-spinning heart-beater, longing for a hot room and a buzzing crowd.

Jimmy Eat World – If You Don’t, Don’t
(Bleed American)

In the run up to 2000 Trees Festival this year – where one of the headliners just happened to be Jimmy Eat World (!) – prep for the big day involved running through seminal album ‘Bleed American‘ for the first time. Then a second time, then a few more times. Man, what a record eh? The anthemic ‘If You Don’t, Don’t‘ sounds like the finest song We Are Scientists didn’t release. Mega.

Island Of Love – Songs Of Love
(Songs Of Love)

Heart-swellers of the world, unite and take over. Talk of London town, Island Of Love recently signed a deal with the UK branch of Third Man Records – the first act for the label – giving a fuzzy nod of the head to J Mascis and his mates for the title track from their latest EP.

Vintage Crop – The Duke
(Kibitzer)

Rapid-fire Aussie punk just how we like it, taken from the rather good new Vintage Crop record. Love that slightly sarcy vocal delivery of guitarist Jack Cherry as he speak-sings ‘I’m the fridge, you’re the magnet…’ Synth heaven on this 90 second screamer.

The Aussies were recently in Manchester, highlights of which you can read here.

EUT – It’s Love (But It’s Not Mine)
(Party Time)

We do love a good pop song, don’t we? Gross cover yes, but a great track. Taking influence from the likes of Blur and The Cardigans, ‘It’s Love (But It’s Not Mine)‘ is a big pop banger from Dutch quintet EUT, one which dares the listener to sit still.

Frank Black – Whatever Happened To Pong?
(Teenager Of The Year)

Hard to believe, but whilst the UK and beyond burned through a terrifying heatwave mid-July, the bloody Pixies were in Manchester, with an intimate performance at the (for a band their size) rather small Band on the Wall (having previously whipped crowds up at the much larger Apollo up the road). Whilst we didn’t go (30 degrees at night? Come on…), it did kick off a wee Frank Black sesh for the days that followed, and it’s hard not to love the frantic ‘Whatever Happened To Pong?‘

Gilla Band – Eight Fivers
(Most Normal)

The first release under their new name, TAFKA Girl Band are still intent on head-kicking, with latest single ‘Eight Fivers‘ absolutely doing the trick – a proper head-fuck, make no mistake. From a recently announced new album, it carries on the hypnosis of 2019s ‘The Talkies‘.

G2g – No Kid No Angel
(G2g)

An Australian release not mastered by Mikey Young?! Set to support Amyl And The Sniffers on a few of their forthcoming Australian dates, Sydney’s G2g rip on ‘No Kid No Angel‘, from a self-titled EP out in 2020, reminding us very much of fellow patriots Terry.

Gulfer – Greetings
(Greetings / Barely)

A welcome return from Montréal emo/math rockers Gulfer and ‘Greetings‘ is such a sweet jam. Released to coincide with ten years of Gulfer, the anthemic number encapsulates what the Canadians are all about. Twiddle-guitar heaven.

MJ Lenderman – Under Control
(Boat Songs)

Dinosaur Jr meets The Eagles meets Van Morrison, mixed up in a country blender vibe from Asheville, North Carolina’s MJ Lenderman, last seen on these very pages with one of our favourite singles this year, ‘You Have Bought Yourself A Boat‘.

Ghost Car – Sex
(Truly Trash)

It’s a Ghost Car! Debut album out this October on One Little Independent Records via Southerners Ghost Car, with lead single ‘Sex‘ going full on pop through a punk filter. Old school synth channelling DEVO, but there’s a bit of Elvis Costello in there too.

Claimed Choice – Make It Right
(We Won’t Give In)

Killer French OI punk to kick you right up the derrière. Namechecking Slade in their write-up (!), Claimed Choice absolutely smash it on the opener from a new mini-album. Energetic as fook.

Poison Ruïn – Parade of Phantoms
(Not Today, Not Tomorrow)

First thing that hits you about Poison Ruïn is the unbelievably nails artwork for their releases – their debut full length providing Dungeons & Dragons realness in the artwork department. Then there’s the fuzzy, lo-fi burst of old school punk and hardcore. From latest release ‘Not Today, Not Tomorrow‘, it only takes the opening riff on ‘Parade of Phantoms‘ to know you’re in safe hands.

Reuben – Let’s Stop Hanging Out
(Racecar Is Racecar Backwards)

Who knew eh? Jamie Lenman and friends had the chops all along. Well, turns out everyone knew, but it wasn’t until July that I really tucked in myself (I know…) An instant love though and it’s no shock given how revered they were. So much so, they’ve just announced the deluxe re-issue of their debut release ‘Pilot‘ (before they changed their name to Reuben)! Incredible closing stretch.

Jonathan Richman – Since She Started To Ride
(Jonathan Goes Country)

Proper Ronseal affair this – Jonathan did indeed go ‘Country‘ back in 1990, adding in a rootin-tootin twang to his charming style. All about a cow-girl who’s more keen on horses than she is geezers. Standard.

Panic Shack – The Ick
(Baby Shack)

Mega riff on this one from Welsh quartet Panic Shack, first heard by these very ears when we caught them at 2000 Trees Festival just last month. All about the nail in the coffin and being given ‘The Ick‘ from prospective partners that don’t live up to expectations. An outfit that formed as an affront to the music industry being a “members-only club at the best of times, a phallocracy at the worst“.

OSEES – A Foul Form
(A Foul Form)

As much as one loves the mind-expanding 8+ minute psych odysseys Thee Oh Sees like to explore on occasion, I’m a lot more stoked on their current crop of sub-2 minute rippers. Title track from their brilliant new record ‘A Foul Form‘, it’s Dwyer trading in goblin vocals for hoarse punk shouting and man, it’s just the ticket.

X – Your Phone’s Off The Hook, But You’re Not
(Los Angeles)

Raging little number from LA punks X with the brilliantly titled ‘Your Phone’s Off The Hook, But You’re Not‘, opener from their debut LP ‘Los Angeles‘. Powerhouse performance from vocalist Exene Cervenka!

Inu – フェイド アウト
(メシ喰うな!)

Full-pelt, infectious 80s punk out of Japan with a can’t-stop manic vocal that gets right under your skin. Google translate tells us the band name in English roughly means ‘Dog‘ and one can’t help but feel the frantic nature of the track mirrors the energetic feel of man’s best friend.

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Live Review: Vintage Crop at The Peer Hat in Manchester 05 July 2022

Words: Andy Hughes

Careering down the steps into the basement of The Peer Hat with two very full pints, momentarily I thought I’d been transported to the land of guns and Mickey Mouse, given the deafening sound of American country music from behind the door. Not quite the real McCoy, Manchester country-sleaze outfit HONK were just as good, in full swing upon entry, shades wearing frontman Chip Smitten drinking out of a big bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, whooping and hollering on a rootin-tootin’ opener as a few bodies in the crowd bumped shoulders up the front.

“This next one’s about snooker…” The vocalist announced. With his faux Yank drawl and haircut you could set your watch to, when Chip barks he’s like a Naval Officer – but on the set of a Western. I almost wish I’d not known they were on the bill, as walking downstairs to witness the six-piece in full pomp – group chanting like a cult, hypnotic slide guitar action and a drummer in a beret – would’ve been a lovely surprise.

“Boo you!… Sorry…” Says Chip with a smile after boos follow the announcement it’s their last. ‘Let The Dog See The Rabbit‘, their new single – from forthcoming debut EP ‘Grand Opening‘ (mixed by Aussie royalty Mikey Young) sees the drummer attack the kit from a standing position whilst the rest of the band whipped up the crowd in anticipation of the headliners.

“I’m told it’s cold in the miserable fucking North…” Vintage Crop would later sing on ‘The North‘ and whilst I’ve no doubt they’re talking about the North back home in Australia, it could easily be a song about local climes. Though their arrival does come during “British Summer Time” and as such, it’s a reasonably pleasant day in the Northern Quarter – albeit a bit cold (and it’s drizzly most of the following day…)

A full pelt run through of the anthemic ‘Double Slants‘ kicked off their set, vocalist Jack Cherry suggesting they’ve flown all the way from Australia just to play tonight. Before too long, his neck vein bulges as he shouts out the vocals. One of his guitar strings chooses the perfect time to snap, the second in two days we’re told. Luckily, ‘Woody‘ of HONK was on hand to lend out his axe. “It’s a mighty beast, I like it!” Cherry later announced, thanking “the Honkers” for the loan of the guitar.

“He’s warmed up, He’s warmed up, He’s warmed up, He’s warmed up…” Counts out Cherry as he lets on that the band were now into the swing of things. Fresh from releasing their latest album ‘Kibitzer‘, the Aussie quartet treated us to cuts the likes of ‘The Bloody War‘, ‘2K Hip Pocket‘ and synth heavy ‘The Duke‘, as punters again get bumping down the front.

Cherry confides that flights aren’t cheap to the UK, but suggests the audience look like smart people so it’s likely we’ll all be buying a record after the show. “We’ll show you!” Someone shouts, like we’re living in an episode of The Simpsons. Much like English outfit Public Body, Vintage Crop are experts on singing of the mundane (from 2020 album ‘Serve To Serve Again‘, ‘Just My Luck‘ touches on dropping a slice of buttered toast on the ground…) On the night, the ripper that is ‘Gridlock‘ follows sharpish, a song all about – you guessed it – being stuck in traffic, a number where bassist Luke O’Brien really shines.

Much like the band themselves, it takes a few for the Manchester crowd to warm up to the visiting Australians. Once suitably warmed though, Vintage Crop really vibe off the atmosphere and the yucks keep coming. “It’s not Knebworth, but it’s alright…” Cherry comments, later thanking us for “…coming out on a Tuesday night to see some fucking stupid Australian band” ahead of the raging closer, ‘American Living‘. Having stalked the stage as the shout-y frontman with the microphone, the vocalist has a moment to lean on an amp and take it all in as drummer Tyler O’Brien hammered away. Short but sweet, it was definitely worth the plane tickets – though I’m glad we didn’t buy them!

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

This One Song… Vintage Crop on Double Slants

Tell you what – we love hearing from artists when things go right. We equally love hearing from artists when things go dreadfully wrong. A song that was a piece of piss, written in 20 minutes? Or years in the making and a bastard to write?

Whether it’s a song that came together through great duress or one that was smashed out in a short amount of time, we’re getting the lowdown from some of our favourites on the one song that they can’t stop thinking about – in their own words.

Off the back of announcing their new album ‘Kibitzer‘ (via Anti Fade, Dinked and Upset The Rhythm), Jack Cherry of Aussie lot Vintage Crop talks us through new single ‘Double Slants‘. Take it away, Jack…

Words: Andy Hughes (Photo Credit: Leland Buckle)

“Double Slants was a pretty textbook song writing effort for the band. It first took shape as a demo on my computer, I spent about 4 or 5 hours writing and recording the original idea. I had the verse, pre-chorus and pretty much all of the lyrics done in that session.

We jam together pretty much every week, so I took the idea to the band that next week and once everyone learned it and we played it together we knew it was a keeper.

The next week everyone decided that it needed a proper chorus, and I kind of despise being told stuff like that – even when they are completely right. Generally that’s the way it goes for the songs that I write – I come up with 75% of it and then agonise over writing the last bit. Typically we’ll jam that 75% and then Luke, Tyson and Tyler will all take the parts I wrote for them and make them their own, which is the real magic – when the other guys start adding little bits we really start cooking.

So we played around with a few chords and it just seemed to fit, we played the G & D chords back and forth and then the chorus riff just sort of bounced off my fret board. Once we laid it all out and played it as a full song it just felt really good. Tyson took that riff and added all of his little trademarks to it – he really shined it up. The whole ending of the song was based around a little bass part that Luke wrote and then Tyson came up with so many good riffs over the top of it. We could have made that outro three times as long and just had Tys cut riffs all over it.

Finding the lyrics for the chorus in this track was really hard – specifically the fourth line. I couldn’t figure out a way to finish the stanza, I thought about it for a few months. To rhyme or not to rhyme; the big question. The “Inside Lanes/Double Slants” couplet was something that just popped into my head while I was cooking dinner one night and I remember being really excited about it. From there I kinda just played with rhymes and different deliveries until I had a flow for it.

I think it was so hard to write the chorus lyrics because I didn’t want to ruin the song – we were all really happy with the music and I knew that it needed good words as well. That little bit of extra pressure just totally turned my creative tap off for a bit.

All in all it was probably a 2-3 month process to take the song from a demo to a fully finished track, which is probably becoming a more normal time frame for us. It used to be a lot shorter, but we’ve started trying to get famous off our songs so we thought it was time to put some effort in.“

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Listening Post – July 2021

Words: Andy Hughes

Well, well, well – As on time as the England football team giving those of us living round these parts some glimmer of hope in a big tournament, Birthday Cake For Breakfast returns with another stacked monthly playlist (how’s that for a loose connection to current events!) You know the drill, 20 tunes – old and new – designed to give your ears a good seeing to. Tuck in!

Kormac – Another Screen
(Doorsteps)

Very recently introduced to this hypnotic bit of kit by our lass, the pair of us having just listened to ‘As Days Get Dark‘, the latest album from Arab Strap. Whilst guest vocalist Irvine Welsh might not reach the vocal highs of Aidan Moffat, his captivating delivery draws you in completely on this from Irish producer Kormac. The perfect way to sink into our 60+ minute bumper playlist this month!

WOOZE – Witch Slap (IOU)

The wunderbar WOOZE spark off a return with the insatiable ‘Witch Slap (IOU)‘, the new single sounding particularly MASSIVE to these refined ears. Having very recently been on a Sparks tip, this sounds even more splendid.

Pearl & The Oysters – Treasure Island
(Flowerland)

Sunny I-wish-I-was-on-the-beach vibes aplenty with this delightful sun-has-got-his-hat-on little number from French-American duo Pearl & The Oysters. Makes one long for no more ‘staycations‘ and to be propped up in a sun lounger getting burnt to fuck.

Sneaks – True Killer
(Gymnastics)

Would you believe I discovered this via Eric Wareheim’s instagram story?! Slightly late to the party on this sleek post-punk delight from Sneaks, but hey – sounds like it was released 50 years ago anyhow. Vibes via Washington, D.C – where all good punks band come from.

Thee Oh Sees – Enemy Destruct
(Help)

RAGER from 10+ years ago c/o the shape-shifting, ever-reliable Thee Oh Sees. Having kept us company throughout the pandemic, via live sessions and multiple new releases, it felt only right to revisit their back catalogue to spice things up a bit.

Alex Cameron – Before Too Long

Moody number from our favourite Aussie, Alex Cameron. Having fallen into an Al Cam listen-a-thon a few weeks back, it was a joy to discover this cover of a Paul Kelly number, backed up by regular business partner Roy Molloy on horn and Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jacob Portrait on guitar. As smouldering as all of Cameron’s publicity shots.

The Fall – 15 Ways
(Middle Class Revolt)

Having very recently talked up The Fall on the We Didn’t Know How Good We Had It podcast, it would be remiss of me to not include Mark E. Smith and his mates in our latest playlist (as we’ve neglected The Fall so much in our playlists this year…) From an LP released when I was just a wee nipper, the breezy and infectious instrumental backing on this is as joyous as the whistling towards the tracks end.

Kiwi Jr. – Murder in the Cathedral
(Football Money)

“Oh that is James Dean!” Having positively rinsed ‘Cooler Returns‘ this year (the latest record from Kiwi Jr.), it came as no shock to discover their debut album is just as good, capturing what we described in our review of the new LP as like ‘a big knees up with Dylan, The Byrds, Jonathan Richman and labelmates Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, knocking about on the set of a Wes Anderson flick or even The Adventures of Pete & Pete.‘

Aldous Harding – Old Peel

A current house favourite, the latest from the wonderful Aldous Harding is known for closing sets at her most recent live shows, said to be a beloved fan favourite. Possibly hinting at more joyous new music on the way, ‘Old Peel‘ has a Cate Le Bon quirky quality that we can’t get enough of. Catch that peculiar video out now, featuring the equally wonderful H. Hawkline!

Deliluh – Amulet B

Canadian formed outfit Deliluh very recently dropped their ‘Amulet‘ single, split into two incarnations as side A captures the band as a four-piece, with side B just the current duo of Kyle Knapp and Julius Pederson. It’s the latter that hit us most, its moody, Nine Inch Nails stylings really capturing our attention across its 6+ minutes, with the vocal of Knapp really drawing you in.

Gruff Rhys – Hiking In Lightning
(Seeking New Gods)

Very niche but my girlfriend has clocked that, on his new record – the wonderful ‘Seeking New Gods‘ – Gruff Rhys sounds, on occasion, very much like Simon Farnaby (google it, you’ll know who I mean). Sound-alikes aside, ‘Hiking In Lightning‘ is just a delightful cut from a record we described as ‘a fuzz rock nod to early SFA‘. Try as you might, you won’t be able to get that chorus out of your head!

Miss Grit – Impostor
(Impostor)

RIPPER territory from NY artist Miss Grit, with the title track from her latest EP sounding particularly MASSIVE as it reaches anthemic highs throughout! From a record that addresses her life-long navigation through racial impostor syndrome as a result of being a half-Korean woman in the suburbs of Michigan where she grew up, this fuzzy affair was produced solely by Miss Grit so that creative control was maintained. That solo, mate – WOOF!

The Bug Club – Launching Moondream One
(Launching Moondream One)

One of our favourite discoveries this year, Welsh trio The Bug Club have got this songwriting lark bob on. The title track from their debut EP calls to mind the loveliness of The Kinks, with the vocals of bassist Tilly Harris and guitarist Sam Willmett going together like a particularly good sandwich filling.

Kaputt – Movement Now

You know us, we like to recommend music (guilty!) and we’re now speaking to those in the room who’ve been all excited by new releases from Black Midi, Squid and Black Country, New Road. Scottish outfit Kaputt recently put out this razor sharp single that brings together all the joys from their 2019 debut ‘Carnage Hall‘, further signifying that they remain (and will continue to be) an outfit to keep a close eye on.

Geese – Disco

Exitement on the way from Brooklyn based newcomers Geese, kicking things off with their 6+ minute debut single (on Partisan Records no less) – one which twists and turns and calls to mind a favourite record of ours from last year (The Homesick’s ‘The Big Exercise‘). Proper promising stuff from the collective and one which – dare we say it – has classic written all over it.

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Astronaut
(Hijack!)

Oh boy, it’s good to hear new material from Aussie lad Jack Ladder. The musical accompaniment to ‘Astronaut‘ is very much lump-in-the-throat territory, not too dissimilar to his mate Alex Cameron in places. From an album on the way this September, we could listen to Jack read out the take away menu, you know? Great voice.

Jonathan Richman – Tandem Jump
(I, Jonathan)

Very much encapsulating everything there is to love about Jonathan Richman, ‘Tandem Jump‘ is a clap-happy kooky little number with a call and response from Richman to his band as they seemingly leap out of a plane. A hypnotic little groover. “Tandem Jump!“

Katy J Pearson x Yard Act – Miracle (Remix)
(Return (Remixes)

Having recently made headlines with Hugo Boss (a.k.a. Joe Lycett) producing a vid for her new single, Heavenly Recordings own Katy J Pearson has been making pals wherever she goes, as showcased on her new remixes album. One such set of pals comes via Northern lot Yard Act, who’ve been cooking up quite the storm themselves off the back of a hotly tipped EP. This is an arse-shaker, make no mistake!

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Weekend Run

What a bloody vibe eh? Ruban Nielson returns with this absolute delight that features the best naming of days of the week since Craig David dropped ‘7 Days‘. Having been obsessed with ‘Hunnybee‘ from 2018’s ‘Sex & Food‘, I can see this becoming a once-a-dayer for sure.

UV-TV – Distant Lullaby
(Always Something)

Proper heart-swelling jam from New York City’s UV-TV, with the vocal of Rose Vastola hitting that sweet spot that raises the hairs on your neck. In and out in just over two, sun-soaked minutes, from their latest record ‘Always Something‘ released at the back end of May, ‘Distant Lullaby‘ is a perfect accompaniment to these long summer nights.

Like what you see? Why not stick around and check out the other articles and interviews!
Don’t forget to follow Birthday Cake For Breakfast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!