Nothing is meant to last, but that makes it all the more worthwhile.
Everything has a deadline, everything will come to an end. Despite the passion, despite the pain everything expires. But doesn’t that make it all the more meaningful? This isn’t forever, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Debut release, Blue Ray by THWACK! discusses the semantics of demise, connection, and passion. As a sultry, punk-esque orchestral track, it offers up a deeper connection to some darker themes but was predominantly inspired by the album covers ‘In the zone’ by Britney Spears and ‘Fallen’ by Evanescence and the unrequited love the two pieces of art seem to share.
The music is energetic, lively, and hauntingly good, boasting an ethereal edge fueled by empowered vocals and an emboldened drumbeat. As debuts go, this is definitely one that doesn’t need to demand attention, it will already have it after the first few beats. Celebrating imperfect connections and the passion of the taboo, Blue Ray conveys the thrill of knowing that this kind of passion isn’t forever, but it is for now.
The cover art for the Blue Ray is a captivating piece that appears to draw inspiration from René Magritte’s “The Lovers” and the film “Midsommar.” This melding of influences serves as a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that there is often more beneath the surface than meets the eye. The use of visual elements reminiscent of these iconic works of art and cinema enhances the depth and intrigue of the cover art, inviting viewers to contemplate the hidden truths that lie within.
The first iteration of THWACK! occurred somewhere in the haze of lockdown when Charlie (Shey/They – Vocals, Guitar) became worried the world was gonna end and thought it would be awful for that to happen without at least attempting to start a band. A little digging and they discovered Chlo (She/Her – Bass, vocals) writing emo poetry at the base of the Marc Bolan Tribute statue.
Music history was formed in this meeting and formed again a little while later when Charlie (quite by accident) stumbled upon Mal (She Her – Cello, Vocals) in an anarchist wine tasting event in a disused theatre in Brixton. A few weeks later we had our first rehearsal with the addition of Blake (They/Them – Drums) who was found through a queer spiderweb connecting via 1980’s Indiana, it became clear in that moment that punk bands really had been lacking a string section. We later found Frankie (They/Them – Electric Violin, Vocals) in the dark cabaret under lands of South London and thus THWACK! in all it’s glory was born.
With musical backgrounds from punk, drag, glam and emo the music produced boasts an eclectic edge , a smorgasboard of sound to choose from.They’ve been playing together for a while so despite the unique influences the signature sound of THWACK! is starting toshine through.
Describing their music as ‘ quite genre queer ,tight and unpredictable, the next Wet Leg and the Waluigi to The Last Dinner Party’s Mario” it will be exciting to see how this band evolves.
Teen Jesus and Jean Teasers taken by Michelle Pitiris
Doodles in your daily planer, a pen leak in your zoom meeting, ruler drumsticks at grey desktops. When did life get so dull? You swear you used to be fun.
Australian band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers know all about this rude awakening called adulthood, the daunting realisation that you’re on you’re own and all your friends live far away.There’s food in the fridge going out of date and you’ve got bills to pay, but who’s to say you’re no fun anymore?
I Used To Be fun by Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers 2023
Made up of Anna Ryan (guitar and vocals), Scarlett McKahey (guitar), Jaida Stephenson (bass) and Neve van Boxsel (drums) the band are setting the tone for new wave indie pop. Formed during a sleepover when they were all in their mid teens back in 2015 in which the teen friends were watching Richard Linklater’s School of Rock. Their song I Used To Be Fun is an allegory of growing up.
From their latest album I LOVE YOU, I Used To Be Fun utilises jagged vocals and shredded guitar riffs the band dissect the notion of ageing, stripping back the once comforting embrace of childhood for the island of independence only to realise , the choices and decisions we make now impact our own lives and shape our future. Embracing adulthood means embracing the uncertainties and complexities that come with it, as we learn to navigate the intricacies of relationships, career paths, and personal growth. It is a time of transformation, self-reflection, and personal growth, where we come to understand that being an adult is not merely about age, but about taking ownership of our lives, embracing our passions, and charting our own course in this vast and ever-evolving world.
Up for almost anything now
Everything’s too much
Got one foot out the door I guess this is growing up
No excuses or reasons for why I couldn’t come
Should I leave the lights on?“
With an electrifying display of musical prowess and unparalleled harmonies, this talented band captivates audiences with their unique blend of self-deprecating humor and heartfelt songwriting. Their evolved sound has expanded the boundaries of their music, showcasing a newfound confidence that resonates throughout their diverse repertoire.
Their duet with The Grogans on track ‘Salt’ a sound makes strength out of sand after a situation left a soul stranded, scrabbling for something to keep them in place, so beautiful and raw, Salt has depths flooded with both direction and desperation a powerful allegory of building yourself up again, a testament to resilience whilst the title track I ❤ You aches over fixation and unrequited love and the subsequent regret navigated in Never Saw It Coming. Band dynamics, personal relationships and camaraderie all feature strongly, demonstrating that through union, good humour and self awareness can overcome adversity’, that a voice that is heard becomes the most powerful weapon against the disbelievers, sometimes to heal our wounds is to show them.
Salt by Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. 2023
This follows on from the vulnerable elements effortlessly explored their rambunctiously passionate and poignant debut EP Pretty Good For A Girl Band. It lays the foundations for who they are as a band and what they stand for, challenging any preconceived perceptions this band creates their own prophecy.
Escaping the boundaries of gender identity, they are simply the defining sound of the new era of the music industry, a witty two fingers to those that have denied them the voice to their own musical prowess, their auditory abilities simply because who they are does not fit with predetermined ideals.Despite these prejudicial conceptions the EP is not filled with bitter bangers instead using the opportunity to hold up a mirror to the naysayers, trailblazing the way for a constructive conversation that challenges these archaic beliefs that is holding the industry back.
Scarlett McKahey (guitar) ,Anna Ryan (guitar and vocals), Jaida Stephenson (bass) and Neve van Boxsel (drums) make up Teen Jesus and Jean Teasers. Credit to Ruby Boland.
Miss Your Birthday by Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers 2022
One of my favourite tracks on this EP the infectious ‘Miss Your Birthday’. This anthem is not just about catchy beats and addictive melodies, it’s a powerful reminder of finding strength when you feel powerless. With their unbreakable bond, undeniable passion, and raw talent, this band is about to blow your mind! Despite the energetic elevation of the track it covers deep distress felt by those facing independence and isolation for the first time, evocative of the lockdowns of 2020 as well as the daunting planet of adulthood.
‘I need a break from living near the freeway
All the high beams keep me up too late
Don’t take this the wrong way it’s not to do with you but I’m running out of clothes and I need a clean bathroom
Need a break from living out a suitcase‘
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers captured by Michelle Pitiris
Guitarist Scarlett McKahey explained that it was a haomge to homesickness, the fine edge between ‘wanting to be back at your Mum’s cosy house without abandoning your new ‘grown up’ life. “. Sometimes to go home does not mean to give in, it allows you to get back to your roots so you can grow again.
Navigating adulthood often feels like being trapped in an intricate escape room, where the clues are written in a language you struggle to decipher. Despite having a place to call your own, you find yourself living out of a suitcase in your childhood bedroom, longing for the comfort of your mother’s cooking. Your housemates, who often seem to be in a perpetual state of chaos, add to the overwhelming journey of adulthood. Although you may have convinced yourself that you’re ready to be a grown-up, deep down, you realize that you’re still a child trapped in a 20’s something’s body, trying to make sense of it all. It can be quite overwhelming at times, so sometimes you have to miss someone’s birthday, if only you could miss your own.
Since 2015 the band has built up quite a repertoire full of soul wrenching ballads, energetic anthems and choral inspired pop classics. Supporting Foo Fighters in Melbourne in December they are on to BIG things and should be on your playlist, especially if you’re not quite ready to grow up yet and you’re definitely still fun…
Welcome to your psyche, as we explore the dimensions of your soul and the layers to your being, enjoy the jazz infused symphony of syncopated beats and kick drum lulls that defines the sound that is ‘Dust’.
Australian Alt-Punk band dust are making a comeback to the UK after a slew of successful shows earlier this year. The quintet will be hitting Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham, culminating in a slot at Pitchfork Music Festival London. Tickets to shows can be bought here.
The Gutter by dust
Known to promote positivity, reduce anxiety and improve concentration, slow flow house music ,such as that featured on dust’s debut EP ‘Et Cetera etc’, invites a deeper connection between your consciousness and subconsciousness, encouraging self reflection. Trippy techno and experimental electronics fuse together over a unique punk rock drive to create the transportive narrative that is this new release.What is music but a testament to human resilience, perseverance and passion?
The band have described how this EP was fused with, imagination, creativity and friendship; “it’s cemented our friendship and given us the foundation to build upon our relationships with each other, Et cetera, etc is a step in the direction of the sound we’d like to carve out in the future”
dust taken by Charlie Hardy April 2023
Dual vocalists, Gabriel Stove and Justin Teale, share the lead microphone, each a collective voice, defining the charisma of a band connected through the sonic maelstrom. The ‘Et cetera, etc’ EP was recorded in its entirety on guitarist-saxophonist Adam Ridgway’s family farm in Edwardsville. Bassist Liam Smith and drummer Kye Cherry complete the 5-piece.
Through warbling saxophone solos and electronic ambience a spiritual yin and yang manifest to demonstrate the power of interconnected forces coming together, this philosophy drives the atmospheric energy of the band’s live shows.
Ward 52 by dust
The singles are improvised and innovative, an exposure of the skeletal routes of the conscious plane. Gentle synths swell, and ambient interludes, morph the self into everything else, a harmonic hand into a higher realm. dust eloquently energise, an audible sip into personal potential.
The band have described each track on the e.p:
“The singles taken from the EP -‘Joy ( Guilt )’, ‘Ward 52’ and ‘The Gutter’ illustrate et cetera, etc’ scollage-like nature, including Justin and Gabe’s trade of vocals. Alternator’s wailing saxophone gives an eerie and unexpected edge to the release, tension breaking, frustration easing, growing and firing back up again in time with the story of a broken down car, waiting for roadside assist ten hours from home. ‘False Narrative’ comparatively showcases our warmest melody yet, as a whole transposing the familiar yet introspective energy of King Krule, Aphex Twin.”
Evolve Music 