It’s nice that there are young bands who still have a lot to say. Feminist punk band Problem Patterns release their debut album Blouse Club today, and it’s politically engaged without ever losing its sense of humour or effervescent fizz. ‘Advertising Services’ takes on the ubiquity and inescapable nature of advertising and corporate sponsorship… Where’s the better life we’re being promised?
The band, who describe themselves as “four shouty queers” come from Belfast and first grabbed many people’s attention with the brilliant ‘Letter Of Resignation’ with its irresistible chorus of “You can’t fire me, I’m LEAVING!”
It’s this flip of the bird to the toxic workplace, body shaming and TERFs, among other modern bugbears, that are completely consistent throughout, all chugging along with fat riffs and frenetic drumming. Two of my favourite goddesses, Kathleen Hanna and Suzi Cunningham, are fans, so you know that you’re in safe hands with this assured, smart and scathing debut.
Out now via Alcopop! Records
Main photo: Ellen Blair
Hit The North 