Women and those not identifying as male played major roles as band members, musicians, writers, photographers, artists, label owners, and punks! …and still do! Moreover, there’s a huge chance a non male got you into punk! The scene that’s, similarly to the whole culture, is often full of discrimination and intolerance towards genders. Yup, punk, rock, and metal have always had a problem with non-male participants, and it’s all the more great pleasure to see another great band that allow the visibility they merit!
London’s alt rockish punk rockers SCREECH BATS have recently released a music video for their new earworm song “Get Better”, taken from the band’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Wish You Were Her‘ EP, and today we’re pleased to give you the early stream of the record, ahead of its official release date on March 30, 2018 (pre-order HERE, digital version HERE).
‘Wish You Were Her’ is a collective of songs written by friends and punk rockers Esme Baker, Lexi Clark, Rio Hellyer and Kit Reeve. Growing up with bands like Alkaline Trio, Blink 182 and AFI, Screech Bats have blended and revamped this melodic, dark, punk rock genre, creating something familiar, yet totally different. Addressing issues such as death, mental health, ageing and hateful relationships, this EP’s content somewhat contrasts to Screech Bats‘ first EP about awkward situations and the existence of aliens. With this recording in mind, it’s clear the Screech Bats have established their sound.
Reminiscent of the artwork of their debut, but more refined, it serves to highlight the maturity that the quartet’s music has found in the past 2 years. Recording with James Routh of Sonic Boom Six, often until the early hours in a Blackpool rehearsal room, the band opted to strip back to a rawer form of their sound. The result is a heart-on-sleeve alternative rock with punk rock roots, topped off with distinctly British vocals à la Lower Than Atlantis; the influence of the likes of Against Me! and Jimmy Eat World is clear.
SCREECH BATS live:
27th March – Sticky Mikes, Brighton
30th March – The Bell, Bath
1st April – Lady Luck, Canterbury
3rd April – The Moon, Bishops Stortford
4th April – The Monarch (EP release show), London
5th April – Boileroom, Guildford
2nd June – Camden Rocks Festival , Dublin Castle
