When an alt-rock/punk band already has the backing of legendary agitators Kathleen Hanna and Henry Rollins with hitherto only the release of singles/EP releases, the test is can the band in question – the Belfast based feminist queer- punk Problem Patterns –extend these high praises and realise their potential onto a full album? It is great to report that Blouse Club (on Alcopops Records) brings a blistering sincere injection of fresh energy, (sadly) relevance, and righteousness anger to the cause.
Instantly setting out their stall with the opening abrasive ten seconds-ish all-in band splurge, propels the opener ‘Y.A.W’ and all what follows. The band – Alanah Smith, Beverley Boal, Bethany Crooks, Ciara King – not only break band conventions by swapping musical instruments and vocal duties, but fervently mean business! Forthright throughout, they make no bones about their right to expressively rage with the appropriately titled ‘Big Shouty’. One of Blouse Club’s impressiveness (and there are many) is the multitude of variety across the twelve songs, which expertly avoids repetitiveness. Yes, they can spit fury but ‘Advertising Services’, ‘Poverty Tourist’ prove their catchy song-writing chops for rewarding instant go-to status.
The band themselves cite a number-of influences’ including Bikini Kill, Melvins, Pissed Jeans, L7, Veruca Salt, Bob Vylan among others. And the debut is like a perfect blend of the above, but with their own ingredients of idiosyncratic chemistry the band are quite rightly viewed as ones to watch. The Buzz Ozbourne (Melvins) outfit does spring to mind for the effective low slung dirty swaggering sludge of ‘A History of Bad Men’. They change gears and up the tempo on the bruising straight-ahead pile-driver ‘Who do we Save’ and its clenching fist infuriation of NHS privatisation.
Problem Patterns were already formed, but unified stronger around a high-profile rape case trial, and that reflects in how they are very incensed and armed with purpose. It is no surprise the themes covered are (rightly) very serious – female objectification (‘Y.A.W’), homophobia (‘Lesbo 300’), inequality (‘Advertising Services’) among others – jolts with brutally direct and powerful lyrics.
Raw, ferocious, and delivered with many thrills for a surprising joyful ride. Problem Patterns have reasons to shout loud. In the process, Blouse Club is arguably the angriest album you will hear this year, which will resonate with many and expect roars for best debut album of the year.
