Hands off Gretel are the ‘It’ band of the moment. They are playing everywhere around the UK and Europe, and every release is received with acclaim. Such was the case for their latest full-length album, I Want the World, which came out in April 2019. Then you would ask, “Why is it that you’re talking about one song off it now?” I will tell you why, because it just got a video, and it is awesome.
“Not your mother, not your milk”- This line condenses the claiming spirit of the vegan grunge moan track Milk, by the South Yorkshire band. The video came out last Friday 24th, and sensitive people might want to refrain from watching it, as it depicts some graphic gore scenes. Directed by the omnipresent front-woman, composer, artist, etc… Lauren Tate, it shows the degradation and suffering that animals in the meat industry are subject to. Among others, the video portrays guitarist Sean Bon tied to a hospital stretcher and in great pain as drummer Sam Hobbins appears to be experimenting with medicament’s on him, as well as Tate and bassist Becky Baldwin with their skin marked as pieces of meat. That’s what I call a powerful anti -carnivore outcry.
Later on, on Lauren’s social media, the singer would reflect on that latter scene and the feelings of being objectified by part of her male audience and the frustration and anger it generates in her and the band. Hands off Gretel are a feminist band; they are feminist in the same way that Bikini Kill are feminist, unapologetically. They know their cause is just, and they will fight for that cause, the best way they know, with grunge.
It is unavoidable to hear resemblance of Hole in Tate’s formation; however, it is the fusion with other sounds coming from metal, pop or hip hop that makes them so fresh and interesting. These familiar yet contemporary instrumentation’s are accompanied by the sour voice of Tate, spitting lyrics full of emotion, alternatively – if not both – of social concern and very intimate feelings.
Whether it is standing for the rights of animals or the rights of women (especially in the music industry and shows), they are truly compromised; they make amazing music. Little else can be added to that. Check them out, I guarantee that you will not regret it.
Official Page: https://www.handsoffgretel.co.uk/
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