Problem Patterns announce debut album, ‘Blouse Club’
Belfast-based punk band Problem Patterns have announced their debut album, Blouse Club, which will be released on 27 October via Alcopop! Records.
Recorded and mixed by Niall Doran at Start Together Studios in Belfast and mastered by Peter J Moore at The E Room in Toronto, the album is preceded by the release of new double A-side single "Lesbo 3000" / "Poverty Tourist".
"Lesbo 3000" is a brash and defiant anthem about queer identity, while "Poverty Tourist" is a more introspective track about the challenges of living in poverty. Both songs showcase the band's powerful and energetic sound, which has been compared to the likes of Bikini Kill and Sleater-Kinney.
Drummer Bethany Crooks says of “Lesbo 3000”:
“Lesbo 3000' was written partly out of frustration and also to reclaim and have ownership over my sexuality. The frustration is that lesbianism is consistently invalidated, we're told that we just haven't 'met the right man' yet or that some random man in a bar has a magic appendage in his trousers that will completely negate your attraction to women. The reality is that homophobic attacks are becoming more and more consistent with right wing social media emboldening bigots, while 'lesbian' remains one of the top search topics on all adult websites. (Mostly) men think that lesbians exist for their sexual gratification, but if they see two women holding hands they go absolutely berserk. I also thought it was important to reclaim the slur 'dyke'. I've been called a dyke multiple times by homophobes who want to hurt me, but if I can reclaim that word it completely takes the power out of it. Yes I am a dyke. And that feels really powerful to say.
Problem Patterns formed in 2018 and have quickly become one of the most exciting new bands in the UK punk scene. They have toured extensively throughout the UK and Ireland, and have played at major festivals such as Rebellion Festival and 2000 Trees.
Blouse Club is a powerful and timely album that is sure to resonate with fans of punk rock and feminist music. It is a celebration of queer identity and a rallying cry for social justice.
Save the date for Blouse Club, and watch the video for “Lesbo 3000”:
Blouse Club track listing
Y.A.W
Big Shouty
Advertising Services
A History of Bad Men Part II
Lesbo 3000
Pity Bra
Who Do We Not Save
Poverty Tourist
Letter of Resignation
Picture of Health
TERFs Out
Domestic Bliss
Problem Patterns are Beverley Boal (guitar), Bethany Crooks (drums), Ciara King (bass), and Alanah Smith (vocals).
