Other Half share new banger “Farm Games”
Alright my luvvers, our faves, the Norwich-based rabble-raisers Other Half, have gone and dropped another banger, this one is called "Farm Games"! It's from their forthcoming album Dark Ageism, set for release on 21 June via Big Scary Monsters.
The new track offers a gritty glimpse into the band's dynamic sound and introspective lyricism, exploring themes of youth and escapism with a mature, reflective edge.
"Farm Games" features a mix of raw energy and introspective moments, encapsulating the band's signature sound that blends post-hardcore intensity with an introspective narrative. The single comes alongside a uniquely themed video that features the band in a rustic farm setting, humorously juxtaposing their intense music style with pastoral visuals.
Vocalist Cal describes the track as a meditation on the elusive ideal of pastoral bliss and the realities of contemporary life, saying:
"It's about the pursuit for an Arcadian Britain, something I got pretty invested in during lockdown, and how that sort of thing actually manifests itself in the context of an Other Half song i.e., taking drugs and playing Farmville. It's a bleak little swipe at the future, or lack thereof, and my own inability to grow up within it."
Dark Ageism is poised to be a significant step forward for Other Half, following their previous releases, Big Twenty and Soft Action. Recorded by Owen Turner at Sickroom Studio and mixed and mastered by Tom Hill at the Bookhouse, the album delves into the experiences and disillusionments of aging within the punk scene. With contributions from notable figures like Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and Alexei Berrow of Johnny Foreigner, the album weaves a complex narrative about staying true to one’s roots while confronting the inevitabilities of growing older.
The album's narrative arc is supported by robust musical compositions that blend aggressive punk energy with moments of melodic introspection. Tracks like "Pastoral Existence" and "Farm Games" showcase the band's ability to oscillate between ferocity and subtlety, offering listeners a rich, textured sonic experience.
In support of the new album, Other Half will be touring the UK with Single Mothers this July, alongside a performance at the prestigious 2000 Trees Festival. The tour promises to bring the album’s themes and the band’s explosive performance style to a broader audience, solidifying Other Half’s place in the UK’s vibrant punk scene.
Save the date for Dark Ageism, and watch the video for “Farm Games”:
Upcoming live dates
12/07 - 2000 Trees Festival
13/07 - Leeds, Key Club*
14/07 - Glasgow, Hug & Pint*
15/07 - Manchester, YES*
16/07 - Nottingham, Bodega*
17/07 - London, New Cross Inn*
18/07 - Southampton, Joiners*
19/07 - Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach*
20/07 - Birmingham, Hare & Hounds*
21/07 - Norwich, Voodoo Daddys*
*supporting Single Mothers
