Scotland’s Current Affairs announce their delightfully catchy new song and lyric video, “Reactor.” The band from Glasgow consists of Joan Sweeney, (a stalwart on the scene with history in Rose McDowall’s band, Aggi Doom, and The Royal We), joined by Sebastian Ymai (Comidillo Tapes, Pissy, and Anxiety), Gemma Fleet (The Wharves, Order of the Toad, Dancer) and Andrew Milk (Shopping, Pink Pound). With its vibrant energy and rhythmic pulse, the city of Glasgow indisputably forms the lifeblood of Current Affairs’ music. It played an instrumental role in the inception and production of their notable album, ‘Off the Tongue.’
“Reactor” is an exhilarating fusion of driving percussions, playful vocal interactions, and irresistible hooks. Conjuring visions of a young Siouxsie Sioux commandeering the infectious energy of the B-52s, with a generous nod to the kooky eccentricity of the Suburban Lawns, the track exudes an undeniable allure. This fantastically engaging composition is accompanied by an entertaining karaoke video that invites listeners to join in for a thrilling sing-along.
Watch below:
The current incarnation of Current Affairs materialized in 2020, but the individual members have been in each other’s orbit for a significant period, frequently intersecting paths while touring and performing with their previous bands within the tight-knit fabric of UK’s DIY music scene. As stalwarts in their respective musical spheres, their collaborative journey was kick-started through the Spitehouse collective — a transformative initiative crafted to uplift Queer and female-fronted music. Primarily hosting events at locales like Transmission Gallery and Glasgow Autonomous Space, they’ve set the stage for both local and international acts, including Sneaks, Sacred Paws, Still House Plants, and Comfort, to name a few. When the need for a new bassist arose, Gemma naturally fit the bill, providing the perfect harmony to the group’s dynamic.
‘Off The Tongue‘ comes to life in ten incisive, energetic spurts. Birthed over an extended period and across vast distances, the album only truly crystallised in the charged atmosphere of the recording room, thanks to the craftsmanship of producer Ross McGowan at Chime Studio. The band’s creative process is intrinsically collaborative; songs are birthed through a dynamic back-and-forth, with each member contributing elements or hooks, and the final compositions emerging organically from their shared practice sessions.
“Current Affairs is where I can burn the world down one minute and then push for brighter things the next” Joan Sweeney explains. “I wanted to show that there’s a place for all your feelings and personalities and that we should sometimes let the negative thought ring out honestly and then show it a little compassion, give it a purpose. It’s not always bad to rage, cry or be a Pollyanna.”
These fresh tracks radiate a more luminous quality compared to their earlier work, yet remain anchored to their signature propulsive and clamorous sound. The band’s music maintains an exhilarating sense of rawness and potential, effortlessly straddling the divide between new-wave pop and gothic post-punk. As you would expect from a band splitting their heartbeats between Glasgow and Berlin, they navigate this musical dichotomy with an endearing blend of tenacity and flair.
Off the Tongue is out July 14, 2023.
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