New music review with singles from Oral Habit and Monday's Child
- Julia Mason aka The Decibel Decoder
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
Our weekly fix of the best new music as Julia Mason (aka The Decibel Decoder) brings us her new music review with singles from Oral Habit Garage Frock and Monday's Child In My Own Time
Artist: Oral Habit
Track: Garage Frock
Marking the announcement of in-store shows and a nationwide headline tour this September, the debut EP from Brighton psych-garage trio Oral Habit Garage Frock! is set for release on 11 July, via cult Manchester label/promoter Sour Grapes (Wax Head, SLAP RASH, YAANG). (I just ordered a 7" vinyl copy from their Bandcamp page - Ed)
They now share the title track and vocalist/guitarist Charlie Hales says of the single: "An instinctual shriek into the abyss, throttling our instruments until they leak with feedback. Flailing over organ keys whilst the pounding floor tom ties us back to the final cry, 'was it all for free?' "
This slice of garage rock is a wild ride, although it does take the listener down some unexpected paths. The guitar riff is to die for and the vocals are thrillingly contorted. It follows the single Sauerkraut and sees Oral Habit fully engaged in their musical exploits. The soundscape becomes even more chaotic before a mystical moment to regroup towards the end occurs, and then that guitar riff jumps back in.
Marking the news of their most comprehensive set of headline shows to date, the band continue the work laid by extensive gigging in London and Brighton and early singles released on Big Richard Records (Man/Woman/Chainsaw, something in the lake).
Oral Habit Live Dates
June
11 - Brighton, The Prince Albert (Supporting Plantoid)
July
10 - Brighton, Family Store Records (In-Store)
11 - London, Dash the Henge (in-Store)
September
8 - Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge
9 - London, The Shacklewell Arms
10 - Guildford, The Boileroom
11 - Northampton, The Lab
13 - Brighton, Green Door Store
14 - Reading, The Purple Turtle
16 - Falmouth, The Chintz
18 - Glasgow, Nice N' Sleazy's
19 - Manchester, Big Hands Bar
* * *
Artist: Monday's Child
Track: In My Own Time
Rising Belfast alternative rock band Monday’s Child release their debut EP Modern Affair on 27 May. Formed by McKay sisters Jen (lead vocals/guitar), Lauren (vocals/guitar), Clara (bass), and friend Caitlin Lenfestey (drums), Monday’s Child blend heavy alternative rock with moody, ethereal pieces. Major influences on the band include Hole, Queens of the Stone Age, Jeff Buckley and Alice in Chains.
Ahead of the EP release Monday's Child have shared new single In My Own Time. The emotive vocals are so expressive, the emotional power coming from the soul. Sat alongside the heavy bassline, the pace is measured, held in check by the constant drum beat. However towards the end of the track there is a hint of distortion in the background, perhaps looking to derail the aim to "do it in my own time." The quality of the vocal is crystal clear on the outro. Unaccompanied it remains strong and steadfast against those who may seek to knock it off balance.
Vocalist Jen McKay said of the EP’s origins: "Growing up with influences predominantly from the pre-social media age you tend to idealise this world where the music mattered more than views or streams, and connections made with people were organic. Trying to foster these connections and confrontations with the modern world through our writing and performing has helped us break through the fourth wall in a way. We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves but writing and recording this EP among the madness of our daily lives gave us a new perspective on our roles in the world and where we want to concentrate our energies."
Monday’s Child Live Dates
May
09 – Phizzfest, Dublin
23 – The Courthouse, Bangor w/ The Thing Is…
29 – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast w/ For Nina
31 – Blessings Bar, Cavan
In My Own Time is on our New Irish Music Playlist
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