Femegades – Not All Men (2022)
Described by Clash Magazine as “…lyrically uncompromising yet musically open in its approach…”, UK-based quartet Femegades bring a refreshing blast of modern-day punk to the music scene. I previously referred to Femegades as the lovechild of Bikini Kill and The Clash, but their sound has a contemporary edginess setting them apart from the rabble. Along with our features, the lad and ladies have been receiving critical acclaim from notable press (She Makes Music, Analogue Trash, and Clash Magazine), heading festivals like Camden Rocks, and just picking up fans across the globe. The latest addition to their repertoire is the EP Not All Men.
With their debut EP Pornsick, Femegades showed they are eager to shine the light on controversial topics, such as women’s victimisation through male violence and consent, and Not All Men is just the same. Diving into themes of modern-day subjugation, exploitation, regret and lust, Femegades bring social consciousness to audiences in a melodic, although brash, punk rock way.
Already having released three of the four tracks on Not All Men, Femegades metaphorically “wet our lips” putting us in anticipation of the new EP. From ‘Speechless’ to ‘Big Plans’, the group use gritty grunge, brutal punk and even a pop-inspired tune to expose sociopolitical problems in the 21st century. While I am intrigued by the smoother track ‘Daddy Says’ – a song that tells the tale of a father encouraging his willing daughter to enter the sex trade; it is ‘Big Plans’ that pulls together the heaviness of Femegades in its pounding melody.
One thing I love about Femegades is the diversity of their sound. In Not All Men, the evolution and eclecticism shine through. Tom and Emily’s guitar and bass (respectively) hit you in the face with their powerful sound; however, it is Simone’s drums that really get your pulse racing. Slather the songs with Em’s rich, bold and confident vocals, and you have songs that send you twirling with multi-coloured flecks of light bouncing about. What is particularly interesting is how the obscurity of the distorted instrumentation is, somehow, harmonic.
To me, ‘Speechless’ is potentially the most powerful of all the tracks and truly represents the core of Not All Men. Written with Gemma Aitchison of Yes Matters UK, the song challenges the idea of men behaving in unacceptable ways…but not all men. Some males may exploit women in their lives…but not all men. If we have to look at this theme, then are all men as clean as they appear? It’s an eyes wide shut situation that most people ignore or are just too scared to approach.
Femegades are a true force of nature with their abrupt, brash, frantic, but also soothing music. The sonic representation of the Suffragette movement in modern-day society, Femegades epitomises the motto: “deeds, not words”. In this case, words coincide with their deeds, but is it not important for people to pay attention to the profound message of the Suffragettes? It’s over 100 years since women tried to have society listen to them and we still see the victimisation of women. I’m pleased to say that there is at least one group willing to take a stand.
For more from Femegades check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
