Fresh Share “Why Do I” From Forthcoming New Album
“Raise Hell” Out 1st July via Specialist Subject Records
‘Raise Hell’ – the forthcoming new album from London punk band Fresh – resolves with our protagonist breaking free of a toxic relationship, joyously riding into the sunset singing doo-wops. It’s the first time on the album that the inner conflict settles, and contentment takes precedence. The band have shared the album’s closing track ‘Why Do I’ as a single , with their new full-length set to hit virtual shelves on 1st July via Specialist Subject.
“Sadness and self-doubt are acknowledged and present on ‘Why Do I’, but they don’t hold power over you anymore. There’s power in starting from scratch” says lead singer and principal songwriter Kathryn Woods. She expands; “Think Nicole Kidman signing divorce papers in 2001-vibes. There’s a real catharsis and joyous presence to this song, upbeat do-woop vocals, guitar riffs with a touch of delay and soaring lead vocals make it a great note to end the record on.“
That abrasive, electric FRESH energy pushes through the exploration immediately. Hooked on the brutal spirit that emerges and soars throughout, the rapid instrumentation, scratchy fuzzy guitars, melodic hooks, and crisp vocal notes showcase this vast range.
Fresh have been an unwavering fixture within the UK punk scene since their first record in 2017. A joy to behold live, Woods honed her craft not only fronting Fresh but as a member of several heralded indie and punk bands, including cheerbleederz and ME REX alongside Fresh bandmate Myles McCabe.
Their new album radiates with their signature mischievous British charm and flourishes of brilliant pop punk flair – though underestimate Fresh at your peril. ‘Raise Hell’ dares to dive deeper than most, delivering Woods’ darker moments and contemplative thought processes through the sharply focussed lens of upbeat indie punk.
Alongside the announcement of their new album, they previously shared lead single ‘Babyface’, a song written in early lockdown, “hence the ‘boredom’ refrain” says lead singer and songwriter Kathryn Woods (cheerbleederz, ME REX). “It’s a song about having a mind that’s both overstimulated and under-stimulated at the same time. The light, airy synths make it a cry for help masquerading as a pop song.” This is a sentiment that runs through much of ‘Raise Hell’ – the push and pull of conflicting emotions, wrestling with opposing personality traits, the tension between learning to self-love and yet wanting more.
Elsewhere on the new record, previous single ‘Going to Bed’ acknowledges the uncertainty and tension of nursing a small crush but going ahead despite the fear and embracing all those ‘I don’t knows’. “There’s a focus on self-love too, taking typical therapy clichés and self-soothing activities (trust myself more/light a candle etc) made into eerie, sacred rituals and manifesting your own safe space” says lead singer Kathryn Woods.
Since the pandemic, the band have been working tirelessly behind the scenes writing and recording. They released their EP The Summer I Got Good at Guitar (produced by Rich Mandell at Resident Studios and Marketstall Studios in London) in Spring 2021, to praise from Upset, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, BBC6 Music, Radio X and more. Since their inception they’ve toured with the likes of The Beths, Jeff Rosenstock, PUP, Adult Mom and more, releasing two albums in the process and amassing a devoted fanbase following appearances at Fest, Manchester Punk Festival and The Fiest in Madrid amongst others. For a band that have existed for a relatively short period of time, the four-piece have already released a hefty catalogue of work – prolific, ever evolving and always fresh (in every sense of the word).
Tour Dates
Fri 8th July 2022 – 2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham
22nd August – Nottingham, Bodega
23rd August – Manchester, Gullivers
24th August – Glasgow, Nice N Sleazy
25th August – Sunderland, Pop Recs
26th August – Bristol, Exchange
27th August – London, Oslo
Fri 2 Sept – Sun 4 Sept – Washed Out Festival
PRE ORDER:
https://getbetter.ffm.to/fresh
No Comments