London DIY punks FRESH today share brand new track ‘My Redemption Arc’ and announce new five track EP ‘The Summer I Got Good at Guitar, out April 30th on Specialist Subject Records.
FRESH have worked tirelessly since their inception – touring with the likes of The Beths, PUP, Adult Mom and more, releasing two albums and amassing a devoted fanbase following appearances at Fest, Manchester Punk Festival and The Fest 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). The UK punk scene continues to suffer at the hands of Covid-19 and following a year of no live shows, ‘The Summer I Got Good at Guitar’ is here to remind us not only of what we’re missing but of what we’ve got to look forward to when FRESH can finally tour again.
My Redemption Arc’ and EP closer ‘Cry For Help’ were written back to back following a tour in Europe, each referencing a time when lead singer and principle songwriter Kathryn Woods felt alienated abroad. Featuring Phoebe and Sophie from Kathryn’s other band cheerbleederz on vocals, new single “‘My Redemption Arc’ is a reflection on how your problems are still your problems, no matter where you are in the world and how far away from home you may be” she says. “I also reference an old friendship that ended suddenly, and how funny it is that you can still have deep attachments to somebody that you haven’t had contact with in years (“sometimes I still read things in your voice“).”
Lead single ‘Girl Clout’, which was released last month, is a musical embodiment of frustration and pure visceral anger. “I wrote it in two minutes and as soon as we jammed it out together, we knew that it felt right” says Woods. “Themes include power, not being taken seriously by male musicians and bands, and being tokenised. It’s also about seeing through performative male allyship, owning your space in punk music as a woman and venting your frustrations through good old-fashioned rock and roll.’
FRESH have been an unwavering fixture within the UK punk scene since their first record in 2017. A joy to behold live, the band includes musical peer Myles McCabe of ME REX, while lead singer Kathryn Woods is a member of a number of heralded indie and punk bands, including cheerbleederz and ME REX alongside McCabe. With future plans to tour alongside a new album, FRESH show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
