Problem Patterns – in session – New Music Fix – BBC 6 Music – July 25, 2023 – BBC Radio –
Increasing the Musical Voltage with Problem Patterns in session tonight for New Music Fix at BBC 6 Music.
Regarded by Dig With It Magazine as”The Best Band in Belfast: No Flim-Flam, No sell-outs”. The Belfast-based DIY feminist queerpunk quartet, originated in Belfast in 2018, formed by the group’s collective fury over a high-profile rape trial. Their debut single ‘Allegedly’ was swiftly written, recorded, and released at the end of 2018 in response. They are not limited by age, ability, or binary identities. They don’t have a front person, but instead swap instruments and roles to ensure that each member of the group has a voice.
As a unit, they are vocal proponents of inclusive, queer punk rock, and have shared stages and tours with Queen Zee, JOHN, Pink Suits, Bob Vylan, Tokky Horror, Fight Like Apes, Crawlers, the Oozes and more. Their live shows are a celebratory and uplifting experience; outbreaks of fun and positive havoc are all part of the experience.
As a first taste of new material, the band unveiled the video for lead single ‘Who Do We Not Save?’—an acerbic and biting critique of Tory funding policy and their systematic attempts to privatize the NHS.
Commenting on the single, the band say: “Our healthcare system has been falling apart for years due to cuts, and the pandemic only sped up the process. We constantly see campaigns telling people to ask for help, especially in regards to mental health, but the reality is that the services we need are under too much pressure. The line ‘We’re one or two paychecks away’ refers to the fact that many of us will be in a lot of trouble if privatization becomes reality here. The title itself is lifted verbatim from Dominic Cumming’s photo of the white board used to plan the UK government’s early response to COVID. We thought it would be fitting to use it for the single’s cover art, too.”
Sidelined only slightly by the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdown, Problem Patterns has been spending the time working, recording and waiting. And now they are making up for lost time.
To get a sample of this high-energy, outspoken and thoroughly enjoyable band are up to, here is a session they did a few days ago as part of the New Music Fix series on BBC 6 Music.
Crank it up and yell at something. We’ve been waiting for you.
