Freshly signed to Merge Records and now playing as a three-piece Irish intersectional feminists M(h)aol return to the pop rock fray with a gloriously, typically spikey sounding "Snare." The single wryly looks at the gendering of the drumkit as the band drummer and lead vocalist Constance Keane recalls being questioned continually about playing something softer, and gentler since childhood.
The band's laconic or even worn-out delivery at this point leads to further conversations, of course, gendering any inanimate object seems weird of society, plus beating the drums is a damn great way of releasing frustration and energy. The sound on this song is bare post-punk, with driving droning guitars and witty lyricism dripping sarcasm all of the band's dynamic and infectious groove. It's perhaps surprising the band hasn't tackled this subject before, or perhaps it's just time for a more direct approach here. Whatever the reason, it's a fine debut for their new label without compromising their grit and integrity.
