“Pet Shop Boys meets IDLES”. This is how Ami Quick, Derby based multi-instrumentalist and journalist, had been described by music press. It may sound cliché but it also means trying to fill two big pairs of Doc Martens. To be honest it should be “Pet Shop Boys meets Against Me!” as there is a bit of Laura Jane Grace in Ami if you look at the pictures: short haircut, tough appearance softened by Harry Potter glasses and a mischievous grin. But what separates Ami from her more famous colleague is that Laura is usually backed up by ferocious band mates. Ami prefers to compose and record as a solo artist.
Despite her very young age, (she is just twenty-three and picked up her first bass guitar at fifteen) Quick is not a newbie on the indie circuit. She has been steadily releasing her works since 2020 (first offering was neatly called “Skinhead in a Dress” – a title that Morrisey would be proud of) and throughout the pandemic (“Cans of Soup”, “Magnus and The Queen” or “I Should Sleep”). All songs have been given hand drawn, minimalistic single covers as if to put emphasis on the underground nature of the recordings. Slowly but surely Ami built quite an interest in what she had to say.
Released on 25th August 2022, this album may be a bit of a surprise if you followed up previous works from Ami. “Weaponized Soup” first and foremost has a beautiful and ornament cover – a fragment of Picasso`s famous “La Soupe” (The soup). The oil painting is altered to fit into monochrome aesthetics (don’t worry it is in public domain since 2019). Created as a protest of both the poverty in Paris and female jails in Spain, it fits perfectly well within the context of food banks and cost of living crisis in modern United Kingdom. Another thing that may surprise listeners is the beautiful, almost polished production on the record. “Cans of Soup”, “Magnus and The Queen” and “I Should Sleep” all make a comeback in a remastered version, alongside new compositions such as “Chrysanthemums” and “Over the Garden Wall”.
Over the 25 minutes and eight tracks Ami takes swipes at all sorts of modern illnesses that society deals with, from insomnia to hunger and precarious work on zero contracts. She can get political and uncompromising, pinning the blame for the ache and pain of people on the ruling classes.
If first releases had this post punk feel about them, the whole “Weaponized Soup” is a wonderful sonic dish, carefully composed of multiple genres and inspirations. There are eerie samples, electronic loops that make one think of rave era and deep pounding, almost cold wave screams. But you will also find radio friendly melodies and synths that would not be out of place on an 80s pop record.
Ami delivers her vocals in a manner that places her somewhere between Mina Caputo and Anhoni. Throw a bit of Legendary Pink Dots in for a good measure and you have the idea. I am not sure if Ami sees herself as a singer, but on this album, she comes across more of a punk poet. Like Chrysanthemum Tran or Kae Tempest. There is something very raw and honest about how she spits her verses, sometimes singing, sometimes almost rapping. I don’t think I`ve seen something like this on the indie scene yet. Potentially, Ami may want to take her lyrics and give them a proper release in a book form. I think it would be worth considering.
I have to say I`m impressed. I was expecting a good dose of post punk but received a mature and very thought-provoking record. If we were to compare “Weaponized Soup” to a dish, this is five-star gourmet cooking and the chef will soon work at a Michelin star restaurant.
Ami Quick is a musician, bass prodigy, blogger, BBC contributor, sound engineer and more, you can follow her on socials:
https://needsmorecowbellmu.wixsite.com/needsmorecowbell-1
https://www.instagram.com/needsmorecowbellmusicuk/
https://www.facebook.com/NeedsMoreCowbellMusicUK
https://www.facebook.com/oscar.hand.39
https://open.spotify.com/album/2jPjLNUPn4rkfQoQxpEEgT
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyB5U6xFByIO_vHFgxoEKg
“Weaponized Soup” has received some phenomenal reviews if you are into a bit of extra reading:
https://auralaggravation.com/2022/08/28/oscar-quick-weaponised-soup
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 