You know, I recently bought my first home after saving for it for more than a decade. It’s riddled with problems. I won’t bore you with the history of repairs we had to undertake but the house indeed comes with a garden. And I have been bitching about the issues we had (serious ones) for months now, but I think all I needed was a massive kick up my imported arse. The Menstrual Cramps are right, we all have struggles but I sadly forgot that some people do not have the luxury of a house. I really need to buy the band a lunch for setting me straight. No more complaints, as in reality, I’m in a truly privileged position. So, a mental note to myself, worry less about little things (even if fixing them is not cheap) and listen more to The Menstrual Cramps. Their new single seems like an universal cure for few other ailments too. Thank you girls!
“Antagonistic” single cover
A lot has happened in the last 5 months since we reviewed The Menstrual Cramps. Their single “Abortion” released in January was very well received and we gave them the highest notes. If you have missed it, you can read the review here. The band worked like crazy in the meantime. First of all, the beloved Bristolian punk rockers toured and recorded new music. They were also a massive force behind Bands Boycott Barclays campaign. It was set up to remove Barclays bank from sponsoring cultural events for their financial assistance to defence and military companies in Israel. Menstrual Cramps involvement was hugely successful: the campaign was well publicized in the national and international press including The Euro News, The Telegraph (sorry no link as this article was only in print and we can’t find a digital version online), The Guardian, The Times (this article is behind a pay wall) and NME and The Rolling Stone Magazine US and UK among others. And the results were fantastic: nearly 1/3rd of all acts from The Great Escape festival refused to play and Barclays were later dropped by Download, Latitude and Isle Of Wight festivals. Another win for for them was SXSW deciding not to renew US Army sponsorship for the 2025 edition of the festival. The band was very active online, contacting artists, spreading the word and making festival goers aware.
With political goals momentarily achieved (the fight against patriarchy and zombie capitalism never truly ends), the band is now back to releasing new socially and politically engaged music – this is why we all love them so much!
“Antagonistic” was originally released on 23rd of May 2024 and it highlights the struggles of support workers during the pandemic. Lead singer of the band, Emilia worked in a homeless shelter during that time and she said in numerous interviews that the experience had a massive effect on her. It’s very easy to complain about small things sitting on your patio, while front line workers worked over 16 hours a day and many lost their lives.
The band photographed by Fish Outta Water Media
The single is (as usual) an old school, classic British punk. The Menstrual Cramps are not here to reinvent the wheel, but at the same time, it doesn’t mean that the band can not play well. They are amazing on record and even more amazing live and if you haven’t seen them yet, you are missing a hell of a show. The band plays like their lives depend on it, Emilia shouts, sings and shrieks and the cacophony of guitars and heavy drumming is just poetic. 2 minutes and 59 seconds of politically engaged music, targeting attitudes of those who have houses and are able to work from home yet they are still not satisfied.
I have to say, I feel a bit bad complaining about my home when others have none, but it’s worth feeling like that for a while. It’s really easy to lose your sight and you need something to put you back on the right track. There is no shame with being human and erring, what’s more important is the lesson you learn from it. I learned that one should always have their eyes, ears and hearts open to those who are less fortunate. And count your blessings, cause we never know what awaits us around the corner. We are all (unless one is filthy rich) about 2-3 pay checks from being in financial difficulties, so be kinder and be grateful for what you have.
Alongside Lambrini Girls, Petrol Girls and Problem Patterns, The Menstrual Cramps are the leading voices of feminist punk rockers in this country. Brave messages, aggressive yet skilfully played music and smart delivery in the age of social media – those bands know how to shout to be heard.
And you know what? A lot of people are starting to pay attention. They are a true force to be reckoned with.
Menstrual Cramps on socials:
https://www.themenstrualcramps.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheMenstrualCramps
https://www.instagram.com/themenstrualcramps
https://twitter.com/M_Cramps
https://www.youtube.com/TheMenstrualCramps
https://themenstrualcramps.bandcamp.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@themenstrualcramps
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZV8lDOPUCh9tzkSQBVarI?si=aoav2R22Sl64ZII2Zk4fDQ&nd=1&dlsi=6bf3c412192f417c
Record label: https://ilovealcopop.co.uk
Support the band through PayPal
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/themenstrualcramps
The Menstrual Cramps on tour:
11th July – 2000 Trees Festival
13th July – Bristol Pride
26th July – TRUCK Festival
3rd & 4th August – Multitude Festival
25th August – Hand Fest Leeds
31st August – Nam Fest
13th September – Naughty Corner Festival
26th September – Wotsit Called Fest
“Antagonistic” is out right now on Alcopop Records.
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 