Belfast’s PROBLEM PATTERNS Celebrate Queer Joy On New Single ‘Letter of Resignation’ Released 7th June 2023 via Alcopop! Records

“I love them…weird music for right now that sounds like no one else and I am addicted” - Kathleen Hanna (Le Tigre)
“Could take their show pretty much anywhere and make a damn good fist of leaving jaws on the floor” - The Irish News
“Riotous feminist punk anthems that provide comfort and catharsis in equal measure” - Get In Her Ears
“Best band in Belfast is Problem Patterns. No flim-flam, no sell-out” - Dig With It Magazine
“Making some of the loudest and most necessary music out right now” - Bob Vylan 

Belfast’s PROBLEM PATTERNS Celebrate Queer Joy On New Single 

‘Letter of Resignation’ Released 7th June 2023 via Alcopop! Records

Stream and share - HERE
Watch the video - https://youtu.be/6sTb6c8_rd0 

DIY Feminist Queerpunks’ Reveal Debut Album Blouse Club Coming 2023

Le Tigre Support Shows + Festival Appearances Announced

Belfast-based DIY feminist queerpunk quartet PROBLEM PATTERNS are proud to return with their new single ‘Letter of Resignation’, set for release on 7th June 2023 via new label home Alcopop! Records.

Earlier this year, the band announced that they will be releasing their debut album later in 2023, which they can now reveal will be titled Blouse Club, with further details still TBA.

Commenting on the new track, which celebrates queer joy in the face of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, guitarist Beverley Boal says: “‘Letter of Resignation’ is for anyone who has left a job, space or situation because people there were judgemental of or discriminated against them or others for being different, and they stood up for who they believe in.”

“For me, I grew up hearing the phrase ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’ in churches (always in the same context, as if being gay was the ultimate sin) and it still feels like an attack when I hear the preachers in the street.  Genuine love does not force us to become what we are not.  Genuine love extends beyond those who look, act and think like yourself.  Genuine love doesn’t inspire violence.  Two thirds of queer people have experienced violence or abuse due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.  More than half of Northern Irish queer youth say they are not fully accepted by their family.”

“Mental health struggles including self-harm are far more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community.  Those perpetuating ‘traditional”’ views have a lot to answer for.  And, after so many sexual abuse scandals in the church, it seems like they would be better off trying to keep themselves right.”

The official video for the single was shot and edited by Brendy of Post Carpentry, in Holywood, just outside Belfast, and is a celebration of pride.

“Brendy also did our ‘Day & Age’ and ‘Y.A.W’ music videos,” says Boal of the visuals. “He always does an amazing job of capturing our fun chaotic energy. Fuelled by Nutmeg's vegan café and baffled by the amount of churches on the main street, we got ice cream at the beach even though it was a bitter cold Sunday.”

“In the face of hatred, we stand for queer joy.  I think that's the duality of our band and this music video.  On one hand, we're protesting the powers that want to tear us down, but on the other hand, we're celebrating and proud of who we are and what we believe in.  And you can tell we mean business when we're in our suits, even if we're having a dance at the seaside. We hope you enjoy it!”

Fresh from a duo of support slots with Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill’s iconic electro rock trio Le Tigre earlier this week after being tipped as her favourite new band, the quartet are also delighted to announce a London headline date at The Sebright Arms for 17th November 2023, with a run of festival appearances booked for the summer (see below for listings).


Live Dates:

05.06.23 - Manchester, Albert Hall (w/ Le Tigre)
06.06.23 - Glasgow, Barrowlands (w/ Le Tigre)
15.07.23 - Berlin, My People Fest (w/ FAIM, Dying For It)
22.07.23 - Liverpool, Crapfest (w/ Crapsons, Piss Kitti)
19.08.23 - Glasgow, Core Festival
26.08.23 - Kettering, Greenbelt Festival
17.11.23 - London, Sebright Arms

Problem Patterns online:

https://linktr.ee/Problempatterns
https://twitter.com/probpatterns
https://www.facebook.com/probpatterns/
https://www.instagram.com/probpatterns/

More info:
 

Problem Patterns 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. The quartet 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 and more, and are part of a supportive musical community in Belfast that includes Gender Chores and Strange New Places. Their live shows are a celebratory and uplifting experience; outbreaks of fun and positive havoc are all part of the experience.

Reconnecting during a break in the pandemic after a short hiatus, the quarted realised that their mission was more important than ever, and their rage was extra-critical. This, surely, was punk rock time.

“We came back for our first writing practice and we had all this built-up anger,” Alanah says. “The kettle was boiling over,” agrees Bethany. “So much happened during lockdown with the government, with the NHS, with the Sarah Everard case. We were really devastated.” And so they feverishly set to work on new songs to express their grief and anger.

Latest single ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ is the first new material from the band since their 2022 single ‘Y.A.W’—an acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ and a retort to the social media excuse-me, “Not All Men”—which was penned in the aftermath of the tragic murder of Sarah Everard.

The band have already had  a busy 2023 with support slots alongside Le Tigre, And So I Watch You From Afar… and Fight Like Apes, and recently announced appearances at My People Fest, Crapfest, Greenbelt Festival, and Core Festival, with further live dates TBA (see below for listings).

Watch The Video For NHS-Privatisation-Critical Lead Single ‘Who Do We Not Save?’