• Serving Punk: An Interview with Problem Patterns

    November 20, 2023 - By 

    Off the back of the release of their debut LP Blouse Club and winning Best Video at the Northern Ireland Music Prize, Jack Rudden speaks with Belfast queer punks Problem Patterns about politics, representation and fancy blouses Photos by Sean McMahon Political frustration, an insatiable hunger for justice and pure unabashed cheek are the weapons of choice for Belfast punks Problem Patterns. Formed in 2018 in the wake of a high-profile rape trial, the four-piece has spent years espousing calls for collective action and solidarity amongst oppressed peoples with their distinct brand of abrasive, infectiously catchy and unforgivingly queer hardcore.…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 27th October

    October 27, 2023 - By 

    As we approach the tail-end of the year, several new Irish releases stake their claim as the some of very best of 2023. Listen to new LPs from ØXN, Problem Patterns & Naoise Roo, a new Gaza Relief fundraiser EP from Moot, as well as new tracks by Lucy Gaffney, Alicia Raye and more ØXN – CYRM Naoise Roo – Emotionally Magnificent Problem Patterns – Blouse Club Jellypelt/Polytunnel – Gaza Relief Fund EP Gaza Relief Fund EP by Jellypelt/Polytunnel Lucy Gaffney – Next Year Uly – 33s Alicia Raye – Close to Me Moon Landing – Feel, Don’t Think Elaine…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 1st September

    September 1, 2023 - By 

    It’s an insanely abundant Bandcamp Friday here in Ireland. Delve into essential LPs by Natalia Beylis, Maija Sofia and Crying Loser, and new stellar releases by Problem Patterns, The Mary Wallopers, Moot Tapes’ latest and much more Natalia Beylis – Mermaids Mermaids by Natalia Beylis Maija Sofia – True Love True Love by Maija Sofia Crying Loser – Oaf Milk Oaf Milk by Crying Loser Problem Patterns – Lesbo 3000 / Poverty Tourist Lesbo 3000 / Poverty Tourist by Problem Patterns Elaine Howley/Linda Buckley – Moot Tapes: Signs of Life Part 6 Signs of Life: Part 6 by Elaine Howley/Linda…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 10th March

    March 10, 2023 - By 

    It’s been another stacked seven days on the new Irish music front. Here’s the best tracks of the week, from Lunch Machine, Problem Patterns, Brigid Mae Power, girlfriend., The Mary Wallopers and more Lunch Machine – Pipedream Graveyard Problem Patterns – Who Do We Not Save? Chubby Cat – Big Dog Barking Brigid Mae Power – Dream From The Deep Well girlfriend. – Trust Trust by girlfriend. The Mary Wallopers – Building Up and Tearing England Down New Jackson – Sanyo Shinkansen New Jackson – Sanyo Shinkansen (+ ELLLL & Lumigraph Rmxs) by Apartment Records Kneecap – It’s Been Ages Michael…

  • Track Record: Alanah Smith (Problem Patterns)

    December 1, 2022 - By 

    Alanah Smith from Belfast-based feminist queerpunks Problem Patterns selects the albums that left a huge impression on her life from Bikini Kill to Charly Bliss. Photos by Jane Donnelly. Dark Times – Give Dark Times are a band who reinvigorated my love for punk, and more specifically, made me want to try my hand at it properly again. I’m fairly certain I’ve put them on every single list when anyone asks me about influences for Problem Patterns. I found their song, ‘Girl Hate’ years ago, which just blew my mind when I first heard it. It was just a chaotic…

  • Bob Vylan w/ Problem Patterns at The Deer’s Head, Belfast

    April 9, 2022 - By 

    Right in the middle of their “More Irish, More Blacks, More Dogs” tour of Ireland with Bob Vylan, Belfast represented a special date for Problem Patterns, a homecoming gig to show off their new strengths to a familiar audience. As mentioned during the set, the band just finished recording their debut and it showed. Opening straight away with their furious new single ‘Y.A.W (for Yes All Women)’, Problem Patterns left no doubt: they were on a warpath and they were well-prepared. Punk always relies on an unstable balance between unbridled rage and tight sound. You can excuse when one takes…