Oi oi, back at it again with another album review! This time, it’s the turn of Queer of Hearts from Bradford with their debut album.

With this full-length release, the four-piece hardcore/riot grrrl outfit extensively make their feelings known about the current socio-political climate, environmental damages and ongoing misogyny.

Many thanks to Marge, vocalist in the band, for granting an early listen ahead of the release, which actually happened over a week ago but hey ho lol. Let’s get into it!

1. 8 Hours

Immediately, the tone of guitar utilised from the off reminds me of 80’s Orange County punk stylings brought by the likes of Adolescents and Agent Orange – delightfully and fittingly gnarly.

The opening track ‘8 Hours’ laments a suffering-inducing work/life framework that goes back a lot further than the 80’s, with a notion that “There’s got to be more to life”.

Hitting out at current and past governments for failing to address the cost of living, there are also barbs struck at unions who “used to fight for us, now it’s all rules and paper fuss”. Indeed, the song sets the tone for a wave of derision against outdated concepts including the ol ‘9 to 5’ (RIP Dolly Parton 🙏).

2. Angry

The next track ‘Angry’ is – yep – angry. This time, the targets of the band’s rage are environmental damage that is being done without the say of everyday citizens, “from the rivers of shit to the dying seas”.

Breakdown-tempo drums back up the chorus of despair against factors outside one’s control. Higher-pitched guitar then acts as a transition between faster, moshable verses.

Among the shortest tracks on the album, ‘Angry’ paints a vivid picture of helplessness in a world of selfish, ultra-rich monsters.

3. NeuroSpicy

Ooh, now as someone with autism, this one’s super relatable. ‘NeuroSpicy’ leans a bit more into glam rock aspects sound-wise, bringing a feeling of trying to make the best of a constantly anxiety-raddled mental state.

The song champions “those who act through love”, with emphasis on there being “No war, but class war”.

Meanwhile, there is acknowledgement of an inability to follow directions without question, especially if they don’t make sense.

4. Defy

‘Defy’ once again intersperses speedy verses and breakdown-y choruses.

Prominent figures in the protagonist’s early life “always said that I was bad and no good I ever would be”. Alas, redemption has since been achieved against the odds.

Alongside this, the track condemns those who “judge a book by its cover”, imploring the listener “to look beyond and see me”.

5. Ordinary Girl

Bringing a desire “to be extraordinary” is fifth track Ordinary Girl, the intro of which is stripped back, slowed-down and acoustic.

From here, there’s a return to rapid punky pace, with the song expanding on a feeling of powerlessness in an uncaring world.

There is fear that the powers that be are “coming for my rights today”, while a stigma remains around women not wanting to have kids. The song, however, looks to defy that.

6. Rebellion

Starting the second half of ‘Straight Outta Bratfud’ is ‘Rebellion’, which explores not the music festival of that name, but men who can use positions of influence and privilege to stand against misogyny, but don’t.

Particularly, the song references public harassment that continues to occur, with those refusing to call it out told that “you’re the problem, get out of my way”.

Tempo-wise, there is the familiar fluctuations between mid-fast and speedy drums (yeah, as you can tell, I’m no BPM wiz lol). One part of the song states “You rebel against nothing”, as the guitar and bass fade down briefly as if to really zone in one particular listener, to make sure the message is heard.

7. Does He Fuck!

Continuing the goal of putting dismissive blokes on blast is ‘Does He Fuck’, the tempo increase of which is more gradual, while more drum fills are incorporated.

Some lovely riffs back up condemnation of those who don’t listen, along with a little reference to using the phone while driving: “That’s nine points on your licence, not just ‘shit luck’”. There is also another mention of how ignorant some can be about climate change.

At under one and a half minutes, ‘Does He Fuck’ is the tied-fastest track on the album, so brings another level of blunt conciseness even on a release where no time is wasted, generally.

8. Rich Man’s War

Then comes a re-recording of the band’s single ‘Rich Man’s War’, released over two years prior. Don’t songs grow up so fast?

Anyway, the guitars are somewhat cleaner, yet retain that gnarly edge with a bit more noodling; plus Marge’s vocals appear even more boisterous.

Lyrically, the song encompasses what this album is all about: standing against patriarchic dictatorship maintained by the 1%. As war and greed remain intertwined at the expense of ordinary citizens, the song’s catchy chorus warns the listener: “Watch out, they’ll come for you; watch out, they’ll come for me”.

9. Come On Out ye Black and Tans

The penultimate track is a cover of traditional Irish rebel song ‘Come On Out ye Black and Tans’. Written by Dominic Behan, the song refers to pro-British residents of Dublin and general injustices during the Irish War of Independence.

The band also played the song while touring the Emerald Isle, and it appears to fit well in an album more generally addressing inequality and impacts of war.

Beginning a capella, the song quickly shifts to the band’s usual style, truly giving the song their own spin.

10. Fuzzy Duck

‘Fuzzy Duck’ is a radio version of one of the other tracks on ‘Straight Outta Bratfud’. Whoever guesses which one gets a cookie. Terms and conditions apply, and all that, or whatever.

In all seriousness, it’s pretty cool and nostalgic-feeling to see a radio edit on an album. Perfect for kids’ parties… probably… maybe… maybe not. Hmm.

Closing Remarks

All in all, Queer of Hearts’s ‘Straight Outta Bratfud’ serves as a very solid debut full-length, and provides very little filler. In a highly active scene relatively well known for stellar punk bands, the release represents the West Yorkshire city well.

High energy throughout, many of the songs are sure to be hits when performed live – after all, we all know physical stages are the best way to get the best out of music like this. If you’re a fan of no-frills hardcore music that questions and rejects the status quo, while refusing to be apathetic, do check out the album, which is out now.

A massive thanks to the band for facilitating an early listen, and to you, dear reader for clicking on and browsing these words I typed into the ol’ WordPress. Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘